Emerging technologies like quantum computing have the potential to transform industries—but who gets to participate in that future? Hear from leaders advancing community engagement, workforce development, and entrepreneurship as they discuss how Chicago is ensuring innovation creates opportunity for everyone. From Saturday morning quantum programs and K–12 STEM experiences to apprenticeships and startups, discover how today’s investments are preparing tomorrow’s workforce.
This webinar is designed to center community residents. We’ll leave time for Q&A at the end, and we encourage you to submit your questions during registration so we can address what matters most to you
“We suck at telling our story!” Ever said that to yourself? You have this great product but you’re either too technical, too in the weeds, or just say too much to get investors, customers, and stakeholders to listen.
Plenty of entrepreneurs think, “”If I could just get a 60 minute meeting, I know I could convince them!””
But to even have a shot at 60 minutes, it starts with what you say in the first. 60. seconds.
Join Startup Hypeman Founder Rajiv ‘RajNATION’ Nathan who will share how to craft a 1-minute elevator pitch that turns heads and gets people to say, “”wait wait — tell me more!”” You will learn:
-The mistake 90%+ founders make when asked, “”What do you do?””
-Why AI is making it harder to differentiate, not easier.
-How to reframe your message so it works on any audience.
-The exact 1-minute pitch formulas that have fueled over $120M in raises, 60+ pitch competition wins, and more.
You’ll also see examples of real pitches that have helped real startups raise anywhere from $25k in competitions to $25 million from investors.
You should attend if you are between MVP and Series A stages, and plan to fundraise and/or sell your product in the next year.
At the end of the session you’ll get information on how to get a spot on stage directly in front of investors and potential customers through our follow-on training program.
Not sure whether you should become a Software Engineer, Product Manager, Data Scientist, UX Designer, or explore AI?
You’re not alone.
With so many domains in tech, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and wonder if you’re investing your time in the right skills. This session is designed to help you explore your options and make more informed career decisions before committing months to learning something.
In this workshop, we’ll cover:
✨ The different career paths in tech and what they actually involve
✨ How to identify your strengths, interests, and working style
✨ The skills, tools, and day-to-day responsibilities of popular tech roles
✨ How to explore a domain before fully committing to it
✨ A practical framework to help you choose your next learning path
Whether you’re just starting out or thinking about switching domains, you’ll leave with more clarity and a personalized action plan for your career journey.
Who should attend?
• Students exploring careers in tech
• Beginners unsure where to start
• Anyone considering a switch between tech domains
• Curious learners who want to make informed career decisions
This interactive workshop examines how community intelligence, data analytics, and cross-sector collaboration can transform communities and provide actionable solutions to improve quality of life across Chicago. Participants will discover how emerging technologies can amplify resident voices, identify community needs, strengthen partnerships, and drive equitable economic growth.
A half-day Community Summit bridging enterprise AI capability and community readiness — ensuring our communities lead the AI revolution, not just observe it.
What actually goes into designing and running a pilot with a corporate partner?
Join founders from Sandbox Carbon and Hago Energetics for a candid conversation on what happens once a pilot moves forward—from defining scope and aligning with internal stakeholders to managing execution in real-world environments.
Sandbox Carbon will share lessons from piloting with the CTA Red Line, where they are deploying modular carbon capture systems designed to reduce CO2, odor, and regulated pollutants directly from existing exhaust streams. Hago Energetics will discuss upcoming pilot deployments in the Middle East focused on converting waste materials into clean hydrogen with a negative carbon footprint.
Expect practical insights on what made pilots successful, what caused friction, and what they would do differently.
This interactive event combines marketing, consulting, and the law to create a trifecta of insight designed to help businesses navigate the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence. The panel will feature professionals from all three industries who have hands-on experience guiding clients through growth, innovation, and strategic decision-making in an AI-driven economy. Expected topics include risk, ownership, and accountability; where AI is working (and where it is not); how AI will augment and replace jobs; the evolving talent landscape; and what smart companies can do now to prepare for the future. A portion of the event will be dedicated to audience questions and discussion. The panel will be followed by an on-site happy hour and networking reception.
Skip the small talk. Rauk Roundtables is a curated, intimate space for professionals to step into guided conversations that actually matter. No awkward intros, no surface-level networking—just real dialogue with people who get it.
What You’ll Walk Away With:
• Curated Conversations — Guided prompts so you can go beyond the surface from the jump
• Real Connection — Meaningful dialogue, not just LinkedIn adds
• Honest Perspective — Unfiltered insights from people in it with you
