They called us The Windy City. Not just for the way the lake howls through the streets, but for the way we talked—loud, ambitious, full of big ideas and even bigger bets. To some, it was just hot air.

But wind is a force. It shapes skylines, drives change, turns whispers into movement. And here in Chicago, we know that big ideas don’t just hang in the air—they take root, they rise, they build. It’s the energy that built the first skyscraper, reversed the river, and pulled off a world’s fair that stunned the globe.

This TechChicago Week, we’re carrying that legacy forward with our next big bets.

1. Quantum Technology: Quantum technology and advanced microelectronics are the next frontier of computing, and IL stands poised to lead the global charge, positioning the Chicago area as a hub for breakthroughs in quantum computing and next-gen semiconductors.
2. Compute-Energy Nexus: Efficiently powering the next generation of computing is essential for transformative economic growth. With an eye on drivers of the future of energy, such as quantum computing, AI, and advanced data processing while investing in clean energy solutions, we are building the next generation of energy-efficient data centers and tech ecosystems.
3. Growth for All: The key to our region’s future is connecting all of Chicago to high-wage tech careers, capital, and resources for entrepreneurship. Community engagement, private-public coalitions, and commercial dollars will all play a major role in creating an undeniably robust economy.

These aren’t just ideas; they’re the foundation of what’s next, backed by both the State of Illinois and the City of Chicago as they double down on tech, innovation, and the industries that will define our future. Because when Chicago moves, industries shift, economies grow, and new possibilities take flight.

Welcome to TechChicago Week 2025: Big Bets. The future is here, and the wind is at our backs.