Innovation and technology platforms all of Chicagoland's core industries to achieve inclusive growth and opportunity for the city’s tech, innovation, and start-up ecosystem.
Chicago’s technology sector is one of the fastest-growing in the nation, powered by a diverse talent pool, a robust venture ecosystem, and a deep culture of problem-solving. From enterprise software and AI to fintech, quantum, and climate tech, companies here are developing technologies that shape how industries evolve and how communities thrive.
Global corporations like Google, Salesforce, and Microsoft are expanding their Chicago presence alongside a new generation of startups emerging from world-class universities and incubators. The city’s collaborative business environment and competitive operating costs make it an ideal location for both established firms and high-growth innovators seeking scale.
WHY CHICAGO?
Top Tech Workforce: Nearly 250,000 tech professionals across sectors.
Venture Growth: Record levels of investment and startup formation across the region.
Innovation Hubs: 1871, mHUB, Discovery Partners Institute, and MATTER power commercialization and collaboration.
Quality of Life + Cost Advantage: Access top talent without coastal overhead.
BY THE NUMBERS
- 244,400+ employed in tech-applied fields, #3 in the nation
$83B+ annual output (gross regional product)
A top five U.S. city in growth capital raised ($10.82B in 2022)
Chicago is where technology
accelerates real-world impact.
World Business Chicago helps technology companies navigate expansion, access top-tier talent, and connect with investors, research institutions, and corporate partners driving the region’s digital transformation.