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- Leading Industries Transforming Illinois
Leading Industries Transforming Illinois
And Tech Events Around the City
Landon Campbell
February 18, 2025
96th Edition
This Week on Landon’s Loop:
🏆 Leading Industries Transforming Illinois
📊 Chart of the Week
📆 Events Around the City
🏆 Leading Industries Transforming Illinois
Illinois is emerging as a powerhouse for innovation, thanks to our strategic location, skilled workforce, and world-class infrastructure.
Here are five key industries that are experiencing rapid expansion and driving our state's economic transformation:
🔬 Life Sciences
Illinois has long been a hub for biopharmaceuticals, medical devices, and breakthrough healthcare research. With world-class universities and medical centers leading the charge, AI-driven advancements in gene therapy, cancer treatments, and personalized medicine are propelling our state to the forefront of life sciences innovation.
💻 Quantum Computing, AI & Microelectronics
Chicago is emerging as a global leader in quantum computing and AI, with institutions like Argonne National Laboratory, Fermilab, and top universities spearheading research.
High-performance computing, AI-driven automation, and semiconductor manufacturing are gaining momentum, positioning Illinois as a major player in the digital economy.
☢️ Clean Energy Production
Illinois is leading the transition to a carbon-free future, with the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act (CEJA) driving billions in investments toward renewables, electric vehicles, and grid modernization.
🌾 Ag Tech & Food Tech
With some of the most fertile farmland in the US, Illinois remains a global leader in agriculture and food production. The rise of ag tech, vertical farming, and sustainable food processing is transforming the industry.
As consumers demand plant-based proteins, biofuels, and regenerative farming, Illinois is positioned to capitalize on these trends with its strong ecosystem of food manufacturers and ag-tech startups.
🚚 Transportation, Distribution & Logistics
As a national logistics hub, Illinois has unmatched infrastructure, including all six Class I railroads and water access to Lake Michigan and the Mississippi River.
With major players like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx expanding fulfillment operations, e-commerce-driven logistics investments are further solidifying our state’s role as an important node in global trade.
📊 Chart of the Week
Chicago’s office occupancy continues its recovery, reaching 57.2% of pre-pandemic levels as of January 2025, according to the latest data.
This outpaces the national average, which hit 54.2% last month, a post-pandemic record high based on swipe data from Kastle Systems.
📆 Events Around the City
AI Tinkerers #16
Hosted by Drive Capital
Tuesday
Chicago Data Night: Becca Taft (Cockroach Labs)
Hosted by Drive Capital and UChicago Data Science Institute
Wednesday
Chicago - Generalist World Meetup
Wednesday
Workbox Chicago Mixer!
Thursday
