Momentum
Awards
09.22.22
The 1871 Momentum Awards is the celebration of tech innovation in Chicago.
2022 Awards Nominations Open in May!
Each year, we invite the community to self-nominate or nominate a company/individual doing great work in the tech community. Keep an eye out for the official nominations period announcement!
Congratulations 2021 winners!
From 200 public nominations to 25 finalists, we are excited to announce the winners of this year’s Momentum Awards.
Rising Star
Momentum
CityLIGHTS
Outstanding Tech CEO
Industry Disrupter
Rising Star Award: The Rising Star Award is presented to a company that is early in its progression but has a proven track record of success, has achieved significant traction in their market, makes an impact on the community and is well positioned to grow into a leader in its market.
Momentum Award: The Momentum Award is presented to a growing company that has the strongest potential to emerge as the leader in its market, has bootstrapped and/or received external funding and has made a substantial impact on Chicago’s tech and startup community.
CityLIGHTS Award: The CityLIGHTS Award is presented to a growth stage company that, through innovation in products, services, or business approach, has grown to become a serious competitor in the marketplace and serve as a beacon in the Chicago tech community.
Outstanding Tech CEO Award: The Outstanding Tech CEO Award is presented to a CEO who has successfully scaled and nurtured their company through outstanding leadership, ability to attract and retain talent, dedication to diversity and inclusion, and implementation of strategic growth opportunities.
Industry Disrupter Award: The Industry Disrupter Award is presented to a company that has developed or introduced an ingenious, non-traditional, and innovative product or service that has significantly disrupted the industry.
That's a wrap!
1871's community
1871 exists to inspire, equip, and support the early stage, growth stage, and corporate innovators that are building extraordinary businesses in their communities. We are the convenor of changemakers, bringing together the right resources, support, and connections that drive growth for businesses across the entire maturity curve, from idea to Fortune 50.
Our community is rooted in Chicago with a reach that spans the globe, with over 1,500 members and an expansive network of mentors, corporate sponsors, university partners, VCs, alumni, and policymakers.
Early stage
Early stage members are new and experienced entrepreneurs that are working to turn their idea into a reality. We provide the comprehensive roadmap to the structure, accountability, and community they need to build the foundation for sustained success.
Growth stage
Growth stage members are scaling companies that are looking to translate their experience into long-term strategic success. We deliver the necessary solutions to help them turn opportunities into desired outcomes and cement their credibility as leaders in their industry and community.
Corporate Innovators
Corporate innovators are industry-leading companies who are looking to invest in the future of tech and push the boundaries of what is possible. We create tailored, consultative solutions to deliver the necessary connections, resources, and programming they need to lead.
Thank you to our 2021 sponsors!
Become a sponsor
Our nonprofit work in fueling Chicago’s digital technology ecosystem is critically funded by the Momentum Awards, and we’re looking for partners to invest in #ChicagoTech by helping us create an unforgettable night.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, contact us today!
What is 1871?
1871 exists to inspire, equip, and support the early stage, growth stage, and corporate innovators that are building extraordinary businesses in their communities. We are the convenor of changemakers, bringing together the right resources, support, and connections that drive growth for businesses across the entire maturity curve, from idea to Fortune 50.
Our community is rooted in Chicago with a reach that spans the globe, with over 1,500 members and an expansive network of mentors, corporate sponsors, university partners, VCs, alumni, and policymakers.
Early stage
Early stage members are new and experienced entrepreneurs that are working to turn their idea into a reality. We provide the comprehensive roadmap to the structure, accountability, and community they need to build the foundation for sustained success.
Growth stage
Growth stage members are scaling companies that are looking to translate their experience into long-term strategic success. We deliver the necessary solutions to help them turn opportunities into desired outcomes and cement their credibility as leaders in their industry and community.
Corporate Innovators
Corporate innovators are industry-leading companies who are looking to invest in the future of tech and push the boundaries of what is possible. We create tailored, consultative solutions to deliver the necessary connections, resources, and programming they need to lead.
