Chicago Biomedical Consortium

The CBC exists to turn great science into successful, sustainable companies that can scale right here in the Midwest. We've built a network of world-class universities, including Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, the University of Illinois Chicago, and other Midwest institutions, to source the best science and accelerate the path from academic lab to patient benefit. Today, we are operating as a nonprofit venture studio that brings industry discipline to university research. We identify high-potential programs, apply milestone-based funding, and embed experienced operators to build investable biotech companies rooted in Illinois. ****CBC History**** The Chicago Biomedical Consortium (CBC) was founded in 2001 through the vision and philanthropy of Dan Searle, who believed that collaboration among Chicago's leading universities, Northwestern University, the University of Chicago, and the University of Illinois Chicago, could drive scientific progress beyond what any one institution could achieve alone. Backed by The Chicago Community Trust, faculty leaders formed a Strategic Planning Group to create an organization dedicated to breaking down institutional barriers and uniting researchers across the city. The CBC's first major initiative in 2003-a shared research infrastructure project-set the tone for its mission of collaboration, resulting in the establishment of the Proteomics and Informatics Service Facility at UIC in 2005. With consistent and visionary support from the Searle Funds at The Chicago Community Trust, the CBC evolved through multiple funding phases, each deepening its impact on Chicago's scientific community. **Addressing Translational Bottlenecks** Working across nine universities in Illinois, we deliver the resources and expertise, with a patient capital approach, that are critical to addressing early-stage challenges and nurturing high-impact science to become translationally viable. Our unique Greenhouse model fills the gap where venture capital can't yet go: replication studies, target validation, fit-for-purpose models, and IND-enabling plans-the essential, unprofitable work that turns promising biology into investable reality. **Economic Development & Ecosystem Building** Our approach builds more than companies, it builds capability. not just companies but capability. We're developing the next generation of biotech innovation and training a new generation of translational operators. The result is a self-reinforcing ecosystem: discoveries become investable ventures, ventures create skilled jobs, and those jobs anchor Illinois' growth as a credible life-sciences hub.