We believe ecosystems that work together innovate faster.
Innovation labs are disruptive, industry-focused experiences, designed to connect innovators and maximize chances of high-impact collisions. Members accelerate growth and sharpen their competitive edge with solutions and partnerships discovered at 1871.
Industry Tracks
  This year, 1871 is focusing on 11 different Industry Tracks – whether or not you work in the specific industry or not – all members are invited to be a part of as     many lab communities as they want. Being a part of the Innovation Lab Community is what gives you access to the year-round programming and events   focused on that specific industry.
1871 exists to increase your probability of success and shorten the time it takes to get there.
Our Labs have two phases for year long impact
We strive to create a collaborative hub for research, solving problems, industry connections, and showcasing knowledge. Our team & industry experts collaborate on the design of each focused experience to ensure relevancy and future impact.
Our Innovation Labs Connects
Founders
Corporates
Investors
Innovation Ecosystem
Year Round Engagement & Core Events
The 2025 Innovation Labs consist of six core types of experiences, each focused on building community and connecting innovators within our ecosystem. These events aim to…
Connect founders to potential customers
Link corporate innovators to startups solving their business problems
Match startups raising funds with investors actively deploying capital
Create a space for the Innovation Ecosystem to gather, network and collaborate on solutionsÂ
How Members Get Involved
There are two steps for you to start engaging in the Innovation Lab Communities and Events:
Step 1: Self-Select & Join Innovation Lab CommunitiesÂ
On the member portal, you have the power to self-select exactly which industry communities you want to be a part of. Joining tech specific Lab Industry Groups you are interested in gets you access to those member-only events and indicates to our team that you are interested in other events and opportunities in that specific industry.
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Step 2: Start Signing Up for Innovation Lab Events!Â
Take a look at all upcoming labs programming and start signing up to get engaged in the range of programing for each Industry.Â
Lab Portfolio for Growth Stage Members
The Innovation Lab Portfolio is an exclusive opportunity for growth-stage startups in our Innovation Lab communities. As a part of the portfolio, your company will be highlighted in various ways throughout the year and prioritized for corporate and investor connection opportunities.Â
Eligibility:
- You must be in the startup stage as defined by 1871.
- Your solution must align with the industry or technology focus of the lab.
- Submit the growth stage information form.
How 1871 Defines a Growth-Stage Startup:
If a startup meets 3 out of 6 of the following criteria they are considered a Growth Stage Company and eligible for a Lab Portfolio:Â
- 2-5 strong leaders
- 10-50 person team and growing
- Strong marketing definition
- Product Market fitÂ
- Compelling Traction
- $10-$100M Valuation
Portfolio Member Benefits:
Being in the portfolio provides opportunities to be showcased throughout the year to investors, corporates, and the larger industry-specific innovation ecosystem. Being in the portfolio makes you eligible for these benefits, but does not guarantee that you get to participate in all of them. Here is a look at the showcase opportunities available to our Lab Portfolio Startups:
- Inclusion of your profile in the industry portfolio, where your tear sheet is shared with corporates and investors interested in 1871 startups
- Guaranteed demo table at the startup expo during that specific industry summitÂ
- Exclusive access to industry-dedicated mentors and experts in residents
- Showcase Opportunities Include:Â
- Featured in Investor showcases
- Featured in Lightning Talks (these are events where our startups pitch to a curated audience of corporate partners)Â
- Selected for Deal Flows for corporate partners
- Curated introductions to corporate members (based on mutual interest)Â
- Pitch in Summit Showcase
Meet Our Industry Champions
Industry Champions are dynamic leaders dedicated to fostering community within specific industries. They create and nurture grassroots communities of forward-thinking individuals, share valuable insights, and drive future trends. Acting as connectors and catalysts, Industry Champions play a key role in shaping Innovation Lab community events while expanding their networks and influence.
There are two steps for you to start engaging in the Innovation Lab Communities and Events:
Step 1: Self-Select & Join Innovation Lab CommunitiesÂ
On the member portal, you have the power to self-select exactly which industry communities you want to be a part of. Joining tech specific Lab Industry Groups you are interested in gets you access to those member-only events and indicates to our team that you are interested in other events and opportunities in that specific industry.
A year round lab experience
Be a Lab Participant
Growth startups
Late Stage Lab Partner
Corporate Innovators
Be a Lab influencer
Cohort EIR
An entrepreneur-in-residence supports each lab and is an expert in their field.
Ecosystem players
Investors & vetted industry experts support all Labs w/ mentorship and an opportunity for funding.
Tech enthusiasts
Professionals in tech can join immersive week programming that is part of the Lab w/o the community connections.
Get inspired
with industry experts
We bring in key industry players to educate, catalyze, celebrate, and connect across our Lab’s focus areas.