mHUB

Join mHUB on June 13th at 5:30pm for a fireside conversation with Suzanne Yoon, Founder and Managing Partner of Kinzie Capital Partners LP. Yoon has over 25 years of experience investing in and advising lower middle market companies with a focus on manufactured products. Recently recognized as a Who’s Who in 2024 by Crain’s Chicago Business, Yoon will share her experience launching a private equity firm, bringing digital and operational transformation to manufacturers, and executing an investment strategy. The conversation will be moderate by Ellen Havdala Ellen Havdala, Managing Director of Equity Group Investments, who brings decades of experience applying technological advancement within industry and mentorship through the Zell Global Entrepreneurship Network. Don't miss this opportunity to delve into the trends impacting manufacturing-based businesses and entrepreneurs as Yoon and Havdala unfold a founder’s journey. Get event details: https://hubs.la/Q02w-B5y0 Special Thanks to event sponsor Grant Thornton LLP (US) #startups #founders #entrepreneurs #innovators #productdevelopment #hardtech

In the evolving landscape of climate-related initiatives, terms such as corporate social responsibility, sustainability, ESG (Environmental, Social, Governance), and energy transition have surfaced. Despite the terminology dance, the essence remains unchanged: tackling climate issues is imperative for the environment, society, and businesses alike. This urgency was underscored during mHUB ’s accelerator demo day, where it was evident that startups and corporations alike recognize the necessity of addressing climate challenges. ESG, once a popular term, has faced criticism due to widespread greenwashing and unclear objectives. However, the ensuing (political) discourse has pushed companies to break down ESG into actionable components and build robust business cases. Now, a shift towards "greenhushing" is observable, where companies work on environmental components more discreetly. Significant advancements are being made within Fortune 100 companies, with a growing focus on identifying material issues relevant to the company and its stakeholders. These corporations are building substantial sustainability expertise within their organizations and boards. My key learnings and recommendations detailed in the attached: 1. Rethink business management frameworks with sustainability in mind 2. Measure environmental impact of own operations and estimate material impact of climate change on company performance 3. Revisit current operations for energy efficiency (why not using waste as a source?) 4. Transition away from fossil fuels to renewables 5. Capture carbon, transform it and use it as a feedstock (it becomes a revenue generator!) 6. Leverage Tax Credits 7. Buy carbon offsets to mitigate emissions as a first or last resort 8. Adapt to global reporting standards to ensure long-term viability and competitive advantage #sustainability #climateaction #ESG #CCU #energyefficiency #mhubaccelerator

Congratulations to Reamonn L. Soto and Sensatek Propulsion Technology, Inc. for winning 2nd place in the EPIC Pitch Competition in Minneapolis, MN, yesterday at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Small Business Forum & Expo. Sensatek offers continuous monitoring for wind turbines, optimizing energy production and reducing downtime. They're in the process of raising $3M, having completed the NextEra Energy Resources Florida Power and Light Accelerator and the mHUB Climate and EnergyTech Accelerator. The American-Made Challenges are a series of prize competitions designed to accelerate and sustain American innovation through a diverse and powerful support network that leverages national laboratories, energy incubators, and other resources. Congratulations to Reamonn L. Soto and the entire Sensatek team! #mHUBMemberMilestones #cleantech #cleantechstartups #climatetech #energytech #EPIC #AmericanMade #DOE #smallbusiness #mHUBaccelerator

Look at all these awesome events you get access to when you join mHUB through a Social Membership. https://hubs.la/Q02zsLss0 6/5 - Financial Modeling & Go To Market Terminology class 6/6 - National Science Foundation' SBIR/STTR Program webinar 6/8 - mHUB's family-friendly STEM event: mHUB Robot Build & Battle 6/13 - Industry Disruptors with Suzanne Yoon, Founder & Managing Partner at Kinzie Capital Partners 6/18 - Consumer Products Meetup 6/20 - mHUB Member Lunch 6/21 - mHOUSE Live DJ & Happy Hour Get the details on this membership option. Consider unlocking a world of connections and opportunities through the Social Membership option at mHUB! 🌟 Elevate your networking game, gain access to exclusive events, and collaborate with fellow innovators in the heart of a thriving #hardtech community. #mHUBsocialmembership #Innovation #networking #Chicago #entrepreneurs #founders #startups #solopreneurs #innovators

