This Month's Latest Tech News in Chicago, IL - Wednesday April 30th 2025 Edition

April 2025 marked a milestone month for Chicago's tech and AI ecosystem, propelled by major funding rounds and bold legislative steps. Local stars like Circana ($1.2 billion), biotech innovator Nucleai ($14 million), and cloud data leader Ocient ($132 million) secured substantial investments to scale AI-powered operations and analytics, solidifying Chicago's position as a national hub for tech innovation (Chicago's top April funding rounds, Ocient's growth-stage funding).

Meanwhile, the city's startup scene saw a surge in AI and SaaS ventures, with Mindset AI establishing its first U.S. office in Chicago after a £4.3 million raise and Octane launching its blockchain cybersecurity platform with $6.75 million in seed funding (Mindset AI's Chicago expansion).

To keep pace, Illinois' legislature amended AI task force protocols to support ongoing, frequent reporting and hybrid meetings, underscoring sustained political focus on AI oversight and workforce readiness.

In the words of Mindset AI's CEO Barrie Hadfield:

"We're making AI agent creation as easy as writing a Google Doc, so that SaaS companies can embed AI without friction."

These advances, combined with Nucamp's tech bootcamps and scholarships led by CEO Ludo Fourrage, signal Chicago's new heights as a destination for tech growth and talent.

Illinois lawmakers are taking a significant step toward safer roadways as Senate Bill 1507, championed by Senator Sara Feigenholtz, proposes a study on deploying AI-powered speed cameras along Chicago's DuSable Lake Shore Drive, an artery plagued by over 16,000 crashes and 59 fatalities in the past five years.

The University of Illinois Chicago's Urban Transportation Center would lead a comprehensive six-month analysis, examining crash data and evaluating the ability of AI cameras to detect not only speeding but also behaviors like tailgating and lane-weaving.

Importantly, the bill's current scope is limited to study - not immediate camera installation - with the intent of emphasizing psychological deterrents over punitive enforcement; studies from Europe suggest 80% of drivers who receive warnings do not reoffend.

Public opinion varies, with some residents favoring technology to address reckless driving and others voicing privacy concerns. Highlighting the urgent need for data-driven action, Sen.

Feigenholtz remarked,

“DuSable Lake Shore Drive is one of Chicago's most vital roadways, and the high number of crashes due to dangerous and distracted driving patterns demands urgent action… I am confident that the results of this study will inform a responsible solution to save lives and encourage true changes in driving behaviors.”

For context, DuSable Lake Shore Drive comprises less than 0.5% of Chicago's roads but accounts for nearly 7% of citywide traffic fatalities.

The study is expected to cost $90,000 and, if approved, may guide a new era of AI-enabled road safety in Chicago. For more in-depth reporting and analysis, visit Axios' detailed coverage of the AI speed camera bill in Chicago, explore safety data and legislative progress at the Chicago Tribune's feature on the proposed DuSable Lake Shore Drive study, and get resident perspectives and technical details from Block Club Chicago's in-depth story on AI speed cameras in Chicago.

Chicago-based Logik.ai, a leading AI-powered Configure, Price, Quote (CPQ) solutions provider, has been acquired by ServiceNow in a major move set to bolster Chicago's status as a tech hub and accelerate ServiceNow's growth in the $80+ billion CRM market.

The acquisition aims to enhance ServiceNow's CRM and Sales Order Management capabilities, particularly by addressing inefficiencies and automation gaps for industries like manufacturing, high tech, and medical devices.

As John Ball, EVP and GM of CRM & Industry Workflows at ServiceNow, said,

“The CPQ space is evolving, and Logik.ai leads the way to simpler, AI-powered selling experiences. Adding Logik.ai enhances our ability to sell, fulfill, and service on a single platform, addressing real pain points across customer experiences.”

The deal underscores both the strategic importance of AI integration in enterprise workflows and Chicago's capacity for high-impact innovation.

According to recent data, Logik.ai supports a range of sales workflows and counts major brands like Keysight and Oldcastle Infrastructure among its clients. ServiceNow's acquisition history further illustrates this momentum:

Year	# Acquisitions
2025	3
2024	2
2023	2
2022	2
2021	6

For more details, read deeper analysis from the Chicago Business Journal's report on the acquisition, ServiceNow's official press release on how Logik.ai's technology will boost its CRM offering, and industry coverage that explains how this acquisition positions ServiceNow as a formidable challenger in enterprise CRM automation.

