#United States #Chicago #Food Innovation #Chicago Venture #Waste Forum

Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Food 2025

The Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Food is set to return on October 14, 2025, once again establishing its place as a key event in the world of food innovation and entrepreneurship. Organized by Mayor Brandon Johnson and World Business Chicago, this year marks the fourteenth edition of this summit, showcasing the dynamic food tech landscape of Chicago.

Location and Participation

Taking place at 167 North Green Street in the vibrant Fulton Market District, the summit will welcome over 500 specially invited guests. This diverse group includes startup founders, venture capitalists, corporate leaders, and public officials, all coming together to foster innovation and investment in the food industry. The event aims to spotlight the growing significance of Chicago as a major hub for food technology and agricultural innovation.

Mayor's Insights

"Events like the Chicago Venture Summit are crucial for nurturing and connecting our startup community with the necessary resources to thrive," remarked Mayor Johnson. He further emphasized that the summit serves to solidify Chicago's leadership role in food innovation, providing a platform for the next wave of food tech and agribusiness.

What to Expect

Participants can look forward to multiple highlights at the summit:

• - 100+ startups will be showcased, representing promising companies across various food sectors.
• - 500+ attendees including venture capitalists, corporate innovation teams, and leaders in food technology.
• - Spotlight sessions on key areas such as AgTech, CPG, Food Science, Restaurant Technology, and Health and Wellness.
• - Opportunities for collaborations among venture capitalists, corporations, and educational institutions, promoting innovation.
• - Free attendance for participating entrepreneurs to encourage inclusivity and accessibility.

Unveiling the Future of Food Waste Forum

In an exciting addition, the summit will also host the inaugural Future of Food Waste Forum, developed in collaboration with Nicor Gas. This forum aims to discuss the challenges and opportunities of transforming Illinois' food waste into a circular economy, where food waste can be converted into valuable products, renewable energy, and jobs across various sectors. As a nation grappling with food waste constituting 30 to 40 percent of the food supply chain, this initiative is both timely and necessary.

Charles Smith, Vice Chair of World Business Chicago, highlighted the significance of the partnership with Nicor Gas, stating, "This forum is a vital step towards creating a sustainable circular food waste economy, promoting job creation and innovation."

Summit Programming

The summit's programming begins with a series of partner-hosted events on October 13, culminating in a VIP reception designed to build momentum leading into the main event. The full day of the summit will include educational sessions from thought leaders, pitches from startups, and extensive networking opportunities, concluding with a reception to celebrate the local food innovation community.

Support and Sponsorship

The Chicago Venture Summit enjoys considerable support from sponsors such as Cleveland Avenue, Ferrero, Edelman, Shapack Partners, Tilia Holdings, and Verizon. These partnerships play a critical role in ensuring the summit's success and the continued vibrancy of Chicago's food innovation ecosystem.

Mark Tebbe, board member at World Business Chicago, stressed the importance of investing in local entrepreneurs, asserting that supporting them is a strategic business move. He added, "The Chicago Venture Summit is the ideal location to gauge the future of our food industry."

This year's event will not only showcase innovative ideas but also facilitate investments and partnerships that can accelerate the growth of food technology in Chicago and beyond.

For more details on attendance or partnership opportunities, visit Chicago Venture Summit website.