In a significant development for Chicago's tech ecosystem, global cybersecurity firm Fortinet inaugurated its innovation hub in the city's West Loop on Tuesday, Sept. 10. The event marked a $30 million investment, highlighting Chicago's growing appeal to high-tech enterprises.
Business and civic leaders, including Vice Mayor , Chamber President and CEO , and Lieutenant Governor , attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony at Fortinet's Randolph Street building. Their presence underscored the city's commitment to fostering innovation and attracting world-class technology firms.
Fortinet CEO emphasized the importance of long-term commitments to local regions as part of the company's strategy. "Our long-term investment, whether in the infrastructure, the technology, or the local commitment to customer, help us make the best partnership with the local community — and the loyalty to the partner customer is critical to us," he said.
Burnett expressed gratitude for Fortinet's move to Chicago and highlighted potential benefits for the broader business community. "We want to just say thank you very much for coming to the city of Chicago. The city is here to help you — we want to help you grow, we want to help you expand," Burnett stated. "And we want to help you connect with those markets outside of the city of Chicago and bring some of that business back here."
Lavin remarked on Fortinet's substantial commitment by purchasing a 90,000 square foot building for an innovation hub and data center in West Loop. "With its purchase of a 90,000 square foot building for a new innovation hub and data center here in the booming West Loop, Fortinet is making a bold statement," Lavin said. "And that statement says, 'We believe in Chicago and we're here for the long haul.'"
Lavin also noted Fortinet’s contributions through donations to Women in Cybersecurity’s Chicago chapters and Blue Star Families.
Lieutenant Governor Stratton provided a broader perspective on Illinois' ability to attract innovative companies due to its robust foundation supporting cutting-edge ventures. Stratton also mentioned We Thrive, an initiative by Pritzker administration focused on women’s economic empowerment: “This space right here will help close the skills gap for women in cybersecurity. And that is truly something to celebrate.”
The ceremony concluded with a ribbon-cutting outside, symbolizing not just a new business opening but also embracing a partnership aimed at securing a prosperous digital future.