Visa has launched a pioneering initiative to empower artificial intelligence agents to make purchases on users' behalf, piloting this technology alongside leading AI developers including Anthropic, Microsoft, OpenAI, Perplexity, and Mistral.

This collaboration marks a significant shift in commerce, aiming to let consumers set budgets and preferences so AI agents can autonomously handle routine shopping tasks like groceries or travel bookings while maintaining secure controls and spending limits.

According to Visa's Chief Product and Strategy Officer Jack Forestell,

“We think this could be really important... Transformational, on the order of magnitude of the advent of e-commerce itself.”

Set for broader rollout by 2026, the initiative addresses the longstanding payment gap for AI shopping agents, providing secure access to Visa's payment network as AI transitions from mere shopping recommendation engines to executing transactions.

The technology promises both greater convenience for shoppers and new competitive dynamics among tech giants, as Visa will facilitate authentication, tokenization, and robust user consent requirements for privacy and control.

Competing platforms are also accelerating efforts in this space, with Mastercard introducing “Agent Pay” and PayPal advancing its own agentic commerce tools. As detailed in AP News' overview of Visa's AI shopping vision, and further explored in OpenTools' dive into security, privacy, and market impact, the initiative signals a “seismic shift” for retail, with pilot projects already underway.

For a concise summary of Visa's partners and key features, see the following table:

Partner Companies	Key Features	Timeline
Anthropic, Microsoft, OpenAI, Perplexity, Mistral, IBM, Stripe, Samsung	AI shopping agents, user spending limits, consent-based data access, tokenized security, dispute resolution	Pilots 2025, full rollout by 2026

Learn more about industry partnerships and expert analysis in Euronews' report on Visa's AI commerce revolution.

Microsoft has announced a significant pause on its ambitious data center expansion plans in Chicago and other key regions, reflecting both industry recalibration and caution amid shifting demand for artificial intelligence (AI) and cloud services.

The company's strategic pivot includes halting negotiations for new sites near Chicago, stalling ongoing projects in Illinois, Wisconsin, and North Dakota, and withdrawing leasing agreements for advanced infrastructure in Europe and Asia, with analysts estimating up to 2 gigawatts of data center capacity affected across the U.S. and Europe.

Industry experts point to factors such as rising construction costs, power delivery delays, supply chain constraints, and uncertainty over the alignment between future demand for AI compute and current infrastructure investments.

Semiconductor tariff impacts and an emerging concern about AI computing overcapacity have also contributed to Microsoft's cautious approach. The company maintains that its global investment plan, including a projected $80 billion in data centers for fiscal year 2025, will continue with a shift of focus to upgrading existing sites rather than building new projects.

As Microsoft adapts its strategy, its official statement emphasizes flexibility:

“We plan our data centre capacity needs years in advance to ensure we have sufficient infrastructure in the right places. As AI demand continues to grow, and our data centre presence continues to expand, the changes we have made demonstrates the flexibility of our strategy.”

For a comprehensive overview of affected regions and spending commitments, see the table below.

For more insight into Microsoft's recalibration of its AI data center projects worldwide, visit Cloud Computing News on global data center plans, dive deeper into the implications for tech stocks and industry demand with Bloomberg's Microsoft data center coverage, and review an in-depth summary of the global market dynamics at Data Center Dynamics' report on Microsoft's global data center step-back.

Region	Status	Estimated Investment
Chicago, IL	Negotiations withdrawn	N/A
Mount Pleasant, WI	Expansion put on hold	$3.3 billion
Ohio (New Albany, Hebron, Heath)	Paused	$1 billion
Global Total FY25	Overall investment continues	$80 billion (projected)

Filevine, a leading legal work platform trusted by over 125,000 legal professionals, marked a major milestone this April with the grand opening of its new Chicago office at 1 South Wacker Drive.

This expansion strategically positions Filevine in the nation's third-largest legal market and serves as the company's second headquarters, enabling direct engagement with the Midwest's dynamic legal and corporate sectors.

Emphasizing the collaborative spirit driving its innovation, CEO Ryan Anderson stated,

“The future of legal work isn't about replacing professionals with technology, it's about using innovation to elevate what legal professionals can accomplish.”

The new hub will offer Filevine's robust suite of tools - including document management, client communication, contract lifecycle management, and advanced business analytics - while supporting local firms' evolving needs.

Filevine's rapid growth and industry leadership are further reflected in its recognition on the Deloitte Technology Fast 500, Utah Business Fast 50, and Inc. 5000 lists.

