The Top 27 Accelerators & Incubators in Chicago
Discover the top 27 accelerators in Chicago that can supercharge your startup's growth.
Overview
startersss tracks 39 accelerator and incubator programs in Chicago, United States: 27 still operating, and 12 that have shut down or gone offline (listed at the end). 7 are verified as accepting applications. Of those operating, 16 run hybrid, 9 run in person and 2 run remotely. The most common focus areas are Fintech (11), Healthcare (6) and Education (4). For the rest of the United States, see every program in the United States.
Clean Energy Trust
An accelerator for early-stage cleantech startups in the Midwest
Cleveland Avenue
A venture capital firm that invests in food and beverage startups
Future Founders - Fellowship
Equity-free and no-fee founder development accelerator for 18-30 year-old founders in the US
Future Founders - Startup Bootcamp
A free bootcamp designed to help 18 to 30-year-olds turn ideas, passions, and side hustles into functioning businesses
gener8tor Sustainability Accelerator
Accelerating and Investing in Sustainability and Climate Tech Startups
mHUB MedTech Accelerator
mHUB is where people come to build the physical technologies that will change the physical world.
Moderne Passport
Moderne Passport is a software company that provides a cloud-based platform for multifamily and student housing operators to streamline and automate their leasing and resident experience.
REACH
REACH is a European Union regulation that aims to improve the protection of human health and the environment from the risks that can be posed by chemicals.
Women's Startup Academy
Women's Startup Academy 2020 offers daily coaching from product, marketing, and fundraising experts (up to 200 hours worth $50K).
1871
A Chicago-based incubator and accelerator that supports startups at all stages, from ideation to growth stage. The program provides a community of like-minded entrepreneurs, resources, mentorship, and access to capital.
Chicago Venture Summit
An annual event featuring pitches from startups and talks from venture capitalists
EMERGE CoLab (Powered by TechNexus Venture Collaborative)
EMERGE CoLab is a startup accelerator that supports early-stage companies with a focus on sustainable solutions.
EVC Ventures
EVC Ventures is an accelerator focused on early stage startups in various industries.
Excelerate Labs
Excelerate Labs is an accelerator program that provides mentorship, resources, and funding to early-stage startups.
INCISENT Labs
INCISENT Labs is a cybersecurity company that provides innovative solutions to protect businesses and organizations from cyber threats.
Insight Accelerator Labs
Insight Accelerator Labs is a startup incubator that provides resources and expertise to help early-stage companies grow and succeed.
Lofty Ventures
Lofty Ventures is a venture capital firm that invests in early-stage startups with high growth potential.
Matter Chicago - Healthcare Incubator
Build your healthcare startup with us. We mobilize a community of healthcare innovators who aspire to heroic change.
MATTER Health
MATTER is mobilizing a community of healthcare innovators who aspire to heroic change.
mHUB Accelerated Incubation
Accelerating Breakthrough Product Solutions Driven By Industry Demand
Portal Innovations
Portal Innovations is a company that specializes in creating innovative solutions for digital communication and collaboration.
Relish Works
Relish Works is a food innovation hub that helps businesses develop and launch new food products and services.
Sandbox Industries
Sandbox Industries is a venture capital firm that invests in and supports early-stage startups across various industries.
TechNexus Venture Collaborative
TechNexus Venture Collaborative is a venture development firm that works with corporations and startups to accelerate innovation and build successful technology companies.
Techstars Chicago
Techstars Chicago is a startup accelerator program that provides mentorship, resources, and funding to early-stage companies in various industries.
Vantedge Ventures | Healthcare Innovation Fund
Vantedge Ventures is a healthcare innovation fund that invests in and supports innovative healthcare companies to improve patient outcomes and reduce costs.
Workbox Company
Workbox is a company that provides flexible and customized workspace solutions for individuals, startups, and established businesses.
No longer operating
12 programs from earlier versions of this list have since shut down or gone offline (checked Oct 2026): DWG Business X-celerator · Elmspring Accelerator · Financial Solutions Lab · Healthbox · IncubEx · Kingologic LLC · SmartHealth Activator · StartUp Port · Technori · The Bunker · University of Chicago New Venture Challenge · Women's Tech Accelerator by Brad Deals.