This Week's Latest Tech News in Chicago, IL - Sunday April 13th 2025 Edition

Chicago's tech landscape is experiencing unprecedented growth in 2025, marked by Google's $105 million investment in the James R. Thompson Center and plans for an additional 100,000 sq ft expansion in Fulton Market by 2026.

The tech giant's move is creating a multiplier effect, with each tech job generating an estimated 4.4 additional positions in the local economy. The city's startup ecosystem is equally vibrant, with fourteen companies raising $94 million in April alone, including notable deals like Raise's $63 million and HDVI's $40 million funding rounds.

Adding to this momentum, Microsoft has committed to significant data center investments in the region, despite global reassessments of their infrastructure strategy.

The launch of ChiTech Hub, a 108,000 sq ft innovation center in downtown Chicago, further strengthens the city's position as a tech powerhouse. This growth is complemented by the University of Chicago's strategic partnerships with IBM and the State of Illinois to establish the National Quantum Algorithm Center, positioning Chicago at the forefront of quantum computing innovation.

The city's tech ecosystem now employs over 106,000 professionals, with AI roles showing a remarkable 60% increase over the past two years.

Chicago's transformation into a tech powerhouse continues to accelerate in 2025, with major players like Discover Financial Services and Kraft Heinz expanding their tech operations.

The city's tech workforce has grown 18% over the past decade, with tech professionals earning a median wage of $42 per hour - 1.5 times higher than the city average.

This growth is particularly evident in the fintech sector, where companies like Enova and Avant are developing cutting-edge financial solutions. Beyond established firms, Chicago's startup ecosystem is thriving, supported by incubators like 1871, TechNexus, and MATTER, which have helped nurture hundreds of successful companies.

The upcoming Tech Expo Chicago 2025 at Soldier Field will showcase the city's latest innovations in IoT, AI, and machine learning, bringing together developers, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders.

• Strategic initiatives amplify momentum with support from private and public sectors.
• Chicago Innovative Tech Incentive Initiative attracts 15 new tech firms in Q1 2025.
• The Illinois Institute of Technology's Tech Scholars Initiative continues to strengthen the talent pipeline.
• Major tech employers like Google and Amazon expand local operations.
• Diversity is noteworthy, with 34% of startups led by women spanning sectors like health tech, logistics tech, and food tech.
• Experts project 40% growth in tech job openings over the next three years, securing Chicago's position as a leading innovation hub.

This momentum is further amplified by strategic initiatives from both private and public sectors, including the Chicago Innovative Tech Incentive Initiative, which has already attracted 15 new tech firms in Q1 2025.

The Illinois Institute of Technology's Tech Scholars Initiative continues to strengthen the talent pipeline, while major tech employers like Google and Amazon expand their local operations.

The diversity in Chicago's tech scene is particularly noteworthy, with 34% of startups led by women, and the ecosystem spanning multiple sectors including health tech, logistics tech, and food tech.

With experts projecting 40% growth in tech job openings over the next three years, Chicago's position as a leading innovation hub appears secure and promising.

Google continues to reshape Chicago's tech landscape through its expansion in Fulton Market District, where the company currently occupies over 500,000 square feet across several locations.

The tech giant's latest move includes leasing 200,000 square feet at 400 N. Aberdeen St., part of a 425,000-square-foot building developed by Trammell Crow. This expansion accommodates Google's growing Chicago workforce, which has increased from 1,000 pre-pandemic employees to approximately 1,800 today.

The company's commitment to Chicago is evident in its $9.5 billion investment plan for offices and data centers in 2023, up from $7 billion in 2022.

The Fulton Market location, anchored by Google's Midwest headquarters at 1KFulton, features LEED-certified creative loft offices with floor plates ranging from 37,000 to 72,000 square feet.

The building offers modern amenities including outdoor terraces, fitness facilities, and stunning views of the Chicago skyline. This strategic expansion in Fulton Market, which has transformed from a former meatpacking district into the city's fastest-growing urban office market, positions Google to tap into Chicago's tech-savvy talent pool while contributing to the area's ongoing development.

The company's presence has catalyzed further growth in the district, attracting other major corporations and contributing to the area's reputation as a premier tech hub in the Midwest.

Salesforce is making major moves in Chicago's tech scene, with recent market analysis showing significant shifts in the Salesforce job landscape.

While 2023-2024 saw some challenges with a 37% decrease in employer demand, Chicago remains a strategic focus for the company's growth. The tech giant's commitment to the city is evident through its massive expansion at the new Salesforce Tower Chicago, where they've already invested $475 million in a 17-year lease commitment.

According to the latest market outlook, entry-level Salesforce salaries continue to outpace other tech fields, with 57% of professionals receiving performance-based bonuses.

The company's growth in Chicago is part of a larger trend, with their workforce expanding from just 200 employees in 2012 to over 1,400 currently.

• Significant salary potential: For job seekers, it's worth noting that current Salesforce admin positions in the Midwest are commanding salaries around $81,000 for associate-level roles.
• Focus on AI development: The expansion includes a focus on AI development, particularly with tools like Agentforce, suggesting a shift toward more specialized tech roles.

