Emerging Deep - S5 Inbound Chicago Tech
Whether you’ve just landed at O'Hare, been here your whole life, or are somewhere in between – Inbound Chicago Tech is your 5-week virtual accelerator to plug into today’s Chicago and move up tomorrow. Join one session or all five to hear from industry leaders shaping one of the world’s most dynamic and diversified regional entrepreneurial economies.
At our last session, "Emerging Deep," on May 14 you will hear from:
Harley Johnson – Director and CEO of the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), a first-of-its-kind $1B+ research and industrial park dedicated to scaling quantum technologies. A Founder Professor of Mechanical Science and Engineering at UIUC, Harley leads efforts at the intersection of materials research, quantum systems, and regional innovation.
Julie Greco – Senior Associate at Energy Capital Ventures. With degrees in finance and sustainability management, Julie brings strategy experience focused on ESG imperatives and innovation in energy and infrastructure—key areas for Chicago’s evolving tech economy.
Patrick Hunt – General Partner at New Industry VC, where he backs founders building across deep tech, energy, quantum, and frontier technologies. Patrick was employee #15 at Rivian and has since worked at Our Next Energy (ONE) before launching New Industry VC. With experience scaling hard-tech startups and investing nationally, Patrick brings a sharp perspective on how Chicago fits into the broader deep tech ecosystem.
E.J. Reedy (moderator) – Founder and CEO of Intentional Gravity. A longtime builder of entrepreneurial communities through roles at the Kauffman Foundation, the University of Chicago, and Portal Innovations E.J. brings a systems view to how deep tech can scale.
Full Series Schedule
May 14 – S5 Emerging Deep: Energy, Quantum, and Beyond
Join for one session OR all sessions. Your choice.
What You’ll Gain
🔍 Explore Chicago’s Diversified, Vibrant Tech Ecosystem
Get insider views into emerging fields like hard tech, life sciences, fintech, quantum, and climate tech—all from wherever you are.
💬 Engage with Local Leaders
Hear directly from Chicago innovators during weekly virtual panels with interactive Q&A and discussion.
👥 Advice on Connecting In and Growing Community
Hear how others who have recently moved to or returned to Chicago have found their footing, built community, and grown their careers.
🔮 Stay Ahead in a Rapidly Changing Tech Landscape
The landscape is evolving in tech. You’ll get a forward-looking perspective on what’s emerging, what is changing, and where new opportunities are taking root.
Inbound Chicago Tech Program Overview
🗓 Dates: April 16 – May 14, 2025
🕒 Time: Wednesdays, 3–4pm CT
📍 Location: Virtual (Zoom)