mHUB
ActiveVenture Capital
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Financial History
Total Raised
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Valuation
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Leadership Team
Key people at mHUB.
Key people at mHUB.
Key people at mHUB.
mHUB is the largest innovation center in the United States dedicated to physical product development and manufacturing, based in Chicago. It serves as a vibrant ecosystem where hardware startups and manufacturers collaborate to accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough hardtech products across sectors such as robotics, connected devices, sensors, energy technology, medical devices, smart buildings, unmanned vehicles, and smart manufacturing. mHUB provides startups and innovators with access to extensive prototyping equipment, labs, mentorship, business and technical education, and connections to investors and industry leaders. Since its founding in 2017, mHUB’s member startups have collectively generated over $2 billion in capital raised, launched more than 1,700 products, and created thousands of jobs, significantly impacting the Midwest’s manufacturing and startup ecosystem by lowering barriers to physical product innovation and fostering sustainable business growth[1][3][6].
Founded in 2017, mHUB emerged from a coordinated effort among Chicago’s leading corporations, workforce development organizations, universities, and the City of Chicago to create a centralized innovation hub for manufacturing and product development. The initiative was driven by the need to support and revitalize the region’s manufacturing legacy by connecting entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors, and academia. Haven Allen, mHUB’s Executive Director, highlights that the center was designed to galvanize Chicago’s manufacturing ecosystem by providing a collaborative space equipped with state-of-the-art prototyping labs and a micro-factory. Early traction came from the rapid growth of its member community and the establishment of strategic partnerships with industry leaders, which helped mHUB become a national model for hardtech innovation and economic development[2][4].
mHUB rides the growing global trend of hardtech innovation, where physical product development is increasingly critical for addressing challenges in energy, robotics, smart infrastructure, and manufacturing modernization. The timing is pivotal as the U.S. and Midwest seek to reclaim leadership in manufacturing through advanced technologies and sustainable practices. Market forces such as increased demand for climate tech, the reshoring of manufacturing, and the rise of connected devices create a fertile environment for mHUB’s model. By bridging the gap between startups and established manufacturers, mHUB influences the broader ecosystem by accelerating commercialization cycles, fostering regional economic growth, and promoting a resilient manufacturing supply chain[1][2][6].
Looking ahead, mHUB is poised to deepen its impact by expanding its accelerator programs, particularly in climate and energy tech, and by scaling its venture fund to support more early-stage hardtech startups. Trends such as digital manufacturing, sustainability, and smart cities will shape its portfolio and ecosystem. mHUB’s influence is likely to grow as it continues to serve as a national model for innovation centers that integrate manufacturing expertise with entrepreneurial agility. Its commitment to inclusivity and equity will also position it as a leader in creating a diverse and sustainable hardtech community, ensuring that the Midwest remains a global hub for physical product innovation and manufacturing prosperity[1][6][8].
