1871 Announces 2023 Supply Chain Innovation Lab

CHICAGO, May 8, 2023 – Non-profit global innovation hub 1871 announces applications are open for their second annual Supply Chain Innovation Lab taking place July 2023. This year’s lab is supported by Strategic Partner Accenture; Anchor Partners Microsoft and Deacero; and General Partner World Business Chicago.  Applications are now open until 6.16.23!

The Supply Chain Innovation Lab is designed to bring growth-stage startups, late-stage businesses, corporates, investors, and industry experts together to collaborate on the biggest challenges within the industry. This lab is part of 1871’s suite of 6 Innovation Labs happening this year and the second to launch this summer, the other – Foodtech. 

Over 40 startups participated in 1871’s Supply Chain Innovation Lab 2022, with representation from more than 10 different countries. 12 late-stage partners, including Flexport, Uber Freight, Rheaply, and ShipBob, were a part of last year’s Lab program. 

The Lab runs from 7.17.23 – 10.5.23 and is open to the following innovators: 

• Growth-stage startups with a technology or product focused on the supply chain space

•  Late-stage partners seeking to enhance their supply chain through partnerships or have a core product focused on the supply chain space

• Corporations sitting at the forefront of supply chain innovation or seeking to enhance their supply chain via partnerships

There will be a selection process for startups to ensure those admitted to the program have proven readiness and are fit for the lab. 

Information sessions on the lab will take place on 05.23.23 and on 06.08.23, to provide attendees with information on the program structure, how to join  the lab, and the benefits of joining.  

“Supply chain innovation is essential to drive enterprise reinvention, enabling companies to reach new performance frontiers. Accenture’s collaboration with 1871 and World Business Chicago is designed to help emerging tech businesses focus their innovation efforts on supply chain solutions to accelerate growth,” said Patty Riedl, Accenture’s North America Supply Chain and Operations lead.

“Innovation in the supply chain is not just a competitive advantage, but a necessity in today’s fast-paced world, where agility, efficiency, and sustainability are crucial for business success,” said 1871 CEO, Betsy Zeigler. “Collaboration is key to unlocking the full potential of supply chain innovation and creating shared value for the entire community. We look forward to working with Accenture once again to bring leaders and entrepreneurs together and empower them to create solutions in the supply chain that will build a brighter future in our city and beyond.” 

About Supply Chain Innovation Lab

This lab, built strategically with Accenture, focuses on several areas for cohort members to explore, identify, and collaborate to solve key issues within the industry. Startups serving domains across the supply chain will be considered for the cohort. 

Focus areas include:

• Sustainability by Design
• Compliance + Risk Management
• Data-led Innovation 
• N-Tier Supply Chain Visibility 
• Customer Centric Supply Chain
• Automation: Unlocking Human Potential 

The lab experience explained

This lab is designed to connect startups, late-stage businesses, corporates, VCs, and Supply Chain experts together in 4 immersive weeks of programming, alternating in virtual and in-person experiences. 

The cohorts will meet for one full week of programming and workshops in July, August, September, and October 2023.

The program ends with its Supply Chain Innovation Summit, taking place October 2023.

For inquiries about involvement in partnering with us or learning more about sponsor options for either our Supply Chain Innovation Lab or Supply Chain Innovation Summit, connect with our team at corpinno@1871.com. 

To stay updated on all Supply Chain Innovation Lab news, including the summit, subscribe here.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global professional services company with leading capabilities in digital, cloud and security. Combining unmatched experience and specialized skills across more than 40 industries, we offer Strategy and Consulting, Interactive, Technology and Operations services — all powered by the world’s largest network of Advanced Technology and Intelligent Operations centers. Our 699,000 people deliver on the promise of technology and human ingenuity every day, serving clients in more than 120 countries. We embrace the power of change to create value and shared success for our clients, people, shareholders, partners and communities. Visit us at accenture.com.

About 1871

1871 is Chicago’s innovation hub and the #1 ranked private business incubator in the world. It exists to inspire, equip, and support early stage, growth stage, late stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~400 technology startups, ~200 growth stage companies, and ~1,500 members, and is supported by an entire ecosystem focused on accelerating their growth and creating jobs in the Chicagoland area. The member experience includes virtual and in-person access to workshops, events, mentorship, and more. The nonprofit organization has 350 mentors available to its members, alongside access to more than 200 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 850 alumni companies are currently still active, have created over 14,500 jobs, and have raised more than $3.5 billion in follow-on capital.