Upcoming Events, Courses, and Talks
Whether you’re looking for something educational or fun, mHUB produces events and classes that inform and inspire.
Never Miss a New Course!
NSF and DoD run some of the strongest non-dilutive grant funding programs for hardtech founders, but the process often seems anything but founder-friendly. Between dense applications, shifting administration priorities, and competitive proposal reviews, it's hard to know where to start. This comprehensive workshop cuts through the noise to give you a clear path to securing federal funding for your innovation.
SBIR and STTR programs represent billions in annual funding specifically designated for small businesses developing cutting-edge technologies. For hardware startups, these grants can provide crucial runway without diluting equity—funding that can mean the difference between a prototype gathering dust and a product reaching market. Yet many founders either don't know these opportunities exist or find the application process too daunting to pursue.
We'll decode the federal funding landscape, breaking down the differences between Phase I, Phase II, and Phase III opportunities, explaining the nuances between SBIR and STTR structures, and highlighting lesser-known programs that may be perfect fits for your technology. You'll learn how to translate complex technical innovations into compelling narratives that resonate with review panels, structure budgets that pass scrutiny, and avoid common pitfalls that sink otherwise strong proposals.
About the Organization
Scout Climate is dedicated to accelerating climate innovation by connecting founders, funders, and resources across the climate tech ecosystem. They provide comprehensive support for climate entrepreneurs through education, networking, and access to capital. Scout Climate's mission centers on making climate innovation more accessible and actionable, helping founders navigate the complex landscape of climate tech development and funding. Their programs focus on bridging gaps between technical innovation and commercial viability, ensuring climate solutions can scale effectively to address our most pressing environmental challenges
Venue
Virtual Viz Zoom
Location
Date and Time
10/01/25 @ 11:00 AM
10/01/25 @ 11:00 AM
Tags
Business Viability
Women in Manufacturing
On Wednesday, October 8 2025, mHUB will host its next Women in Manufacturing event, which convenes hundreds of change-makers from across the country. At this event, startups, entrepreneurs, and industry come together to celebrate women in hardtech industries. The event features networking opportunities, insights from industry experts, and an interactive activity to close out the program.
mHUB Community BBQ
Join Chicago's tech community on Thursday, July 17, 2025 for the mHUB Community BBQ. This casual parking lot bash is all fun with food, music, drinks, family-friendly activities, and more. Over 1,000 innovators and tech enthusiasts descend upon the mHUB hardtech innovation center to join the summer sun, heat, and company.
mHUB HardTech Summit
The 2026 HardTech Summit will return on March 5, 2026, bringing together top hardtech entrepreneurs, startups, investors, and industry leaders to celebrate innovation in the Midwest. The HardTech Summit attracts over 1,200 entrepreneurs and public and private sector professionals at the intersection of manufacturing and innovation.

Fourth Revolution Awards
The Fourth Revolution Awards acknowledge outstanding hardtech entrepreneurs, community organizations, and manufacturers in the Midwest region that are driving technological advancement and social impact. The awards ceremony will close out the March 6, 2025 HardTech Summit. The nomination window will open in Q4 of 2025.
Resources Tailored to Your Unique Startup Roadmap
All classes and events are available to the public. Curriculum courses are tied to a specific track and stage of development, making connections to tools in the mHUB ecosystem to ensure members are maximizing the right resources at the right time.
To unlock auxiliary resources and pair learnings with hands-on guidance and tools, explore membership or Catalyze programs.
Explore Membership