1871
Innovation hub Chicago, United States Run by Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center Since 2012 1871.com
Overview
Nonprofit tech hub in Chicago's Merchandise Mart, run by the Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center since 2012. It offers membership and workspace to early- and growth-stage startups and corporate innovation teams, plus sector programs and founder cohorts. In 2020 its parent acquired the Illinois Technology Association.
What startups get
Membership with workspace, mentoring and events; sector 'Innovation Labs' (AI, fintech, health tech, climate tech and others) and cohort programs for Black, Latino and women founders.
Details
- Type
- Innovation hub
- Run by
- Chicagoland Entrepreneurial Center
- Headquarters
- Chicago, United States
- Format
- Membership-based coworking hub with cohort programs
- Who can apply
- Early-stage and growth-stage startups and corporate innovators
- Stages
- Pre-seed, Seed, Early stage, Growth
- Started
- 2012
- Status
- Active
- Website
- 1871.com
About this data
Compiled from the program’s website, announcements, and press reports as of October 9, 2026. Terms, credits, and eligibility change between cohorts; confirm them with the program before applying. Alumni are examples, not a complete list.