Leading Chicago Innovators Relocate to Edelman Chicago Headquarters, Establishing New Innovation Hub

October 29, 2025 –

Three of Chicago’s leading innovation accelerators – 1871, Current, and the Illinois Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (IHCC) – today announced the relocation of their offices to a newly dedicated space, provided by and next door to Edelman’s Chicago headquarters. This group reflects a shared vision to create a collaborative hub for innovation, economic growth, and cross-sector partnership across the city and state.

This move reflects a broader shift in how organizations are boldly adapting to change in a post-pandemic world. As cities navigate new workplace norms and downtowns evolve, this relocation represents a forward-looking approach — one rooted in resilience, reinvention, and a shared commitment to building stronger, more connected communities.

“This move is about far more than changing our address – it’s about creating a new model for how cities respond to change,” said Betsy Ziegler, CEO of 1871. “We’re building a space where entrepreneurs, nonprofits, businesses, and civic leaders can co-create solutions that reflect the diversity and ingenuity of Chicago — because when entrepreneurs thrive, cities do too.”

By sharing space with one another – and with Edelman, a global communications firm deeply rooted in Chicago – the three organizations aim to create a civic platform that fosters proximity, innovation, and inclusive entrepreneurship.

“Chicago has always been home for Edelman, and this initiative reflects our commitment to giving back to the city that’s shaped us,” said Amanda Edelman, General Manager of Edelman Chicago. “At Edelman, we believe that creativity and agility are increasingly important in a changing world. This partnership is about thinking differently to catalyze innovation, and helping to bring to life a more interconnected, dynamic future.”

Joining the coalition are:

• Current, an independent nonprofit innovation hub focused on solving critical water challenges;
• IHCC, the largest Hispanic business organization in Illinois, dedicated to advancing Hispanic-owned enterprises;
• 1871, the city’s premier center for digital entrepreneurship and technology.

“As a growing regional ecosystem builder, this opportunity to anchor a new collaborative innovation space comes at a pivotal moment for Current,” said Alaina Harkness, CEO of Current. “Our new home in Chicago will give us a strong foundation as we scale our organization to advance our mission: growing a circular water economy across the Great Lakes region.”

“At IHCC, we truly believe the future of Latino businesses and, really, all businesses, is in technology,” said Jaime di Paulo, President & CEO of IHCC. “That’s why we’re so excited to keep building on our partnership with one of the world’s top tech incubators, 1871. We’re thankful to Edelman, because this partnership doesn’t just benefit us, it strengthens the entire tech ecosystem across Chicagoland and beyond.”

Chicago has long led the way in civic reinvention. By transforming office space into a vibrant innovation engine, this collaboration marks a new chapter – one where government, business, nonprofit, and innovation sectors work together under one roof to solve real-world challenges and provide benefit to all.