What’s deep tech?

I define deep tech as an “experiment” turned innovation.

Deep tech(s) are rooted in advanced science and engineering, and usually come out of a lab or research center.

While each deep tech city has its own strengths, Chicago is the only city I’d argue that combines world-class research universities, two national labs, a supportive public sector, and some of the most affordable lab space in the country.

It offers everything a founder needs to innovate in deep tech.

We now rank among the top US hubs for deep tech, representing 2.2% of the world’s leading companies in the field, and are one of the few major cities showing year-over-year growth.

There’s a myth that deep tech ventures need endless upfront money.

In Chicago, founders stretch dollars further. Our State programs give early teams serious runway before they ever raise VC:

That’s roughly $300K in early runway without giving up too much equity, also in a city where commercial lab rent averages far less than Boston or SF.

Lower overhead means more money goes into experiments.

Our public sector also de-risks the science. Argonne and Fermilab are just 30 miles from downtown, which is a rare density of federally funded R&D near a major city.

Last year, Argonne produced 60+ patents and 3,000 publications, Fermilab added 12 patents, and Chain Reaction Innovations alumni have raised $667M in follow-on capital.

This connectivity between labs, universities, and the private sector is built into the ecosystem, making it easier for breakthroughs coming out of the city.

Deep tech also needs serious infrastructure. Chicago has over ten specialized labs for medtech, quantum, and other advanced manufacturing.

To name a few:

And we’re still expanding. Last month, Governor Pritzker awarded mHUB $590K for a 4,000-square-foot Deep Tech Innovation Lab.

Nearly half of mHUB’s startups are already deep tech, and more than a dozen are waiting for clean lab space.

The new facility will feature solar array simulators, programmable benches, and vacuum pumps closing a critical infrastructure gap and giving early-stage teams a place to prove concepts before scaling.

Other cities have strong research or strong capital. Chicago’s advantage is how tightly connected our labs, talent, and private sector are, all at a cost that lets founders test ideas without burning through millions.

The share of top deep tech companies in US hubs outside Silicon Valley is growing, meaning Chicago’s relative position in the national ecosystem is strengthening.

For scientists-turned-founders, it means getting further on less and taking discoveries from lab to market without leaving town.

I’ve been to a few of Claude Cimeus’ Quarterlies events and always leave inspired.

His conversations are unique, the people in the room (speakers and attendees) are some of the most interesting leaders across business, policy, and culture in Chicago.

Claude consistently does a great job at humanizing people who are at the top of their game.

Quarterlies is now seeking sponsor and partner brands for their upcoming season.

If your company wants to connect with top decision-makers in Chicago shaping what’s next, email [email protected] or fill out this short form.

AI Tinkerers August Meetup

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Chicago Creator Week: Fireside Chat with Dom Scandinaro

mHUB Summer Soundwaves Festival

1871 x Stripe: Founder Happy Hour

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