Midwest House

We’re back! And we’re starting the year by going national. For the first time ever, TechRise will host a pitch competition outside of Illinois, live in Austin on March 14 as part of Midwest House's programming during SXSW. Five early-stage, Midwest-based founders building in emerging technologies will take the stage to compete for: 🚀 $25,000 in non-dilutive capital 🚀 Live exposure in front of investors and ecosystem leaders 🚀 Mentorship, pitch education, and direct feedback 🚀 Follow-on support through the TechRise network 🚀 A national platform to showcase what the Midwest is building This opportunity comes in partnership with Midwest House and World Business Chicago, who have invited TechRise to join their Austin activation during SXSW and represent Chicago innovation on a broader stage. We’re looking for founders building in AI, Quantum, Climate and energy tech, Cybersecurity, Advanced computing, and other frontier technologies. Selected companies must be able to pitch live in Austin on March 14. To be considered, founders must apply through the TechChicago CommonApp and indicate Midwest House as how they heard about the opportunity. Apply here: https://lnkd.in/efEigFWf Application deadline: Monday, February 23 at EOD. If you already have a TechChicago CommonApp profile, you can log in and update your application to indicate Midwest House as your referral source. We couldn’t be more excited to kick off the year this way!

(From today's Substack post: https://lnkd.in/gMvQNihh) "Twenty-eight days, y’all. While that just sent a panicked chill down my particular spine…hopefully that got the rest of you a tad excited. As you all know the last 10 years, Midwest House has become a place where conversations turn into something more — inspiration, collaborations, transformation, and sometimes entirely new institutions. This March, we’re building on that momentum…and giving it a mighty shove in the back as it goes by. From March 12–14, Midwest House will host three days of programming, gathering, and celebration focused on one big idea: how the Midwest is shaping the next chapter of the American economy. Here’s a window into what we’re working on: 3/12 - Thursday: Entrepreneurship and Regional Growth Venue: The TBA (no, that’s the actual name!) Theme(s): Entrepreneur led Economic Development Confirmed Partners: Funded House®, International Economic Development Council, gener8tor, Michael Best & Friedrich LLP, Michigan Economic Development Corporation, World Business Chicago…and more Schedule Sneak Peak: Midwest VC Reverse Pitch, Global Innovation Welcome Party 3/13 - Friday: Capital, Community and Only Sometimes Heated Rivalries Venue: The TBA (morning) & InnCahoots (afternoon) Theme(s): Capital Innovations, Cool Ass Midwestern Food, Cool Ass Midwestern Cities, & Cool Ass Midwestern Music  Confirmed Partners: StartMidwest, National Bankers Association Foundation, Lightship Foundation, Obama Foundation, World Business Chicago, Here Here Market, Gener8tor, Start Garden, Black Tech Week, Opnr, Midwest vs. the Rest..and more Schedule Sneak Peak: Capital Transformations Brunch, Midwest Food Entrepreneurs Market, Obama Presidential Center Preview, 5x5 Pitch Competition, Chicago Welcome Reception, 313 Day Party, Midwest vs the Rest Fest 3/14 - Saturday: Sports, Tech, and What Comes Next  Venue: The TBA (all day) Theme(s): Sports & Innovation, Future Midwest  Confirmed Partners: Detroit Pistons, Plain Sight, P33 Chicago, TechRise Chicago, World Business Chicago, MEDC, Brooklyn Navy Yard Development Corporation Yard, and more Schedule Sneak Peak: Sports Tech and Venture Brunch, Blue Economy Conversation, Hard Tech Panel, another pitch competition, and more than a few surprises Not too shabby for a month out, right? But this isn’t just a series of events in a warmer climate - this is our annual moment of regional community and inspiration.  We’re proud of what’s already coming together for 2026. And, as always, we’re building it in partnership. But we’ve got room for more.  If you’re a foundation, company, financial institution, civic leader, investor, or ecosystem builder who cares about the future of the Midwest, there are still meaningful ways to engage. Through programming, sponsorship, storytelling, and collaboration, this platform works best when it reflects the full breadth of all y’all." RSVP: https://luma.com/vght0n78

Midwest House is doing another Salon Dinner! This time with our pal Hilary Doe at Venue by 4M Coworking in Ann Arbor. Grab a ticket at the link below and join us for a very cool night of conversation and connection. RSVP: https://luma.com/iqd2qc2c WHEN: February 25th, 6-8pm WHERE: The Venue by 4M, 1919 S Industrial Hwy, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 WHAT: A fireside chat and salon dinner exploring what it actually takes to fuel population and economic growth across Michigan and the Midwest—and why it matters for all of us. ON STAGE: Hilary Doe — Michigan's First Chief Growth Officer, leading the charge to grow our population, economy, and reputation (yes, all three at once). Ted Velie — Commander, Chief, the gusto behind Midwest House; a man who shows through every event his admiration for the Midwest, who will be leading this important conversation. WHAT TO EXPECT:  - Food + drinks (on us—it's included with your ticket) - A room full of builders, backers, and just plain cool folks - Connections that turn into collaborations Space is limited. Spirit is abundant. Let's build the future we actually want to live in. https://luma.com/iqd2qc2c