This growth signals Chicago's evolution as a major tech hub, with Salesforce's investment creating ripple effects across the local economy.

From increased demand for tech education to growth in supporting industries, the effects are widespread.

While the broader Salesforce job market adjusts to post-pandemic realities, Chicago's expansion represents a bright spot for tech professionals looking to build their careers in the Midwest.

Robert Lee reports on this evolving landscape and its implications for the future of tech jobs in the region.

Chicago's startup ecosystem is absolutely crushing it in 2025, with major funding rounds and game-changing innovations transforming the city into a serious tech powerhouse.

The scene isn't just growing - it's exploding with new players across multiple sectors. Simple Mills just landed a massive $795 million acquisition deal, while companies like ActiveCampaign and Tempus continue to dominate their respective markets.

The funding landscape is particularly lit, with recent data showing companies like Raise securing $63M and HDVI pulling in $40M in fresh capital this quarter alone.

Chicago's commitment to building a diverse and sustainable startup ecosystem is paying off big time.

The city's standing as the #1 destination for corporate relocations and its impressive track record of creating 12,900 new tech jobs in the past year speak volumes.

Major moves like Google's upcoming office expansion and PsiQuantum's decision to build their quantum computer facility here are seriously leveling up Chicago's tech cred.

The ecosystem is particularly strong in AI, healthcare tech, and fintech, with companies like G2 and Pangea Money Transfer leading the charge in innovation.

The vibe in Chicago's startup scene is electric right now.

Between the thriving communities of technical builders, the quantum computing revolution taking shape, and the steady flow of early-stage funding, there's this incredible momentum building.

What's really cool is seeing how the city's traditional strengths in logistics and manufacturing are meshing with cutting-edge tech to create something totally unique.

The combination of established players and fresh startups is creating this perfect storm of innovation that's making Chicago impossible to ignore in the national tech conversation.

Chicago-based HealthJoy secured a game-changing $60 million Series D funding round, bringing their total funding to $108 million.

Led by Valspring Capital, with participation from Endeavour Vision and CIBC Innovation Banking, this investment positions HealthJoy to revolutionize how people navigate their healthcare benefits.

The company currently serves over 1,000 employers and manages healthcare benefits for nearly 500,000 employees and dependents. Through their partnership with Teladoc, they're expanding virtual care options and implementing automated steerage technology to guide users to cost-effective healthcare solutions.

The platform's success is evident in its metrics, with a 60% activation rate after 30 days and 25% of employees logging in monthly. CEO Christopher Harris emphasizes their focus on creating an intuitive experience that removes healthcare complexity while reducing HR administrative burdens.

Looking ahead, HealthJoy is planning for an IPO in 2025, with potential crossover funding of $100-200 million in the pipeline.

The platform consistently delivers average savings of $2,000 in out-of-pocket costs per member, addressing a critical need in the healthcare market where nearly 80% of workers prefer new benefits over pay increases.

Austin-based Arrive Logistics secured a major $300 million investment led by ATL Partners, marking a turning point in freight tech evolution.

The investment, which represents the largest funding round for an Austin company in 2021, combines both primary and secondary equity funding. Arrive has grown - they started with just 10 people in 2014 and now they're crushing it with over 1,000 employees.

The company's revenue trajectory is equally impressive, jumping from $530 million in 2019 to $810 million in 2020, with projections exceeding $1.2 billion for 2021.

The fresh capital is being channeled into some serious tech upgrades, with their annual tech investment rising from $5 million to $20 million this year, and plans to hit $30 million annually in the coming years.

Arrive's expansion strategy includes breaking into new territories with less-than-truckload and intermodal services, while ramping up their workforce by 1,000 employees annually for the next few years.

Their focus on creating a frictionless experience through technology isn't just talk - they're actively working on solutions that streamline operations for both shippers and carriers, managing up to 3,000 freight loads daily.

This investment is definitely shaking up the logistics game, pushing the boundaries of what's possible in freight tech.

The tech education scene in Chicago is evolving rapidly to meet industry demands. Chicago Tech Academy leads the charge with specialized programs delivering over 1,000 hours of tech, engineering, and business training to diverse students.

The city's coding bootcamp landscape has expanded significantly, with programs ranging from $458 to $16,900 offering flexible schedules between 12 to 34 weeks.

These initiatives are paying off - tech job openings have surged 25% since 2023, with graduates like Nancy Martin landing roles at companies like Grubhub and Amazon at starting salaries between $70,774 and $104,905.

Local institutions like University of Illinois Chicago have strengthened their tech programs, achieving impressive job placement rates up to 89.9% within six months of graduation.

The focus isn't just on coding - data science bootcamps have emerged to meet the growing demand for professionals who can handle big data and AI applications.

This comprehensive approach to tech education, combining affordability with practical skills training, is creating a pipeline of talent ready to tackle Chicago's evolving tech landscape.

Students benefit from hands-on projects, career services, and networking opportunities with over 1,500 partner companies, ensuring they're well-prepared for the industry's demands.

