​Discover the Future with HardTech Innovation

​The mHUB HardTech Summit is your ultimate destination to explore cutting-edge advancements in smart manufacturing, medical devices, clean energy, sustainability, and beyond. Join industry leaders, innovative startups, and forward-thinking investors to shape the future of what's possible with hardtech.

​What to Expect at the Summit

​Engage with industry experts and thought leaders as they discuss breakthrough technologies, manufacturing policies, and perspectives for startups and investors.

​Main stage agenda:

• ​2:00PM - 2:15PM - Opening remarks
  
  

• ​2:15PM - 3:00PM - Pioneering Progress: Highlighting Remarkable Breakthroughs from the Midwest

  • ​Caleb Brooks, Associate Professor at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Department of Nuclear, Plasma, and Radiological Engineering

  • ​Professor Jian Cao, Associate Vice President of Research and Director of Initiative for Manufacturing Science and Innovation, Northwestern

  • ​Dr. Jennifer Hintzsche, CEO & Founder, PherDal Fertility Science

  • ​Sihong Wang, Assistant Professor of Molecular Engineering, University of Chicago

  • ​Moderator: Susan Martinis, Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation at University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
    
    

• ​3:00PM - 3:30PM - Globalization in the Age of National Resilience
  
  

• ​3:30PM - 4:15PM - Industry Demands and Domestic Strategy in US Manufacturing 

  • ​Jacob Babcock, CEO, NuCurrent

  • ​Tony Reinhart, Director of Community & Government Affairs, Ford Motor Company

  • ​Mark Sami, Managing Partner, West Monroe

  • ​Charles Zuhoski, DARPA

  • ​Moderator: Christy George, President & CEO, Intersect Illinois
    
    

• ​4:15PM - 5:00PM - Midwest Rising: How Collaboration is Leading to Big Bets and Big Investment

  • ​Colleen Wright, VP Corporate Strategy, Constellation

  • ​Alejandra Castillo, Former Secretary of Economic Development Administration

  • ​Nina Dudnik, Chief Commercial Officer, Current Water

  • ​Harley Johnson, Director and CEO, Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park

  • ​Moderator: John Pletz, Reporter, Crain's Chicago Business
    
    

• ​5:00PM - 5:30PM - Rising Star Pitch Competition (part of the Fourth Revolution Awards)
  
  

• ​5:30PM - 6:30PM - Fireside Keynote with Tim Brown, Chair IDEO, and Vice Chair kyu Collective

​The Startup Pitch Stage welcomes attendees to hear back-to-back pitches from over 30 of the region's most exciting early-stage startups.

​Pitch schedule:

• ​2:30PM - 3:30PM - MedTech

• ​3:30PM - 4:30PM - HardTech and Smart Manufacturing

• ​4:30PM - 5:30PM - Sustainability and Energy

​Step into our prototyping labs to see over 40+ product demonstrations from mHUB startups and discover the next wave of hardtech brilliance.

• ​Open 2:30PM - 5:00PM

​End your day on a high note! Celebrate trailblazing innovation with networking, dinner, and awards at Venue West, just a 2-minute walk from the Summit

​🎟 Additional ticket required: https://lu.ma/mHUB4REV2025

​Thank you, event sponsors: Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois, CSC Leasing, ECI Foundation, and J.P. Morgan