FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press Contact:
Elizabeth Andrews
Director of Advancement
elizabeth.andrews@mhubchicago.com
Kim Blomquist
Senior Director, Marketing and Communications
kim@mhubchicago.com
Tech Companies Fuel HardTech Innovation and Climate Solutions with $450,000 in Funding for mHUB
Funding from Salesforce and Google.org will bolster hardtech commercialization programs at mHUB and support manufacturing-based businesses focused on climate solutions
(CHICAGO January 30, 2025)
mHUB, one of the nation’s leading hardtech and manufacturing innovation centers, announces funding from Salesforce and Google.org , Google’s philanthropic arm, to advance climate innovation, entrepreneurship, and job creation in the region. These individual contributions will expand mHUB’s ability to drive economic growth and climate solutions through technology development and increased opportunities and resources for founders.
Support from Salesforce and Google.org underscore mHUB’s pivotal role in bringing hardtech innovations to life. With a unique focus on reducing the barriers to entry for climate-tech entrepreneurs, mHUB has consistently leveraged its resources to create jobs and ensure diverse participation in Chicago’s growing tech ecosystem.
For years, mHUB has demonstrated its ability to catalyze innovation effectively, supporting over 500 startups, creating 6,000+ jobs, and generating more than $2 billion in economic impact. These latest partnerships aim to add further momentum to these achievements, positioning Chicago as a leader in manufacturing-based climate innovation.
Launching in 2025 with support from Salesforce, mHUB will introduce mPOWER Energy Founders, a 6-month cohort-based program that will nurture up to eight early-stage hardtech companies. Founders selected for the program will receive stipends, a robust curriculum, mentorship, access to mHUB’s extensive lab and fabrication resources, and up to $5,000 in non-dilutive funding to accelerate their startup ventures.
By the end of the program, founders will aim to deliver proof of concept or a conceptual prototype, enabling the earliest steps in scaling their climate-focused technologies.
Salesforce’s grant will also subsidize resources for 10 additional climate tech companies advancing through mHUB’s broader Incubator. Founders will receive access to high-cost facilities and technical support, as well as pairing with experienced Product Development Experts-in-Residence for hands-on guidance in transforming concepts into marketable solutions.
“Salesforce is committed to harnessing the power of technology and philanthropy to create a more sustainable and equitable future,” said Becky Ferguson, SVP and CEO of the Salesforce Foundation. “We’re proud to support mHUB in driving climate innovation, empowering entrepreneurs, and creating economic opportunities in the manufacturing sector."
Google.org's funding will also support mHUB’s broader incubator, strengthening the organization’s resources and accessibility for all entrepreneurs working in sustainability. Operating funds will accelerate mHUB’s impact in the historic Kinzie Industrial Corridor, helping make the hub a nucleus for deploying climate solutions and job creation in the region.
“Google is proud to call Illinois our home, and we’re committed to supporting the innovation that makes this region a global tech hub for new ideas and transformation, particularly in manufacturing,” said Rob Biederman, Director of State and Local Government Affairs at Google. “We're grateful for the opportunity to support organizations like mHUB that are equipping the next generation of entrepreneurs and innovators with the resources they need to drive economic opportunity and shape the future right here in Chicago and beyond.”
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mHUB is a leading independent hardtech and manufacturing innovation center enabling the commercialization of solutions that impact humanity and strengthening U.S. based manufacturing. The mHUB community includes over 500 active and alumni startups and small businesses supported by a deep talent pool of product designers and developers, entrepreneurs and engineers, manufacturers and corporate leaders, mentors, and investors. mHUB provides a hyper-resourced environment to entrepreneurs with the goal of commercializing new hardtech innovation that will lead to new businesses, intellectual property, investment, revenue, and job creation. Since launching in 2017, the mHUB community has generated more than $1.57B in revenue, launched more than 1,600 products, hired more than 6,400 employees, and raised over $1.89B in capital. To date, mHUB has invested in 54 startups across smart and sustainable manufacturing, climate and energy tech, and medtech.