Recent customer testimonials highlight Filevine's impact: “Filevine has been a game-changer for our firm's efficiency and case management,” shared David Kadzai of Kadzai Law Group.

For more on the company's strategic Chicago presence and its role in shaping Midwest legal tech, visit the official Filevine Chicago expansion announcement, explore key details in the GlobeNewswire press release, and stay updated on their latest legal tech news at the Filevine News Archives.

The April 2025 CDW Executive SummIT in Chicago gathered over 250 IT leaders to explore the strategic impact of AI and automation on enterprise IT, with a focus on integrating platform engineering across NetOps, SecOps, and AIOps for enhanced performance in hybrid environments.

Experts emphasized that automation - alongside security-by-design and AI-driven operations - can dramatically reduce misconfiguration errors, streamline compliance, and boost business velocity.

As Dave Abbott, Cisco's Security Engineering Leader, advised:

“Evaluate how and why your NetOps and SecOps teams operate currently. Ask what needs to change for them to collaborate more closely.”

Data governance was a recurring theme, with leaders underscoring that high-quality, governed data is foundational to sustainable AI adoption and cybersecurity resilience.

Organizations that automate network activities, embed security in every software pipeline step, and leverage AIOps for real-time anomaly detection position themselves to move faster and more safely - critical as adversaries can execute lateral movements within 51 seconds of a breach.

For more insights on how integrating NetOps, SecOps, and AIOps propels business velocity, see the CDW Executive SummIT coverage on platform engineering and business outcomes.

To learn about the role of AI in improving workplace experience and reducing repetitive tasks, watch the video highlights on employee experience with AI.

Finally, for a broader look at securing innovation, read the event commentary on balancing efficiency and security in AI-driven enterprise IT.

This April, Anthropic launched Claude for Education, an AI assistant purpose-built for higher education, including a roll-out at institutions such as UIC, Northeastern University, London School of Economics, and Champlain College.

Unlike typical chatbots, Claude's hallmark “Learning Mode” guides students via Socratic questioning and structured prompts - helping learners develop reasoning skills, tackle literature reviews with citations, or work through calculus problems with step-by-step help, while faculty benefit from tools for individualized feedback and streamlined rubrics.

In partnerships with edtech leaders like Instructure (Canvas LMS) and Internet2, Claude now serves entire campuses, aiming to foster ethical and human-centered AI adoption at scale.

Early research shows that STEM students are leading AI adoption, and that higher-order cognitive tasks dominate how students use the technology. The following table illustrates how students are utilizing Claude for academic work, based on a recent study:

Purpose	% of Conversations
Creating & improving content	39.3%
Technical explanations/solutions	33.5%
Analyzing and visualizing data	11.0%
Research design/tool development	6.5%
Creating technical diagrams	3.2%
Translating/proofreading	2.4%

“Claude will not just write an essay for you. Instead, it will say, how would you approach this problem, or where are you confused? Can I help walk you through with some example cases?”

As universities across Chicago and beyond adopt AI in the classroom, Anthropic's partnership approach and pedagogically-aligned features signal a shift from answer engines to digital tutors - with the goal of empowering both educators and students to actively shape the future of learning.

Learn more about Claude's higher education impact at TechCrunch's coverage of the Claude for Education launch and see additional insights on evolving academic adoption in Anthropic's Education Report.

At this year's National Restaurant Association Show in Chicago, Advantech is taking center stage with a suite of AI-enabled foodservice innovations aimed at streamlining restaurant operations and improving customer experiences.

Visitors to Booth #6470 at McCormick Place can see live demonstrations of AI-driven self-service kiosks, intelligent point-of-sale (POS) systems, and smart digital signage - solutions engineered with enhanced security, scalability, and remote management capabilities, thanks to partnerships with technology leaders like SOTI and Google ChromeOS Flex.

Notably, the company is unveiling NAYAN, a camera-based self-checkout POS system co-developed with UST, designed to speed up transactions and reduce errors. As market need grows - nearly 50% of restaurants plan to invest in AI and inventory management in 2025 - Advantech's edge computing platform positions it as a key player in the industry's digital transformation.

“Advantech leads with innovative AI solutions to optimize restaurant operations, enhance efficiency, and elevate customer experience.”

The company's broader 2025 branding strategy focuses on integrating edge computing and AI across industries, highlighted by strong financials and collaborations with ecosystem partners.

For more details on the showcased technologies, partnerships, and Advantech's strategic direction, explore the full press release on Advantech's NRA Show 2025 exhibit, the Kiosk Marketplace's event overview, and an in-depth analysis of Advantech's 2025 edge computing strategy.

