Essential Resources for Launching Your Life Science Startup in Chicago
Launching a startup is thrilling, but it can also feel like you’re making up the rules as you go. The good news? Chicago has built an impressive support network for founders, scientists, and innovators ready to turn breakthrough ideas into thriving companies.
If you’ve chosen Chicago to launch your startup, you’ve come to the right place. Over the past five years, Chicago’s life science startup ecosystem has pulled in nearly $2 billion in venture capital, with about $350 million invested in 2024 — a 55% year-over-year increase. As an operations leader who had the privilege of helping an incredible team build and scale a biotech startup in Chicago, I’ve seen firsthand how valuable these programs, labs, and communities can be. These are some of the resources I’ve found most valuable while navigating Chicago’s startup ecosystem — building Streamline BioOps and supporting other life-science founders along the way.
Here’s a roadmap to the spaces, programs, and networks that can help you move faster and smarter.
Incubators & Accelerators
Chicago is home to a vibrant mix of incubators and accelerators designed to help life-science and biotech founders turn bold ideas into thriving companies. Whether you’re looking for wet-lab space, mentorship, seed capital, or a network of fellow innovators, these programs can give you the infrastructure and connections you need to move from concept to launch — and beyond.
Portal Innovations (Fulton Labs) - Seed capital, fully equipped wet/dry labs, and hands-on mentoring to help biotech and medtech startups grow.
Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (UChicago) - Venture competitions, incubator space, and expert coaching for university spin-outs and early-stage founders.
Chicago Biomedical Consortium (CBC) - Collaborative grants, networking, and translational support for academic researchers building commercial applications.
Helix 51 (Rosalind Franklin University) - Affordable wet-lab and office space, plus soft-landing support for international bioscience startups.
INVOHub (Northwestern University) - An incubator supporting early-stage Northwestern-affiliated startups with mailbox and short-term office/lab space, credits toward services, and discounted access to core facilities.
mHUB MedTech Accelerator - Six-month accelerator with prototyping labs for medtech, diagnostics, and device ventures.
MATTER (Chicago) - Healthcare innovation hub with mentoring, co-working, and corporate partnerships for health and life-science founders.
Illinois Tech / UTP Incubator - Large wet/dry lab and office space with flexible leases for growing life-science ventures.
UIC Technology Innovation Lab (Illinois Medical District) - Shared labs and co-working space for early-stage biotech and tech startups.
Funding Resources
Securing capital early is essential for transforming an idea into a thriving company. Chicago’s ecosystem offers a mix of local investors, incubator-linked funding, and national programs that can help founders get started and scale.
Portal Innovations - Combines seed investment with access to modern wet-lab space and expert mentoring.
Hyde Park Angels - Active early-stage investors with an interest in health, science, and technology.
Chicago Ventures - Seed-stage venture firm that supports promising Midwestern startups, including biotech and medtech.
iBIO Propel – Helps emerging life-science companies access capital by connecting them with investors and funding opportunities, while also providing mentorship and business support to guide startups through early growth.
SBIR/STTR Grants - Federal programs offering non-dilutive funding to help founders validate scientific concepts and advance R&D.
University Innovation Funds - UChicago, Northwestern, and other universities often have internal or alumni-backed funds for translational research and startup formation.
Community & Networking
Building a strong network is just as important as securing lab space or funding when you’re growing a life-science startup. Chicago offers a variety of groups and programs where founders can meet mentors, connect with peers, and learn from seasoned professionals. From specialized meetups to formal mentorship programs, these communities can provide guidance, accountability, and opportunities to help you scale faster.
Biotech Fermenter (ChiTownBio) - A meetup of biotech professionals, entrepreneurs, investors, and enthusiasts. Regular events to share opportunities, challenges, and build connections.
BioPathways (Rosalind Franklin University) - Monthly speaker series and networking focused on bioentrepreneurs, biotech executives, and VCs; includes startup pitches and opportunities to connect with translational research and commercialization efforts at RFU.
Chicago Life Sciences Week (hosted by iBIO) - Annual gathering with panels, pitches, showcases, and events to meet collaborators, funders, and industry mentors.
MATTER Events (Chicago) - Regular workshops, panel discussions, and networking sessions for health, medtech, and biotech innovators, providing opportunities to meet mentors, investors, and peers.
Women In Bio – Chicago Chapter (WIB-Chicago) - Offers networking, leadership development, mentoring circles, and programming for women and non-binary folks in biotech & life sciences.
iBIO (Illinois Biotechnology Industry Organization) - State-life-sciences trade association; connects startups with other companies, policy makers, talent, and industry events.
Chicago Biomedical Consortium (CBC) Entrepreneurial Fellows - For junior life-sciences researchers who want to commercialize translational projects; includes mentorship, exposure to commercialization processes, and peer community.
Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship & Innovation (UChicago) - Offers one-on-one mentorship with experienced entrepreneurs and investors, co-working space via the Polsky Exchange, and a calendar of workshops, speaker panels, and networking events for founders across sectors — including life sciences.
INVO (Innovation & New Ventures Office at Northwestern University) - Supports researchers and entrepreneurs in translating discoveries into companies, with mentorship, startup guidance, and networking events for founders exploring commercialization.
Biotech Group @ Northwestern University - Campus-based networking events, speaker series, and socials that bring together biotech founders, researchers, and students.
SCORE Chicago - Free mentorship and educational resources for entrepreneurs and small business owners. Offers one-on-one mentoring, workshops, and guidance on business planning, managing growth, etc.
How to Make the Most of These Resources
Finding the right incubator, funding, or mentoring group is only half the work. The real gains come when you engage strategically. Here are a few ways to maximize Chicago’s rich life-science ecosystem:
Clarify your goals before you reach out - Know whether you’re looking for lab space, funding, mentorship, or collaboration so you can match with the right program or group.
Show up prepared - Bring a clear pitch deck, a one-page summary, or at least a crisp explanation of your science, milestones, and needs.
Build relationships, not just contacts - Follow up after events, keep mentors updated, and nurture connections beyond transactional asks.
Leverage multiple resources at once - For example, combine wet-lab access at Portal Innovations with Polsky Center’s mentoring, or pair MATTER’s network with funding advice from iBIO Propel.
Stay visible - Attend pitch nights, founder roundtables, and workshops regularly; being part of the community helps you hear about opportunities early.
Give back - Share your own lessons or introductions when you can. Founders who contribute tend to gain the most support.
Chicago’s life science ecosystem is dynamic and expanding. While this guide highlights many of the most impactful programs, labs, and communities, there are surely more resources out there waiting to be discovered. The key is to stay curious, keep showing up, and lean on the network of innovators who call this city home. Whether you’re searching for a bench, funding, or strategic guidance, Chicago offers a supportive environment to help you turn breakthrough ideas into thriving companies.