IGNITE is Named Winner of the 24th Annual Chicago Innovation Awards

Chicago, IL— Ignite of Chicago, IL has been named one of the winners of the 24th annual Chicago Innovation Awards.

The winners were announced at this year’s event held on Thursday, November 13th at the UIC Forum. The annual Chicago Innovation Awards is the Chicago region’s foremost recognition of the most innovative new products or services brought to market each year.

Ignite received this honor for its Community Housing Program — a one-of-a-kind, youth-centered housing model that supports young people ages 18–24 as they transition from homelessness to independence. By offering a program that can last up to five years, young people are able to access stable housing and individualized support while they achieve educational and financial goals, set career plans, attend school, and take care of their health and wellness. The program also provides young people with the resources, relationships, and stability they need to build a strong future. *91% of youth residing at Ignite are employed or are enrolled in school and 80% exit Ignite to safe and stable housing. “The Chicago region leads the charge in innovation across many industries” said Luke Tanen, President and CEO of Chicago Innovation. “The 2025 winners are solving unmet needs and making an impact in B2B, B2C, healthcare, industrial, food and beverage, advertising, sports, entertainment, electronics, agriculture, climate, energy, workforce development, health & human services, and journalism.”

“We are honored to be recognized for a program built entirely around young people’s strengths, aspirations, and potential,” said Stephanie Piccirilli, President & CEO of Ignite. “Our Community Housing Program isn’t just about providing housing — it’s about walking alongside young people as they build stability, economic independence, and confidence. This recognition reinforces the importance of long-term, youth-centered solutions to ending homelessness so a young person can thrive.”

The winning organizations receive a variety of honors including the opportunity to ring the Nasdaq Bell in New York City.

315 organizations were nominated for this year’s awards. As a group, these nominees are responsible for generating over $4.2 billion in new revenues and creating over 2,300 jobs.

The complete list of this year’s Chicago Innovation Award winners can be found at www.chicagoinnovation.com.

Chicago Innovation is supported by over fifty sponsors, including Diamond Sponsors Accenture, Molex, the UL enterprise and Gold Sponsor Comcast Business.

More about Ignite: Through prevention, outreach, housing, education, employment, healthcare, and development of life skills, we empower youth experiencing homelessness to build independence, opportunity, and community. Our programs celebrate each young person’s potential and help them create the futures they deserve. Last year, over 800 youth were served, with 91% enrolled in school or employed.