2026 Supply Chain Innovation Summit

1871 Announces 2026 Supply Chain Innovation Summit

CHICAGO, October 02, 2026 – 1871, Chicago’s global nonprofit innovation hub, returns with its fifth annual Supply Chain Innovation Summit on October 22, 2026, spotlighting how AI and emerging technologies are transforming supply chains, built in partnership with Accenture and sponsored by Microsoft, CGI, United and Allstate. More than 250 startups, corporate leaders, and investors are expected to attend, alongside members of the public, for a day of sessions and networking built around the innovations redefining how goods are moved, tracked, and delivered.

This year’s summit spotlights emerging startups from 1871’s supply chain portfolio. At the summit, these selected startups will take the stage for pitch showcases and connect with attendees through Startup Alley, spotlighting their supply chain-focused solutions. These moments give emerging startups direct access to potential partners, investors, and customers — helping them build exposure and position themselves as leaders in the space as they head into their next phase of growth.

Summit Agenda

The Supply Chain Innovation Summit will guide participants through a full day of programming, blending big-picture industry trends with hands-on access to the startups driving them. The agenda includes invitation-only events such as a corporate innovation meetup and a founder/investor lunch, quick-hit “Short Series” sessions digging into focused topics, in-depth conversations with industry leaders, and a founder showcase spotlighting top pitches.

The day will build toward a Startup Alley and happy hour, giving attendees a final chance to connect directly with founders in a more relaxed setting. Throughout, informal networking and interactive startup booths will keep the energy dynamic, encouraging the kind of knowledge exchange and candid conversation that’s harder to come by in a typical conference format.

Keynote programming kicks off with two confirmed speakers, with more to be announced. Jodi Larson, Vice President, Cloud Supply Chain Product Management at Microsoft, will speak to how AI is transforming the supply chain landscape. Martin Orellana, Managing Director, Business Architecture Executive at Accenture, will explore the shift toward autonomous supply chains and what it means for companies navigating growing complexity and disruption. Additional keynote speakers and session announcements are on the horizon as we build out this year’s agenda.

The summit will run from 12:00 PM to 6:30 PM CST at Accenture’s office, 500 West Madison Street, Chicago, IL 60661. The day opens with two parallel lunches: one for corporate innovation leaders, and one for founders and investors. The public program begins at 1:30 PM with interactive programming throughout the afternoon, wrapping up for all attendees with the Startup Alley happy hour.

Space is limited, so registration is required. RSVP by October 9, 2026 to confirm your seat.

Interested in sponsoring the summit? Reach out to membership@1871.com. And to stay in the loop on 1871’s supply chain programming and news year-round, subscribe here.

About 1871

1871 is a nonprofit technology hub headquartered in Chicago, with members everywhere. Our mission is to inspire, equip, and support the leaders building the future.

At the heart of 1871 is a community of builders — from early-stage founders to growth- and late-stage companies, corporate innovators, investors, mentors, universities, and civic leaders — who share knowledge, open doors, make connections, become customers, invest capital, and help one another succeed.

Today, the 1871 community includes more than 2,000 alumni companies, hundreds of startups, and 60 corporate and civic partners. Since 1871 was founded in 2012, companies that got their earliest start at 1871 have created more than 20,000 jobs, generated approximately $1.4 billion in annual salaries, and raised more than $7 billion in capital

1871’s job is to increase the probability of success and shorten the time it takes to get there. Because extraordinary companies aren’t built alone. The magic of 1871 is the people. A win for one is a win for all.