FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 

September 5, 2019

CONTACT: 

Andrew Hayes
312-823-4333

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN FOR THINKCHICAGO: CHICAGO IDEAS WEEK 2019 

Program Hosts 200 of the Nation’s Top Technology & Engineering Students 

Today ChicagoNEXT announced that it is accepting applications for the eighth annual installment of this premier program connecting rising talent with Chicago’s tech scene.

Mayor Lightfoot, World Business Chicago, the University of Illinois System and Chicago Ideas Week will welcome 200 STEM, business and design students from the nation’s top schools to Chicago from October 17-19, 2019, where they will enjoy access to Chicago innovators, technologists and business leaders.

“The future of Chicago’s thriving economy will be shaped by our ability to channel the talent and ingenuity of our young people and inspire them to reach new heights,” said Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. “ThinkChicago provides an incredible showcase for students here and across the nation to learn from each other and engage with Chicago’s dynamic and growing tech scene as they develop relationships with entrepreneurs and industry leaders, and chart their own limitless opportunities.”

ThinkChicago: Chicago Ideas Week is seeking diverse students who are considering Chicago for the next phase of their career, whether as an entrepreneur, part of a startup team or by contributing their tech skills to a large corporate enterprise. Candidates should be enthusiastic about technology, innovation and entrepreneurship and have demonstrated a commitment to achievement and excellence in their field. Students from undergraduate or graduate students from the engineering, computer science, design, information technology, entrepreneurship or business administration disciplines are encouraged to apply at ThinkChicago:ChicagoIdeasWeek.  Application deadline is September 23, 2019.

“The diversity of the students reached through this program represents our commitment to creating inclusive access to Chicago’s tech community,” said Andrea Zopp, president and CEO of World Business Chicago. “Students who are accepted into the program enjoy unparalleled opportunity to be immersed into Chicago’s tech ecosystem and engage with many innovative companies. “

ABOUT THINKCHICAGO

ThinkChicago is part of ChicagoNEXT, an initiative of World Business Chicago. World Business Chicago is a public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicago as a leading global city.  www.thinkchicago.net

Led by a council of technology leaders, ChicagoNEXT is World Business Chicago’s dedicated initiative to help offer entrepreneurs, startups, and public and private partners strategic opportunities to advocate and grow Chicago’s technology and innovation community. The initiative leads collaborative programming and activities that will help lead to a more equitable local tech economy.