Next Cohorts Starts
Summer 2026
Program Length
6 Months
Applications accepted on a rolling basis
ABOUT CHICAGO INNOVATION FELLOWS
The Chicago Innovation Fellows Program is a practical innovation-focused leadership program designed to cultivate world-class innovation leaders and connect executives to the Chicago Innovation ecosystem.
A POWERFUL EDUCATION PARTNERSHIP
Partnering with Northwestern Kellogg’s Center for Research in Technology and Innovation, this six-month program blends cutting-edge theory with practical application to supercharge your innovation capabilities.
ABOUT CHICAGO INNOVATION
Chicago Innovation’s mission is to educate, connect, and celebrate ALL innovators in the Chicago region and ensure that innovation is for everyone by energizing a community that makes an impact.
ABOUT KELLOGG CRTI
A global hub of innovation, connecting and collaborating worldwide with leaders and researchers to advance and share information and to transform it into practical value.
Chicago Innovation Fellows is for organizations with
a growth innovation mindset
WHY CHOOSE US?
A practical innovation experience designed to equip leaders with the tools, network and real-world learning needed to drive meaningful innovation.
Exclusive Collaboration with Kellogg’s CRTI Top Faculty & Chicago Innovation Winners
& Hall of Famers
Experiential Learning through projects, field trips, and coaching
Networking with and learning from successful Chicago Innovation innovators
Skills Development to foster growth through innovation
NORTHWESTERN KELLOGG
FACULTY MEMBERS
Tom Kuczmarski
Innovation Best Practices
Mohan Sawhney
Growth Through Focus
James Conley
IP for Competitive Advantage
Andrew Razeghi
Creative Innovation
Dr. Mary Ellen Weber
High-Risk Decision Making
Susan Kuczmarski
Culture and Values
Will Towns
Social Impact
Kris Hammond
Leverage AI
Harry Kraemer
Leadership
Program experience
Mastering Innovation Skills in 6 Months
A 6-Month Journey of Innovation Excellence Powered by 6 One-Day Sessions and
Supplemented with Experiential Learning, Professional Networking and
Personalized Mentorship.
Getting Embedded Into
Chicago Innovation Ecosystem
Customized Training
& Experiential Learning
Mentoring
& Coaching
Panels with Chicago Innovation Winners
Group Activities, Field Trips
& Discussions
Dinners, Speakers
& Cocktail Receptions
Chicago Innovation
Events
Next Cohort Starts
Summer 2026
Program Length
6 Months
Live In-Person Classes
1 Full Day per Month
CAPSTONE Project
Bringing Innovation Into Your Organization
A customized innovation project for your organization, led by your Fellow and supported by two innovation experts:Â
1) Kellogg Faculty Advisor
2) Chicago Innovation Ecosystem Coach
Capstone Project Examples
Characteristics of an ideal participant
Benefits to Organizations
Fellows receive a certificate from
Kellogg and Chicago Innovation upon completion
Examples of Past Participating Organizations
Have questions about the program?