Chicago's tech ecosystem is thriving, fueled by powerhouse incubators like 1871, an innovation hub supporting tech startups and entrepreneurs through every stage of growth.

With more than 14,500 jobs created, $3.5 billion in venture capital raised, and 17 unicorns among its members, 1871 anchors a startup network that spans from early-stage founders to corporate innovators.

The hub offers industry-specific accelerators - ranging from fintech and climate tech to health tech and supply chain - hosting initiatives like the Bunker for veterans, WiSTEM for women founders, and innovation labs focused on AI and emerging technologies.

Educational partnerships with Illinois colleges, such as those highlighted by Illinois State University's involvement in 1871's innovation labs, provide students and faculty with real-world startup experience and exposure to corporate mentors.

mHUB further cements Chicago's reputation as a MedTech launchpad, with recent venture funding reaching $19.1 billion nationally in 2024 - a 12% rise over 2023, according to experts at the mHUB MedTech investment summit.

As Chicago's startup and accelerator community grows, these organizations not only drive innovation locally but also position the city as a national leader in technology and entrepreneurship.

1871 Impact Metrics	Value
Unicorn Startups	17
Alumni Startups Scaling	850+
Jobs Created	14,500
Venture Capital Raised	$3.5B

"Entrepreneurship is for everyone, and so is 1871." – Betsy Ziegler, CEO, 1871

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang delivered a stark assessment of the international AI landscape this week, warning that “China is not behind” in artificial intelligence and is “right behind us” in the global AI race, as competition between the U.S. and China tightens.

Speaking in Washington, Huang highlighted Chinese tech giant Huawei's remarkable progress in computing and networking, calling it “one of the most formidable technology companies in the world” and noting that China's AI development is “a long-term, infinite race.” U.S. export restrictions - set to take effect May 15, 2025 - aim to curb China's access to advanced AI chips, but have stoked debate between industry leaders.

Nvidia, facing a $5.5 billion hit after tightened H20 chip sales, advocates for competitive innovation rather than restrictive policy, with Huang saying the U.S. needs to accelerate both chip production and domestic AI infrastructure.

Chinese researchers account for about half of the world's AI talent, further intensifying competition. As Huang explained, “China is right behind us. We are very close.

Remember this is a long-term, infinite race.” For Chicago's robust AI sector, these shifting U.S.-China dynamics influence everything from local hiring to international partnerships, making global policy a front-line consideration for the city's tech leaders.

For further details, read about Huang's remarks and U.S. policy stakes at NBC Chicago's coverage of Nvidia's CEO Jensen Huang, a breakdown of the AI chip race at Business Insider's Jensen Huang interview, and policy implications at CNBC's analysis of U.S. AI chip restrictions.

Key Fact	U.S.	China
AI Chip R&D Pace	Leading, but narrowly	“Right behind”
Industry Talent Share	~50% of global AI researchers (shared)	~50% of global AI researchers (shared)
Major Company	Nvidia	Huawei
Export Controls	New restrictions set May 15, 2025	Affected by U.S. policy

“China is right behind us. We are very close. Remember this is a long-term, infinite race.” – Jensen Huang, Nvidia CEO

Chicago's tech sector is solidifying its position as a national innovation hub, driven by a surge in AI research, industry collaboration, and talent development throughout April 2025.

Landmark initiatives like the launch of Protiviti's AI Studio in Chicago highlight the city's growing role as a center for accelerated artificial intelligence innovation.

The University of Chicago Data Science Institute's partnership with Google elevates local research, focusing on urgent AI security and privacy issues. As Mike Franklin, Faculty Co-Director of DSI, puts it:

“With our faculty's unmatched expertise and passion, this partnership will push the boundaries of innovation, advancing AI applications in ways that drive real-world impact.”

The city's dynamic tech events, such as the agentic AI showcase at 1871 and gatherings like the Chicago AI, ML, and Computer Vision Meetup in April 2025, provide hands-on demos and expert insights, fueling the region's collaborative culture.

Additionally, Chicago will host the I-GUIDE Forum 2025, a top event for sustainability-focused geospatial AI, furthering its leadership in applied AI and workforce development.

Notably, the metro area supports a thriving ecosystem of over 60 top fintech startups, diversifying opportunities for both established companies and new graduates (explore the complete list of fintech startups in Chicago).

This momentum is transforming Chicago into a powerhouse for tech-driven economic growth, while programs such as Nucamp's bootcamps offer accessible pathways to the city's most in-demand tech careers.