Cannabis Innovation Lab
1871’s Cannabis Innovation Lab enables early startups, connecting them to growth-scalers, corporates, and VCs with the goal of collectively solving for industry problems with technology.
Apps have closed for 2023 experience.
Cannabis Innovation Lab
1871’s Cannabis Innovation Lab enables early startups, connecting them to growth-scalers, corporates, and VCs with the goal of collectively solving for industry problems with technology.
Built with experts
“We’re thrilled to combine our extensive cannabis industry knowledge and learning expertise with the robust resources and network of 1871.”
The trusted source for news and compliance.
Anchor partner
Why Cannabis?
Trending up + Chicago-centered
From $26.5B in 2021 to projections of $57B – $100B by 2030, the Cannabis industry’s high growth rate signal a need for innovators to help unblock and mobilize products with digital solutions, nationally.
Chicago is quickly becoming a place of massive importance for the industry boom:
- Funding is growing! With $265.9M already raised in growth capital in 2021 with 9 deals, the scaling trend for 2022 continues to rise
- Accessibility to market present with 180 licenses granted
- Proving to be a hub with the top Cannabis Corporations in the world cultivated in Chicago – Cresco Labs, PharmaCann, Green Thumb Industries and Verano Holdings
“4 months, where they get content, support, resources, and networking”
1871’s CPO Rachael Feuerborn and CXO Stephanie Miller discuss the Cannabis Innovation Lab.
Join the lab
The experience is open to other players within the cannabis innovation community that offer specialized value to each other, while also getting their unique interests met.
Early stage startups
For an early cannabis tech company with a demonstrated product market fit.
Exclusive benefits
- Share their product with Corporate innovators and VCs
- Level up their product and business strategy
- Create a network of peers in their industry
-
Get advisory from the best cannabis operators tech companies
Apps for 2023 have closed
Growth scaler
For a series b+ cannabis interested in making their name in cannabis and influencing major industry outcomes.
Exclusive benefits
- Access to canna-curious corporations exploring their strategy
- Emerge as a showcased thought leader
- Connect with the largest operators + early startups innovating
- Explore curated connections to potential partners and VCs
- Network with leaders in the industry
- Scale with new tech talent interested in cannabis
- Give back by mentoring early-stage startups
Apps for 2023 have closed
Corporate innovator
For a corporation exploring cannabis tech solutions, solving for legal restraints, and product pipeline.
Exclusive benefits
- Network with approved and vetted retailers
- Amplify your industry leadership with press, events, and more
- Engage in curated networking and exclusive events
- Activate your employees with engagement points
- Connect with tech talent interested in the cannabis industry
- Give back by mentoring early-stage startups
- Explore curated connections to potential partners and VCs
- Sit on the 1871 Cannabis Innovation Advisory Council
Apps for 2023 have closed
Lab breakdown
The lab is made up of 4-weeks of immersive programming and culminates with a capstone-like event, our Cannabis Innovation Summit.
Startup recruitment & application
Deadline 12.16.22
Apps for 2023 have closed
2023 Immersive Lab
Week 1
1.23.23 - 1.27.23 [Virtual]
Week 2
2.20.23 - 2.24.23
Week 3
3.20.23 - 3.34.23 [Virtual]
Week 4
4.14.23 - 4.21.23
2023 Cannabis Innovation Summit
Public showcase
4.20.23
2023 Cannabis Innovation Summit
Join us on 4.20.23 for the first-ever event to link early stage startups, growth scalers, corporates innovating, mentors, venture capitalists, and community leaders in ALL that is happening in cannabis innovation.
Program supporters
Thanks to the following companies for supporting our immersive week program + summit event.
Join the lab experience today!
Start the process below to join the lab 2024
