College of ACES joins Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Food
Chicago mayor Brandon Johnson and World Business Chicago announced the return of the Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Food, the city's flagship food innovation and venture capital convening, which will take place on Oct. 14, 2025. Now in its fourteenth year, this two-day experience continues to elevate Chicagoland's position as a national hub for food tech, ag innovation, and entrepreneurial investment.
"Chicago's strength lies in its vibrant and diverse community of startup entrepreneurs, and events like the Chicago Venture Summit are essential in furthering their growth and connecting them to the capital and resources they need to succeed," Johnson said. "The Future of Food Summit is a testament to our city's leadership in food innovation, providing a platform to showcase the next generation of food tech and agri-businesses.”
The lead-up to the summit kicks off on Oct. 13 with a series of partner-hosted events. The full-day program will feature thought leadership sessions, startup pitches, and networking opportunities, culminating in a closing reception to celebrate the region's vibrant food innovation community.
World Business Chicago is partnering with Nicor Gas to host the inaugural Future of Food Waste Forum in conjunction with the summit. Illinois has the opportunity to benefit from a circular food waste economy that can produce valuable products, generate renewable energy, cut business costs, attract capital investment, and create good jobs in various sectors, from trucking to clean energy. This addresses unique national challenges, where food waste is estimated at between 30 to 40 percent of the food supply chain in the United States. The forum will serve as a platform to discuss how Illinois' food waste economy can be transformed.
The summit is made possible through the support of Cleveland Avenue, Edelman, Ferrero, Shapack Partners, Tilia Holdings, Verizon, and the College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign.
"We're proud to join Edelman and World Business Chicago in championing the Future of Food at this year's Chicago Venture Summit. As a part of Illinois' land-grant university, the College of ACES is committed to advancing food innovation that is ethical, sustainable, and inclusive," said ACES dean Germán Bollero. "This partnership reflects our shared belief in bold ideas and collaborative solutions that support entrepreneurs, strengthen communities, and build a workforce ready to lead in a rapidly evolving food economy."
To learn more about attending, supporting, or partnering with the 2025 Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Food, visit www.chicagoventuresummit.com or contact info@chicagoventuresummit.com. Registration for this invite-only investor and startup conference will open in the coming weeks.