Chicago has the unique ingredients of a global tech and innovation hub: $6+ billion in VC funding in 2021 alone, home to more than 20 startup unicorns (startups with a $1+ billion valuation), a national producer of STEM talent, a thriving global corporate innovation ecosystem, and several promising initiatives and funds dedicated for underserved and underrepresented communities. Due to the pandemic, the great decentralization of innovation was a key driver of growth of cities outside of Silicon Valley – especially Chicago. The Midwest startup capital is no longer flyover country when investors and innovators can Zoom in. The City of Chicago is one of the first U.S. cities to offer a detailed COVID recovery framework, where several high-growth sectors were selected within the local innovation economy. Learn more about Abin’s work via World Business Chicago – the City of Chicago’s economic development organization – to drive inclusive growth and opportunity for the city’s thriving tech, innovation, and startup economy.

Abin Kuriakose
Executive Vice President for Innovation and Venture Strategy (ChicagoNEXT)
World Business Chicago

Abin Kuriakose is Executive Vice President of Innovation and Venture Strategy for World Business Chicago, the City of Chicago’s economic development organization. He leads and manages World Business Chicago’s innovation & venture portfolio of programs driving inclusive growth and opportunity for Chicago’s tech economy and innovation ecosystem. His flagship programs include Startup Chicago, the Chicago Venture Summit, ThinkChicago, and Venture Engine with the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (ISTC). Abin launched his career in Cook County Government, where he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Public Policy and Director of Community Affairs & Engagement for the Board of Commissioners (Tenth District) – the county’s legislative and governing body. During his time in government, Abin specialized in public policy development, legislative affairs, and community engagement. He served as the lead policy staffer for the Cook County Board’s Pension Committee, and the Workforce, Housing, and Community Development Committee. He also developed OpenPensions.org, one of the first open-data platforms in county government. He is especially passionate about civic engagement and empowerment – especially with youth, immigrant, and New American communities. In November 2019, Abin was appointed by Governor J.B. Pritzker as a member of the State of Illinois’ Asian American Employment Plan Advisory Council. He’s a 2022 Emerging Leader of the Chicago Council on Global Affairs, a member of the Chicago South Asian American Civic Engagement Coalition led by the Indo-American Center, and an advisor for the Illinois Asian American Caucus. Abin attended DePaul University’s Driehaus College of Business where he was the recipient of the DePaul Scholar’s Award. He is a 2018 Civic Leaders Academy (CLA) Fellow of the University of Chicago, where he received his certificate in civic leadership. In 2017, Abin was recognized as one of “35 under 35 Young Leaders Making An Impact” by Chicago Scholars.