The city's commitment to accessible tech education is evident in the variety of payment options available, including scholarships, income share agreements, and flexible payment plans, making these career-changing opportunities available to a broader range of aspiring tech professionals.

Chicago's tech scene is heating up this April with a packed lineup of must-attend events. The Digital Summit Chicago kicks off April 16-17 at the Hyatt Regency McCormick Place, featuring industry leaders from Spotify, LinkedIn, and YouTube sharing insights on AI, content strategy, and digital marketing trends.

Tech professionals focused on security shouldn't miss the Chicago Cybersecurity Summit on April 4 at the Marriott Marquis, where experts from the FBI and CISA will address emerging threats and security trends.

Women in tech have a powerful networking opportunity at the Chicago Accelerate Conference on April 17 at Willis Tower, expecting over 1,200 women engineers and leaders to discuss AI innovations and career advancement.

Healthcare tech enthusiasts can explore the latest GI innovations at the AGA Tech Summit from April 3-4, while MedTech professionals gather at the American MedTech Summit from April 9-10.

The Crawford Technologies User Group Summit rounds out the month's offerings with sessions on document strategy and customer communications at Navy Pier. Each event showcases Chicago's dynamic role in shaping tech innovation, with opportunities for networking, professional development, and exploring cutting-edge solutions across various sectors.

Whether you're interested in marketing tech, cybersecurity, or healthcare innovation, Chicago's April tech calendar offers something for everyone in the industry.

Google's transformative presence in Chicago is reshaping both the Loop and Fulton Market districts.

After establishing its Midwest headquarters in Fulton Market with roughly 1,800 employees across 500,000 square feet, Google is now spearheading a major renovation of the Thompson Center.

The tech giant's $105 million purchase and transformation of this iconic building marks a strategic shift that experts believe could trigger an economic revival similar to what happened in Fulton Market.

The Thompson Center project will occupy floors 3 through 9, with an additional 407,000 square feet available for lease on floors 10 through 16.

The redevelopment includes modernizing the 17-story atrium with new terraces, greenery, and retail spaces, while maintaining public access during business hours.

Google's sustainability commitment is evident in their plans to upgrade the building to LEED Platinum certification - with all-electric systems and triple-pane glass exterior.

The building's location, where six L train lines converge, makes it a prime spot for attracting talent and fostering innovation.

This expansion is already catalyzing broader neighborhood revitalization.

The Revitalize LaSalle Initiative offers tax-increment financing for historic building conversions, with five adaptive reuse projects underway using $249 million in TIF funding.

These developments aim to add 1,000 apartments by 2026, transforming the Loop into a vibrant, mixed-use district. While downtown office vacancies remain at 25%, Google's presence is expected to attract additional tech companies and support services, creating a dynamic ecosystem that bridges Chicago's historic business district with its emerging tech corridor.

Salesforce is transforming Chicago's tech scene from their new Salesforce Tower, which opened in 2023. As Chicago's rising tech hub continues to expand, the company is actively recruiting across multiple sectors, with positions ranging from entry-level to executive roles.

The company's latest job postings include opportunities in software engineering, customer success, and sales development, with competitive salaries ranging from $51,750 to $185,000 annually.

Tech positions in Chicago are particularly diverse, including roles like Senior Salesforce Architects, Lead Cloud Engineers, and Development Managers, many offering flexible hybrid and remote work options.

What's especially cool for recent grads is the Sales Development Representative program, which provides a direct path into tech sales with comprehensive training and mentorship.

The company's expansion includes substantial investments in employee development, offering perks like flexible time off and annual education reimbursement. This growth isn't just about filling desks - Salesforce is creating a collaborative ecosystem where innovation and sustainability are priorities.

The company's presence is reshaping Chicago's business landscape, attracting top talent and contributing to the city's reputation as a leading tech destination.

With positions spanning artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and business strategy, Salesforce is positioning Chicago as a key player in their global operations.

Chicago's tech scene is absolutely crushing it in April 2025! The local tech ecosystem is transforming faster than ever, with major players making power moves across the city.

Google's Fulton Market expansion is bringing 1,200 fresh jobs, while companies like HealthJoy are stepping up their game with employee-focused perks and innovative healthcare solutions.

The upcoming Tech Expo at Soldier Field is set to be a game-changer, showcasing cutting-edge AI, VR, and IoT innovations that'll shape our future.

What's really cool is seeing how the Quirk's Chicago conference brought together tech leaders to tackle AI implementation and innovation head-on.

The city's infrastructure is getting a major upgrade too, with smart city initiatives and urban tech solutions rolling out across neighborhoods. Companies aren't just growing - they're revolutionizing how we work, with hybrid setups and tech-enabled spaces becoming the norm.

From startups securing massive funding rounds to established players expanding their footprint, Chicago's tech scene is seriously leveling up. The educational landscape is evolving too, with coding bootcamps and university programs adapting to meet the industry's needs.

And let's not forget the construction boom happening citywide, creating next-gen spaces for all this innovation to flourish. With this momentum, Chicago isn't just participating in the tech revolution - it's helping lead it.