One Wednesday each month, data enthusiasts from across Chicago converge on Fulton Market for an evening of innovation and conversation at Chicago Data Night. Co-hosted by Drive Capital, ChiData, and the Data Science Institute (DSI) at Drive Capital’s offices overlooking the city, the series draws attendees from diverse backgrounds: seasoned industry professionals looking to stay current with the latest developments, social impact data scientists looking to expand their networks and expertise, students just beginning their data science journey, and individuals curious about how data is shaping the world today.

At each session, an expert from fields ranging from established industry, emerging startups, government, academia, and everything in between leads the group through the ways they’re using data to power advances in their fields. In addition to giving participants a glimpse into different industries and new ideas, the event also aims to build the Chicago data community by creating space and time for networking – allowing participants and speakers to connect and explore new collaborations and ideas. 

This past year, Chicago Data Night showcased the breadth of innovation happening right here in Chicago, spotlighting experts applying data science on topics including unique approaches to cybersecurity, advancing responsible AI in financial services, modernizing city government, what it will take to build responsible AI, and more.

Since the inaugural Data Night in October 2023, Data Night has grown into a gathering place for the Chicago data science community, with events drawing more than 350 local data practitioners and enthusiasts in the 2024-25 academic year alone. The event serves as a unique forum to share cutting-edge developments and explore real-world applications of data science research.  

Representing industries from major companies like Walgreens Boots Alliance and Discover Financial Services to innovative startups and city government, the series reflected the truly interdisciplinary nature of data science. To learn more about the individual speakers and their presentations, visit the Data Night website.

The partnership between ChiData, Drive Capital, and the DSI represents a commitment to both cutting-edge research and practical implementation. Said Landon Campbell, the Chicago General Manager at Drive Capital, “The goal of Chicago Data Night is to foster a community at the intersection of industry and academia, where practitioners and academics can come together to share ideas and cross pollinate. Over the past year, it’s really grown into a thriving group, with representation from all sides.” 

“We envisioned these gatherings as an opportunity to connect academia and industry. It’s remarkable how, in the space of less than two years, the event has become a community venue for that,” said Chris Zhu, PhD Candidate at the University of Chicago on the ChiData team and event organizer, adding, “It wouldn’t have been possible without the support of Drive Capital.” 

The partnership is proud to continue hosting the Chicago Data Night event series for 2025-2026. Join us at Drive Capital on September 24th as we kick off a new year of Chicago Data Night with Assistant Professor Haifeng Xu (RSVP here) and October 22nd.

To stay updated about the next Chicago Data Night, register at the Chicago Data Night Meetup group. For more information on other upcoming Data Science Institute events, visit the DSI Events page.