mHUB Welcomes Monica Vajani to the team as the Executive Director of the mHUB MedTech Accelerator. Monica, who has 18+ years of medical device, corporate innovation, and startup advocacy experience, will support the recruitment, evaluation, and program execution of the 2024 / 2025 medtech startup accelerator cohort. Prior to joining mHUB, Monica served as the Executive Director of Innovation at GHX, the world’s largest cloud-based supply chain network connecting health systems, distributors, and medical device companies, where she was responsible for organic growth initiatives and driving GHX’s long-term corporate strategy. Before GHX, Monica was a Senior Advisor on the Chronic Care Transformation team at CVS Health, leading pilot initiatives designed to support discharged patients with their medication adherence, caregivers, and care coordination for Oncology patients. At MATTER, she led corporate partnerships with a focus on driving ROI through startup collaboration, accelerators, and focus groups. Monica started her career in the cardiac medical device industry in clinical sales at both Abbott and Medtronic, working at over 40 hospitals in the Chicagoland area for almost a decade. Monica holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, with concentrations in Entrepreneurship, Marketing, and Strategy and a Bachelor of Science degree in Biomedical Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis. Join us in welcoming Monica Vajani to the mHUB Team!

Today, Mayor Brandon Johnson visited mHUB to meet startups from the hardtech community and learn about the organization's role within the Chicago innovation ecosystem. Points of discussion included creating career pathways, accessibility for underrepresented founders, and investment in the Near West Side Opportunity Zone where mHUB is located. Mayor Johnson met Darren Riley of JustAir Solutions, Nana Arkorful of Arke Inc. and Jessica Bussert of Wave Therapeutics Thank you Mayor Johnson, Deputy Mayor Kenya K. Merritt, Alderman Walter Burnett, Tom Anderson, and Nora Curry for taking time to visit mHUB and learn about the global impact of its community. #mHUBinnovation #economicimpact #Chicago #USA #innovation #investment #OpportunityZone #startups #smallbusiness #entrepreneurs #underrepresentedfounders

Tour the 11 prototyping labs inside the mHUB Innovation Center at 1623 W. Fulton St. Meet the super helpful shop staff and talk with some of the innovators leveraging resources through mHUB. https://hubs.la/Q02z8bfX0 . . . #entrepreneurs #startups #founders #makers #productdevelopers #engineers #industrialdesigners #productdesign #prototyping #machining #fabrication #3dprinting #woodworking #lasercutting #welding #UVprinting #PCBdesign #electricalengineer #customcircuitboard

Interested in learning about financial modeling and what it means to 'go to market'? Join us on June 5th with mHUB Mentor, Stuart Bernstein, who will help you grasp critical concepts and basic knowledge for financial models and GTM terminology. https://hubs.la/Q02z4DW20 #StartupSuccess #FinancialModeling #GoToMarket #startups #entrepreneurs #PeopleMakingPhysicalProducts #HardTech #mHUBinnovation

The National Science Foundation (NSF) provides total of approximately $260M to technology-based #startups and very early-stage companies annually. This webinar on Thursday, June 6th, from 1 to 2:30 pm will cover some of the specifics related to NSF’s SBIR/STTR program, including the review process, review criteria, NSF’s emphasis within the SBIR/STTR program, and some of the 'do’s and don’ts' when applying for the grant. Get details at https://hubs.la/Q02z05HD0 #entrepreneurs #smallbusiness #SBIR #STTR #NSF #funding #startupfunding

There is so much going on at mHUB heading out of the holiday weekend! 4-day weeks after a few days off can feel like 6... Which is why I'm MOST excited for this week's mHOUSE, in partnership with World Business Chicago: a no-program, happy hour & DJ set featuring churchdontstop (aka Nana Arkorful). Looking forward to winding down with friends and colleagues within mHUB and beyond. Care to join us? It's open to folks across the ecosystem 😀 🎶 CC Haven Allen Billy Ndizeye Lanise B. Nicole McCarthy Abin Kuriakose Shamira Quiñones Jarol Rendon Jimenez Joe Moseley Trenton Dunn Adrienne Tongate Anel Montes Marchan Myrna Farmer Allison Winstel