Tech companies in Chicago are thriving with innovations across sectors such as information technology, healthcare, finance, food & beverages, and transportation. It is supported by key investors like Techstars, Y Combinator, and mHUB, and ensures strong financial backing at crucial stages of growth.
Startups gain from collaboration and the latest technologies, while corporations explore new business models and enhance their tech capabilities. This dynamic environment promotes sustainable growth and innovation, offering valuable opportunities for both emerging and established players. This overview provides essential insights for corporates, innovation teams, and VCs looking to engage with the latest technological advancements and innovative solutions.
Explore all 2100+ Startups & Scaleups in Chicago!
6. Havenshine Technologies
- Founding Year: 2019
- Industry: Robotics
- Technology: Driverless Lawnmowers
Havenshine Technologies develops autonomous solutions for professional lawn care, focusing on driverless lawnmowers. The company’s product, HavenGuide, utilizes precision navigation systems, advanced path planning software, and safety mechanisms including light detection and ranging (LiDAR), cameras, and touch-sensitive bumpers. This system ensures safe and efficient operation by integrating sensors with independent failure modes and a safety-rated wireless emergency-stop switch. It includes accurate navigation without the need for buried wires, beacons, or worksite-specific tags, offering a navigation accuracy of just 2 inches at speeds of up to 6 mph. Havenshine Technologies increases operational efficiency and reduces job-related injuries and emissions which makes autonomous lawn care a viable and sustainable option for professional landscaping companies.
7. PurelyMed
- Founding Year: 2020
- Industry: Healthcare
- Technology: Remote Healthcare
PurelyMed provides remote patient vital capture technology, enabling continuous monitoring of essential health metrics from any location. The company’s solution uses wearable devices and cloud-based software to collect and analyze real-time data on vital signs such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation. This system includes automatic alerts for abnormal readings, comprehensive data integration, and communication with healthcare providers. PurelyMed enhances patient care and safety by providing timely and accurate health information, improving outcomes, and reducing the need for hospital visits.
8. Ganance
- Founding Year: 2022
- Industry: Electronics
- Technology: Adaptable Smart Watch
Ganance offers the Ganance Heir, an adaptable smartwatch technology that converts any traditional watch into a health tracker. This device attaches to the underside of your existing watch using a non-magnetic micro-suction mechanism, while ensuring a discreet and comfortable fit. The Ganance Heir captures a range of health metrics including steps, active minutes, and calories burned. It also integrates smartwatch functionalities such as call and text notifications, media control, and silent schedules, all managed through an intuitive app. The device blends traditional watch aesthetics with modern health and connectivity features, providing users with valuable insights and enhanced lifestyle convenience. It is splash-proof, offers a 42-hour battery life, and is compatible with Apple iOS devices.
9. Tikal Industries
- Founding Year: 2022
- Industry: Climate Technology
- Technology: Industrial Water Management
Tikal Industries offers the INTI Platform, an advanced solution for industrial water management. The platform uses IoT sensors and real-time data analytics to monitor and optimize water quality, usage, and facility operations. INTI Lumen provides continuous contaminant detection and INTI Silverfish offers early leak identification and predictive maintenance for equipment. It supports regulatory compliance and helps prevent water-related disruptions. Tikal Industries benefits industrial facilities by reducing waste, preventing equipment failures, and achieving sustainability goals by providing continuous autonomous testing and smart water rerouting.
10. Houndsy
- Founding Year: 2021
- Industry: Manufacturing
- Technology: Smart Pet Feeder
Houndsy offers the Houndsy Kibble Dispenser, a smart pet feeder that simplifies and improves pet feeding routines. The dispenser operates by allowing users to store and dispense precise portions of kibble to prevent overfeeding and maintain pet health. Its key features include adjustable bowl sizes, ranging from ½ cup to 4 cups, and a sturdy, modern design. The stainless steel bowls are human-grade and dishwasher-safe to ensure easy cleaning and durability.
Explore the Chicago Startup Ecosystem
The startup ecosystem comprises 2100+ companies, with an average of 15 employees per company, indicating a strong and dynamic small business environment. Distinctive to this ecosystem is its diverse industry representation, including information technology, healthcare, finance, food & beverages, and transportation, which highlights a wide range of innovative activities and cross-sectoral collaboration potential.
Key investors such as Techstars, Y Combinator, mHUB, Google for Startups, and Lightbank play a significant role, providing critical early-stage support and guidance for Chicago tech companies. The prevalent funding types—Seed, Early Stage VC/Series A, Accelerator/Incubator, Pre Seed, and Angel—reflect a strong emphasis on nurturing nascent ideas and scaling emerging technologies. For Chicago tech startups, this ecosystem offers a rich resource network and substantial investment opportunities, while corporates can benefit from engaging with cutting-edge innovations and potential strategic partnerships within this well-rounded and supportive environment.
This is just the tip of the iceberg. For personalized insights into the local or global startup ecosystem, depending on your needs, get in touch with us. We can provide tailored information and analysis to help you navigate the vibrant startup landscape.