Thank you to our 2021 sponsors!
A hybrid experience
We look forward to gathering safely and in-person at this year’s 15th Annual Momentum Awards!
This year’s hybrid event format promises the opportunity to come together in person (with COVID precautions remaining in place) or guests can join us virtually from anywhere in the world via our live-streaming platform.
We have an exciting event planned to celebrate 15 years of recognizing tech innovation in Chicago, along with the 10th anniversary of 1871. The event will feature pre-event networking and entertainment experiences, a silent auction, and live-stream access to our awards ceremony, where tech industry leaders are recognized for their contributions to the Chicagoland, nationwide and beyond communities.
Safety notice
Health and safety is our top priority at 1871. We adhere to the Chicago Department of Public Health and Illinois Department of Public Health guidelines and as a result our guidance will continue to be updated.
Event details
5:30 PM | Doors Open
7:00 PM | Programming Starts
8:30 PM – 10:00 PM | Closed Networking
Location
This year’s venue for the Momentum Awards is location in Fulton Market!
Parking
More information coming soon!
Accessibility
More information coming soon!
Tickets
All tickets include access to two pre-event networking + entertainment experiences. Guests may choose to select one or enjoy both events.
Individual In-person Ticket: $1,000
Individual Virtual Ticket: $50
Virtual Ticket Package (Includes 5 virtual tickets): $225
Virtual Ticket Package (Includes 5 virtual tickets)” $450
* All tickets are non refundable
Pre-event experiences in 2021
Pre-Event Entertainment + Networking Experiences
Exclusive Virbela 1871 VX Demonstration
7:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Do you miss the human connection of in-person experiences? Join Virbela for an exclusive demonstration of 1871 VX, an immersive online campus that provides those needed interactions from a safe distance with global access. Not only will you be able to engage with the content and programming that makes 1871 such an invaluable resource, but you will also be able to foster the relationships that can lead to extraordinary outcomes.
Cocktail Demonstration featuring a Mixologist, Alex Torres from Limelight Catering
7:30 PM- 8:00 PM
Join Alex Torres, Bartender and Bar Trainer for Limelight Catering, for an interactive cocktail-making session featuring tonight’s 2021 Momentum signature cocktail. Guests will be provided with a shopping list before coming together virtually to mix up tonight’s delicious featured cocktail to enjoy during the Momentum Awards
Thank you to our 2021 sponsors!
Help us build a stronger Chicago
As a 501c3 nonprofit organization, the work we do at 1871 is made possible by the generous support of our community. If you want to join us in building a stronger, more equitable tech environment in Chicago and beyond, please consider making a contribution to the 1871 annual fund. Your contribution will enable us to provide the resources early stage and growth stage businesses need to innovate, thrive, and power Chicago’s tech economy.
Our community
1871 exists to inspire, equip, and support the early stage, growth stage, and corporate innovators that are building extraordinary businesses in their communities. We are the convenor of changemakers, bringing together the right resources, support, and connections that drive growth for businesses across the entire maturity curve, from idea to Fortune 50.
Our community is rooted in Chicago with a reach that spans the globe, with over 1,500 members and an expansive network of mentors, corporate sponsors, university partners, VCs, alumni, and policymakers.
Early stage
Early stage members are new and experienced entrepreneurs that are working to turn their idea into a reality. We provide the comprehensive roadmap to the structure, accountability, and community they need to build the foundation for sustained success.
Growth stage
Growth stage members are scaling companies that are looking to translate their experience into long-term strategic success. We deliver the necessary solutions to help them turn opportunities into desired outcomes and cement their credibility as leaders in their industry and community.
Corporate Innovators
Corporate innovators are industry-leading companies who are looking to invest in the future of tech and push the boundaries of what is possible. We create tailored, consultative solutions to deliver the necessary connections, resources, and programming they need to lead.
Thank you to our 2021 sponsors!
