CHICAGO — May 28, 2024 — Non-profit global innovation hub 1871 is hosting its second annual AI Innovation Summit with execution partners Why of AI and FinTech4Good on 6.27.24. This public, hybrid event is set to involve over 250 startups, investors, corporate partners, and public attendees that will convene for a full day of programming centered around artificial intelligence innovation and critical industry topics. Tickets are now available with more information below.
The Summit capstones our immersive Innovation Lab experience for startups & innovators. An exciting highlight of the day features founders of the 2024 AI Innovation Lab cohort pitching their AI-focused startups in a competition and showcasing their products in a Startup Expo. Industry leaders like Microsoft, Discover,, Molson Coors, Suntory Holdings Limited, Fenwick, HubSpot, Verizon, EX3 Labs and World Business Chicago are supporting the 2024 Summit.
“As we wrap up our AI Innovation Lab, I’m excited to celebrate the achievements of our incredible cohort. The AI Innovation Lab Summit Day is a perfect opportunity to highlight AI innovation, real-world problem-solving, and entrepreneurship. It’s inspiring to see how AI-focused business leaders are driving positive change,” said Alex Castrounis, Founder & CEO of Why of AI.
“1871’s AI Innovation Lab has played a pivotal role in accelerating the growth of some of the most promising AI startups. At the AI Summit, corporate leaders will have the unique chance to network with these groundbreaking startups and industry visionaries. As a flagship event of Chicago AI Week, the Summit gathers the brightest minds in AI to delve into today’s most exciting innovations and offer a strategic perspective on the future of AI,” said Xiaochen Zhang, member of the Board of Advisors and Execution Partner of the 1871 AI Innovation Lab, and Chief Responsible AI Officer of AI 2030. “We are thrilled to announce a joint initiative between AI 2030 and 1871 to launch the AI 2030 Chicago Hub at the Summit. 1871 has been an incredible catalyst in Chicago’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. The Summit will significantly contribute to the broader efforts in making Chicago a global tech hub.”
“At 1871, we’re at the forefront of accelerating AI innovation, thanks to the collaborative efforts of our AI partners, vibrant community, and dedicated cohort,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871. “Chicago, with its rich history of innovation, diverse talent pool, and concentration of customers, is the ideal place to lead this charge. The AI Summit is a unique opportunity for visionary startups, established corporations, investors, and industry leaders to come together, exchange transformative ideas, and explore the vast potential of artificial intelligence. This summit embodies our commitment to shaping the future of AI and driving revolutionary advancements across industries worldwide.”
Summit Agenda
The Summit will take place on 6.27.24, with the option to attend in person at 1871 in the Merchandise Mart or virtually from 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM CST. Note that while attendees can watch virtually, only a select group of events will be live-streamed. In-person participation is highly recommended to access full programming & networking opportunities available.
Attendees will gain insights into the latest AI trends and technologies, with focuses on ethical AI governance and practices, infrastructure, and AI use case development and execution. The Summit is a complementary event to Chicago AI Week. Registration is required to participate in this event.
Event details
- Refreshments: Breakfast, lunch, and happy hour
- Expert-led panel discussions
- Interactive breakout workshops
- Startup pitch competition
- Startup expo
- Keynote
- Networking
Ticketing information
This event is free to 1871 Members, with purchase options available for non-members. See ticket options here & register to attend.
1871’s 2024 InsurTech Innovation Summit will also run on the same day for separate curated programming.
For information regarding joining the Summit as a sponsor or partner, please get in touch with corpinno@1871.com. Subscribe to stay up-to-date on 1871’s Innovation Labs programming & news.
About 1871
1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, exists to inspire, equip, and support early-stage, growth-stage, late-stage, and corporate innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~500 early-stage startups, ~250 growth and late-stage companies, and ~60 corporates, and is supported by an entire community 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 1,050+ alum companies are still active, have created over 14,700 jobs, and have raised more than $3.7 billion in follow-on capital.
About Why of AI
Why of AI specializes in helping organizations quickly gain clarity and confidence by designing customized AI strategies, use cases, and prioritized roadmaps.
About FinTech4Good
FinTech4Good is a global responsible innovation network that works with public and private sector organizations to develop, invest and implement solutions for a better world. FinTech4Good Venture University is the education, venture building and solution acceleration arm of FinTech4Good.
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