The Chicago-based software industry saw a boom of promising startups in 2020 resulting from the drastic shift towards digitalization that swept across multiple sectors. Some of these startups innovated around human resources, cloud computing, mobile payments, and even quantum computing, making Chicago a breeding ground for futuristic, software-based solutions. Let’s dive into some of these startups that have been redefining the technological landscape in Chicago.

These startups didn’t just emerge out of a pandemic-driven need. They housed visions of improving business operations, client interactions, information storage and retrieval, with state-of-the-art software. Let’s take a closer look at 11 of these promising Chicago-based software startups, that emerged in 2020 and took the industry by storm.

From human resources to cloud computing, information technology, and more, these startups showcase the diverse potential of software across industries. Here is a closer look at each of them:

Anthill

Focusing on a growing need in the ever-expanding virtual workspace, Anthill provides personal and actionable workforce communication and development software. Anthill was founded by Muriel Clauson and Young-Jae Kim and is headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. @anthillai | Facebook | LinkedIn

Prisidio

Prisidio is a cloud-based platform that helps organize, manage, and share key documents and information, making it easier to keep affairs in order. Founded by Glenn Shimkus and Paul Koziarz, the startup seeks to relieve concerns about digital data storage. @prisidio_inc | Facebook

CASHDROP

CASHDROP provides a mobile commerce platform, allowing businesses to create an online storefront from their phone in less than 15 minutes, with no commissions or monthly fees. @getcashdrop | Facebook | LinkedIn

Science On Call

Aiding restaurants with tech support needs, Science On Call is a subscription-based platform that provides assistance with POS, internet, Wi-Fi, online ordering, and more. @scienceoncall | Facebook | LinkedIn

Super.tech

Super.tech is at the forefront of quantum computing with their development of software that bridges the gap between applications and hardware. @SupertechLabs | LinkedIn

The Collaboratory

Through AI-powered search, summarization, and recommendation tools, The Collaboratory accelerates innovation in the field of biopharma. LinkedIn

CLEARBOX Decisions

Founded in 2020, CLEARBOX Decisions aims to enable business agility, speed, and transformation through their decision-making software. LinkedIn

Huvii

Offering an entertainment platform to bars, Huvii not only boosts revenue but also assists with customer acquisition and retention. @huvii_io | Facebook | LinkedIn

HumanCore

HumanCore is reshaping the future, focusing purely on the rapidly evolving software industry. Facebook | LinkedIn

Collab.Land

Collab.Land aims to foster innovation in the software sector, extending its influence to solutions for community harmony and financial development. @Collab_Land_ | Facebook

iCareBilling

iCareBilling provides a multitude of healthcare Information technology services, from medical billing and practice management to provider enrollment, credentialing, and web design services. @icarebilling | Facebook | LinkedIn

All these startups have transformed the software industry in Chicago, showcasing that the city is not just the Windy City, but also an emerging hub for software-related innovation.