How a Chicago educator turned 20 years of mentorship into an ed-tech startup.

At SXSW, Legion Space took first place at TechRise’s Emerging Tech Competition, earning $25,000 in funding for its innovative satellite software platform. Designed to bring AI and real-time decision-making to space operations, LegionKIT addresses major inefficiencies in how satellite data is used. The win marks a significant step forward as the company prepares for its first in-flight demonstration.

A free small business expo on Thursday in South Chicago will offer info sessions for business owners, professional headshots, networking and a chance to watch a pitch competition that will award $25,000 to one entrepreneur.

At the TechRise Season 5 kickoff, Bernagene took the stage alongside four other female founders to pitch to a live audience. After the presentations, the judges deliberated and awarded The Dev Difference the top prize

Six founders of Chicago-area startups will compete for a $100,000 grand prize on Thursday at a live pitch competition in the West Loop.

This was the third season of TechRise, the diversity initiative created by local tech organization P33 that aims to support Chicago's underrepresented founders.