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By Marshelle R. Sanders
From July 22nd to July 26th, TechChicago Week celebrated Chicagoland’s vibrant tech ecosystem with a week full of enlightening events, inclusive access, and networking opportunities. Each day featured well-defined events aimed at attracting top-tier tech talent to Chicago. The week offered an exciting lineup of speakers, panels, and fireside chats, allowing the audience to explore Chicago’s tech community and expand professional networks.
Significant events during the week included the Intern Social, Capital Summit Day 1, Corporate Innovation Summit, Capital Summit Day 2, and TechChicago Day & Reception.
Thursday’s TechChicago Day & Reception included various experiences. The first floor, featured a recharge stationed area for phones and laptops and a workshop space with outdoor access to enjoy the weather and scenery by the river with the aroma of food trucks, including Chicago’s very own Soul and Smoke.
The 7th floor was dedicated to networking, with lounges, hiring booths, and showcases from companies like Optiver, Discover, Grainger, and Oak Street Health. This floor also included technology programs to bring students to Chicago City Colleges, innovative businesses like Genance, VRAR immersive experience, and partnerships with organizations such as Eventnoire, BMO Bank, and Chicago Innovation.
The 8th floor completed the main stage area where all local and national tech leaders gave their speeches. On the reception day, Dr. Mae Jemison, Penny Pritzker, Common, and Joakim Noah presented their thoughts on the future of technology.
Notable Speakers included Hometown shero Dr. Mae Jemison, a NASA astronaut and engineer alongside Penny Pritzker. Jemison grew up in a Chicago home and spoke about her family, the Museum of Science industry being a part of her career influence, and how technology will evolve. Dr. Jemison also revealed that they are now building a quantum campus near her old home on Chicago’s Southside.
Common, the Chicago-born rapper and actor, discussed Chicago, potential marriage, and how AI aids musicians by enhancing creativity rather than replacing it. If used correctly, AI can greatly benefit music production. Its effectiveness depends on human input. For example, today, AI suggests great song or music options, proving its helpfulness. Technology should complement, not replace, human creativity.
Joakim Noah, the former Bulls and Basketball player, participated in the last fireside chat, which concluded a long Tech Day. The discussion addressed concerns about data privacy and the risks to kids online. It highlighted the growing involvement of children on the internet and the importance of safeguarding the community.
P33 is a privately funded non-profit that drives inclusive, global tech and innovation leadership in Chicago. Its work is anchored in deep research and driven by a need to unlock the digital age’s potential to solve some of Chicago’s most challenging problems, such as equitable access to digital careers, talent retention, deep science commercialization, and gaps in our growth-stage startup ecosystem.
TechChicago is a collaborative initiative by Chicagoland’s tech and business leaders to highlight the region’s innovation strengths. The event aims to create a unified identity for Chicago’s tech community, showcasing its growth and status as a national and global tech hub.
For more information on future events to connect with the community, visit TechChicago at http://www.gotechchicago.com
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