Future of Commerce

FUTURE OF COMMERCE | JULY 20, 2026 @ KKC

Discover. Build. Launch.

The Future of
Commerce Summit | 2026

The Future of Commerce, Chicago’s premier business and technology summit, is taking place during TECHWEEK CHICAGO. This year's event will bring together innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from diverse industries.

The Future of Commerce aims to highlight the intersection of technology, entrepreneurship, and community impact.

From AI-powered workshops to a Maker Faire showcasing Chicago’s finest builders, this event is designed to inspire collaboration and spark new ventures!

What to Expect

The Next Gen AI Hackathon is a hands-on innovation challenge where entrepreneurs, students, creators, and community leaders collaborate to develop AI-powered solutions for real-world challenges. With guidance from industry mentors and AI experts, teams will turn bold ideas into impactful solutions that help shape the future of Chicago. No coding experience required—just curiosity, creativity, and a desire to make a difference.

Showcase your products, prototypes, inventions, and creative work at the Maker Faire Demo Market, a featured experience at the Future of Commerce Summit 2026. Bringing together makers, entrepreneurs, artisans, manufacturers, and innovators, this interactive marketplace is designed to connect you with customers, collaborators, and business opportunities during Tech Chicago Week.

Beyond the Next Gen AI Hackathon and Maker Faire Demo Market, the Future of Commerce Summit offers an evening of inspiring keynotes, thought-provoking panel discussions, networking opportunities, and more. Explore the latest in clean energy, entrepreneurship, workforce development, sustainability, and emerging technologies while connecting with leaders, creators, and changemakers who are shaping the future of business and community.

Jeff Nelson

KEYNOTE SPEAKER

Jeff Nelson is a technical entrepreneur and software architect reshaping how enterprises put AI to work. He is the Co-Founder and COO of Blavity Inc., the leading media and technology company for culture, innovation and community and home to AfroTech, the largest global gathering of innovators and inclusive tech companies. He is also the Founder and CEO of Cinchapi, a platform that turns fragmented data and AI into operations that run autonomously. He is the author of Hacking the Startup Paradox, a guide for founders navigating the contradictions of entrepreneurship. Across his ventures, Jeff has raised more than $12 million in venture funding, generated millions in recurring revenue, and created lasting opportunities for underrepresented communities. He also serves as a startup advisor, fractional CTO, and keynote speaker.

Keyante Aytch

HOST

Born and raised on the Southside of Chicago, Keyante is a solar energy system installer by trade. He got his start in the industry as a participant of the Chicago Urban League’s Solar Program. As a solar installation instructor, Keyante’s goal is to provide participants with enough knowledge and skills to be competitive candidates in the industry. When not instructing, Keyante runs a startup called Daze of Autonomy, installing Microgrid energy systems for landowners. With rising energy costs, ever present climate changes and increasing cyber attacks on critical infrastructure, Keyante believes decentralized energy infrastructure provides security and resilience our communities.

Natika Washington

NXT GEN AI HACKATHON

Natika Washington is the Founder & CEO of T.O.B.Y. Agency LLC — Tomorrow Owned By You — a B Corp- and DBE-WBE-VBE certified impact consultancy operating at the intersection of economic mobility, workforce development, and cross-sector strategy. A decorated U.S. Air Force veteran and former program designer for the Office of Global Women's Issues at the U.S. Department of State, Natika has designed and measured $70M+ in programs across 100+ countries. She also serves as Executive Director of Black Kids Predict, housed at Northwestern University's TIILT Lab, and is the founding force behind The GRIND Collective.

LIMITED SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE

Sponsoring the Future of Commerce Summit gives your brand direct access to a high-intent audience of business leaders, innovators, and decision-makers actively investing in growth, partnerships, and new solutions.

This is more than visibility, it’s: