Emerging Tech Innovation Summit
AI, Web3, & Quantum
8.20.26 | 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM | Location TBA
The Emerging Tech Innovation Summit brings together key players in the AI & Web3 ecosystem for an all-encompassing, multi-day event. Gain insights from industry leaders, connect with accelerating startups and be part of the disruption. Designed as a catalyst for industry disruption, 1871’s Innovation Summits convene 250+ startups, investors, corporate partners, and experts to explore emerging technologies, uncover new opportunities, and define what’s next.
Who You’ll Meet
We strategically connect the core pillars of the industry.
Founders
Visionaries building the next generation of AI Technology.
Corporates
Industry leaders looking to scale and integrate innovation.
Investors
Strategic capital seeking the next big breakthrough.
Innovation Ecosystem
The mentors, experts, and allies driving growth.
What to Expect
✅ Deep-Dive Insights: Keynotes and panels from researchers and leaders advancing the next generation of artificial intelligence.
✅ Strategic Connections: Curated opportunities to connect with AI researchers, founders, investors, and technical operators pushing the boundaries of what’s possible.
✅ Startup Showcases: First looks at breakthrough AI technologies emerging from cutting-edge research and early-stage innovation.
Agenda Highlights
August, 20, 2026 | 1:00pm-6:00pm
Invitation-Only Rooms:
- Corporate Innovation Leaders: What’s working. What’s not.
- Founders × Investors: Capital meets conviction.
- Builders / Tinkerers (AI): Real workflows. No theory.
- Limited access. Curated on purpose.
Conversations On the Agenda:
1. The Second Wave of AI Deployment “The first movers have shipped. Now the rest of the market is catching up. What separates the companies that lead from the ones that follow?”
2. From Tools to Platforms “The most valuable AI companies won’t be selling software — they’ll be running infrastructure. Who is building the platforms that power everything else?”
3. The Talent Equation “You can have the best model and the worst team. How are the companies scaling AI actually building the organizations to run it?”
4. Capital at the Frontier “Investors have moved past the hype cycle. What does the funding landscape look like for founders building in AI, blockchain, and deep tech right now?”
5. Chicago’s Next Chapter “The first summit asked: are you in? This one asks: what are you building? How does Chicago cement its place as the city where the next generation of technology gets scaled?”