CHICAGO, March 5, 2025- Global Blockchain Business Council (GBBC), the trusted nonprofit association for the blockchain, digital assets, and emerging technology community, has formed a strategic
partnership with 1871, a nonprofit global innovation hub, to stimulate blockchain
innovation in the U.S. through 1871’s Web3 Innovation Lab.
In 2025, excitement surrounding blockchain technology has surged. Organizations
continue to bolster their U.S. presence, while regulatory frameworks become continually clearer.
Through this partnership, GBBC and 1871 will create opportunities for experts,
startups, investors, and corporations in the U.S. by:
● Strengthening the interconnections between GBBC’s and 1871’s communities
● Inviting GBBC members to participate in 1871’s Web3 Innovation Lab events and
partnerships
● Supporting innovation across sectors through the strategic implementation of
emerging technologies
About the Web3 Innovation Lab
The Web3 Innovation Lab offers technology-focused experiences and is designed to
connect key figures in the ecosystem to maximize the chance of high-impact collisions.
Through the Lab, members accelerate the growth of their solutions and sharpen their
competitive edge with strategies and partnerships discovered at 1871. Focus areas for
the 2025 program will include: Digital Assets, Market Infrastructure, and Web3-Powered AI.
The Lab Experience
The Web3 Innovation Lab consists of six types of core experiences, each focused on
building community and connecting innovators within the Web3 ecosystem.
● Connect Events: Public events designed for learning from and connecting with
industry experts and organizations in Chicago
● Community Working Days: Dedicated days for co-working with fellow industry
innovators at 1871
● Corporate Reverse Pitches: Problem statement presentations from corporate
partners to a pipeline of startups – founders engage in customer discovery,
propose innovative solutions, and explore transformative partnerships
● Innovation Summit: Industry conference that brings together key players in the
tech ecosystem for an all-encompassing, multi-day event. It is an opportunity to
gain insights from industry leaders, connect with accelerating startups and
become part of the disruption
● Innovation Week: A week focused on connecting founders, corporates and
investors through curated showcases, roundtables and learning experiences
● Investor Showcases: Exclusive showcase of select Innovation Lab startups for
active investors
About GBBC
Global Business Blockchain Council (GBBC) is the trusted nonprofit association for the
blockchain, digital assets, and emerging technology community. Founded in 2017 in
Davos, Switzerland, GBBC comprises more than 500 institutional members and 284
Ambassadors across 124 jurisdictions and disciplines.
GBBC furthers adoption of blockchain and emerging technologies by engaging
regulators, business leaders, and global changemakers to harness these transformative
tools for more secure and functional societies.
GBBC industry verticals: Financial Services, Global Commerce/Supply Chain, and
Commodities, underpinned by AI, digital identity, governance, hardware, infrastructure,
policy, regulation, and security.
GBBC initiatives: BITA Standards Council (BITA), Food for Crisis, Global Standards
Mapping Initiative (GSMI), International Journal of Blockchain Law (IJBL), InterWork
Alliance (IWA), and U.S. Blockchain Coalition (USBC).
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.
Get Involved
Want to be part of Web3 Innovation Lab? Become an 1871 member today and gain
access to the Lab experiences. Learn more about the Web3 Innovation Lab and 1871
Innovation Labs.
Join as an 1871 Early Stage Member.
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