Mayor Rahm Emanuel today kicked off a national tour to connect innovative businesses from across Chicago with rising talent from top universities across the country. The first stop of the 2017 ThinkChicago roadshow was a visit to the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign. Leading a delegation of Chicago technology companies, Mayor Emanuel met with students and university leadership to showcase Chicago’s fast growing tech scene.

“Chicago’s thriving innovation sector requires one thing to continue its unprecedented growth – a continued pipeline of diverse and unparalleled talent,” Mayor Emanuel said. “This national tour will help connect talented students from across the world with Chicago’s top business leaders and ensure our innovation ecosystem continues to thrive. No matter where you’re from – you are welcome in Chicago and an important part of our continued economic success.”

ThinkChicago is an annual program that provides an opportunity for top-tier students passionate about innovation and entrepreneurship to explore Chicago’s technology scene and connect with leading companies. The program takes place during two of Chicago’s signature cultural events, Lollapalooza and Chicago Ideas Week, with the goal to attract and retain nationwide talent and increase job growth in the city’s technology industry.

“Our ThinkChicago programs have hosted more than 1,300 top technology and engineering students to explore opportunities with local technology companies,” Mark Tebbe, chairman of ChicagoNEXT said. “Through the roadshow, we are now going directly to the students to showcase the vibrancy, opportunities and promise of Chicago’s tech scene.”

Mayor Emanuel will continue the roadshow with a visit to Stanford University next month. Plans to visit other universities will be announced at a later date.

The 2017 ThinkChicago Roadshow is organized by ChicagoNEXT of World Business Chicago. For more information, visit www.thinkchicago.net.

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