1871 Launches Supply Chain Innovation Lab with Strategic Partner Accenture

Applications to enter the first cohort of this 12-month program are now open until June 3rd 2022

CHICAGO; May 5, 2022 — 1871 announces the launch of the Supply Chain Innovation Lab with strategic partner Accenture, the first dedicated program of 1871’s over-arching Industry Lab experience. This program — bringing together early and growth stage companies with industry leaders — is designed to accelerate emerging tech businesses involved in supply chain.

Applications to join Supply Chain Innovation Lab, starting June 27, are now open until June 3.

The 12-month program includes:

• Monthly events on emerging trends and networking with thought leaders
• A 4-part immersive experience, spanning 12 weeks, to connect with peers, problem solve and engage in panels and small group discussions
• 1871’s full community of early stage founders, growth stage companies, corporate innovators, mentors, VC’s and partners
• Thought leadership opportunities including options to co-host industry-focused events

“I’m thrilled about the launch of the Supply Chain Innovation Lab with 1871 as we enter an era of enormous innovation, opportunity and investment in reimagining supply chains—accelerated by the disruption and lessons learned over the past two years,” said Renato Scaff, senior managing director and North America supply chain and operations lead at Accenture.

Chicago, uniquely positioned to become the top destination for supply chain innovation, serves as a leader in the areas of talent, transportation, logistics, manufacturing, and warehousing. According to World Business Chicago, Chicago is a Top 15 global startup ecosystem and #1 metro for women-founded startups, according to Fortune. The Supply Chain Innovation Lab will leverage and build upon these advantages by bringing the city together to solve the biggest supply chain challenges, create growth and empower the next generation of leaders.

“Chicago boasts the nation’s number one port by value, the largest intermodal facility, and the most transportation and logistics firms in the country,” said Michael Fassnacht, President and CEO, World Business Chicago, Chief Marketing Officer, City of Chicago. “Chicago’s central location and dominance in the transportation sector is the perfect foundation for today’s launch of the Supply Chain Innovation Lab, an immersive experience that will curate innovative and new technologies to meet the demands of the future.”

“Our community of innovators is uniquely equipped to come together to tackle today’s most pressing challenges because 1871 serves the entire business maturity curve, from idea all the way to Fortune 50,” said 1871 CEO Betsy Ziegler. “There is no problem we can’t solve when we activate the power of our collective brain. We look forward to bringing leaders and entrepreneurs together and empower them to create the supply chain solutions that will build a brighter future in our city and beyond.”

The Supply Chain Innovation Lab is made possible with the support of 1871’s anchor sponsors World Business Chicago, AbbVie & United Airlines, with over 10 growth scaling startups including Uber Freight, Flexport and Coyote Logistics.

About 1871

1871 is Chicago’s technology hub and the #1 ranked private business incubator in the world. It exists to inspire, equip, and support early stage, growth scalers and innovators in building extraordinary businesses. 1871 is home to ~450 technology startups, ~300 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 100 partner corporations, universities, education programs, accelerators, venture funds and others. Since its inception in 2012, more than 650 alumni companies are currently still active, have created over 11,000 jobs, and have raised more than $1.65 billion in follow-on capital.

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 World Business Chicago

World Business Chicago is a public-private, non-profit partnership that drives inclusive economic growth and job creation, supports business, and promotes Chicago as a leading global city. Learn more at worldbusinesschicago.com.

Contact:

J Blaszczykiewicz

Director of Marketing, 1871

j@1871.com

Roni Moore

North America Media Relations | US Midwest Lead

+1 (312) 342-1570 │ ronilyn.moore@accenture.com