Chicago to host Venture Summit 2025: Future of Food

The Chicago Venture Summit: Future of Food returns on October 14, 2025. The summit takes place in Chicago's Fulton Market District, an area renowned for its dynamic food and technology ecosystem. 

This flagship event, now in its fourteenth year, will feature over 100 startups from sectors such as AgTech, consumer packaged goods (CPG), food science, restaurant technology, and health and wellness, drawing a crowd of over 500 carefully curated guests, including founders, investors, corporate executives, and public sector leaders. 

“The Future of Food Summit is a testament to our city's leadership in food innovation, providing a platform to showcase the next generation of food tech and agri-businesses. By bringing together investors, innovators, and thought leaders, we are not only strengthening our local economy but reinforcing Chicago's position as a global hub for food innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment,” said Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson in a press release.

According to Phil Clement, the President & CEO of World Business Chicago, “As the leading U.S. metro for food production and innovation, Chicago is uniquely positioned to lead in this space.”

The 2025 summit will introduce the inaugural Future of Food Waste Forum, in partnership with Nicor Gas. This new forum seeks to address the national challenge of food waste - estimated to be between 30 to 40 percent of the U.S. food supply chain - by promoting a circular economy in Illinois that converts food waste into valuable products, renewable energy, and jobs. Nicor Gas executives framed the forum as an opportunity to unite segments like processing, trucking, and clean energy to reimagine waste reduction strategies while boosting economic growth within the state.

The summit provides no-cost, invite-only attendance for entrepreneurs to ensure accessibility and inclusion. This is part of a broader initiative by World Business Chicago to create equitable economic development opportunities, especially for underrepresented entrepreneurs and the summit offers a platform for showcasing both local startups and the broader ecosystem's technological advancements.

As Chicago continues to position itself as a key player in food tech and ag innovation nationally, the summit can help play a vital role in driving both investment and innovation, especially in areas where technology, sustainability, and entrepreneurship intersect. 

According to the event’s official website, “A limited number of tickets will be made available to approved guests. Interested individuals may request an invite or be referred by a sponsor or partner.” You can do so by contacting info@chicagoventuresummit.com.