Illinois Institute of Technology

Location

Chicago, Illinois

Tier

Known For

Engineering, Design & Architecture

Overview

Illinois Tech combines engineering and computing with the Institute of Design, one of the most influential design programmes in the United States and a pioneer of design methodology in business.

Its campus, designed by Mies van der Rohe, is itself a landmark of modern architecture.

Startup Ecosystem

Chicago's ecosystem is strongest in logistics, financial technology, enterprise software, and food technology, backed by a very large corporate base.

The city's trading and derivatives industry gives quantitative and financial technology founders an unusual local customer set.

Accelerators & Programs

Kaplan Institute for innovation and entrepreneurship
Institute of Design programmes in design-led venture creation
Technology transfer and licensing support
University Technology Park hosting companies on campus
Access to Chicago's accelerator and corporate networks

Founder Output

Company formation clusters in design-led products, enterprise and financial software, and engineering hardware.

Institute of Design alumni are widely represented in senior product and design roles across American industry.

Local Investors

Chicago's venture community is substantial and weighted toward enterprise software, logistics, and fintech.

Illinois state innovation programmes and corporate venture arms provide additional capital.

Explore the

GCN’s global network includes millions of startups and founders and a broad community of investors, creating opportunities to discover potential connections across university communities.

Back to Universities Explore Opportunities