Top 10 AI Development Companies in Illinois Driving Innovation in 2025
Illinois is not just the Land of Lincoln—it’s fast becoming the Land of Machine Learning. In 2025, the state is leading the charge in AI innovation, with a powerhouse lineup of companies pushing the boundaries of automation, data science, and intelligent systems.
From the skyscrapers of Chicago to the growing tech hubs in Urbana-Champaign and Naperville, these AI companies are redefining what’s possible. Whether it’s healthcare, finance, logistics, or customer service, they are turning bold ideas into real-world solutions using the power of artificial intelligence. Many are also extending their innovations into e-commerce marketing, helping businesses boost customer engagement, streamline sales, and drive measurable growth in the digital economy.
In this list, we spotlight 10 cutting-edge AI development companies in Illinois that are setting trends, solving complex problems, and helping shape the digital future—not just in the Midwest, but worldwide.
1. Tempus Inc.
Born in 2015 in response to a deeply personal healthcare journey, Tempus AI, Inc. (formerly Tempus Labs) is headquartered in Chicago and driven by a mission: to transform medicine through intelligence. Using massive multimodal data—spanning genomics, imaging, and clinical records—Tempus empowers physicians and researchers with insights that drive early detection, targeted treatment, and smarter patient care.
We built the platform for oncology and have expanded it to neuropsychiatry, cardiology, infectious disease (through COVID), and radiology. Despite our rapid growth, our mission remains the same—to help make sure patients are on the right drug at the right time, so they can live longer and healthier lives.
Services
- x‑Series Assays
xM: A liquid biopsy assay for monitoring immunotherapy response in advanced tumors.
xH: A whole-genome sequencing test for hematologic cancers, currently RUO (research use only), coming soon clinically. - Algos
A suite of AI-based diagnostics, including IPS (Immune Profile Score), Homologous Recombination Deficiency detection, Tumor Origin classifiers, pharmacogenomic tools (DPYD, UGT1A1), and PurIST for pancreatic cancer profiling. - Lens
A powerful analytics platform providing real-world, multimodal data for research and insights. - Next
An AI-driven care pathway tool to identify and close treatment gaps, now extended into specialized areas like breast cancer. - Tempus One
A generative AI assistant built on proprietary LLM (Agent Builder), designed to sift through unstructured patient data and EHRs—empowering clinicians and researchers alike.
Tempus AI isn’t just crunching data—it’s reinventing healthcare. Combining game-changing acquisitions (Ambry, Deep 6 AI), a futuristic diagnostic engine (Fuses), and trailblazing AI tools (Tempus One, Algos, x‑H), the company is building an ecosystem where every patient benefits from the accumulated wisdom of millions of records. With strong financial momentum, high-profile investors, and a bold vision rooted in compassion, Tempus is redefining what precision medicine can achieve.
2. HatchWorks AI
Address: 110 N Wacker Dr, Suite 3500, Chicago, IL 60606
Delivers end-to-end AI-powered software development, data engineering, and strategic AI consulting to accelerate digital transformation.
HatchWorks AI is a leading AI software consultancy with headquarters in Atlanta and a significant presence in Chicago, Dallas, and Latin America. Their expertise lies in designing and building AI-native applications that integrate seamlessly with existing systems, helping businesses harness the full potential of AI technologies. Using their proprietary Generative-Driven Development™ framework, HatchWorks accelerates innovation by creating custom AI agents, automating workflows, and modernizing legacy software with cutting-edge solutions.
Their services cover the entire AI lifecycle—from crafting tailored AI strategies and roadmaps to implementing robust MLOps practices and governance models. The company also excels at data engineering, building scalable, secure pipelines and data platforms that prepare organizations to fully capitalize on AI insights. HatchWorks supports businesses through AI training and workshops, empowering teams to become proficient in AI adoption.
A highlight of their innovation portfolio is GenIQ, an AI-driven process intelligence engine that analyzes operational data from tools like Jira, GitHub, and Azure DevOps to pinpoint inefficiencies, recommend AI automation opportunities, and measure ROI. Recognized with multiple industry awards, HatchWorks AI stands out for blending strategic vision, technical expertise, and a collaborative culture that consistently delivers transformative outcomes.
3. Packback
Packback is revolutionizing the way students engage with learning by combining artificial intelligence with educational psychology. Founded with the vision of fostering curiosity and critical thinking, Packback’s AI-powered platform supports students in asking deeper, more insightful questions, transforming classrooms into vibrant, interactive learning communities. Headquartered in Chicago, Packback serves thousands of educators and hundreds of thousands of students nationwide.
Services
- Custom Integrations
- Community Building
- Instructor Tools
- AI-Enabled Questioning Platform
Innovations & Impact
- Packback leverages natural language processing and machine learning to assess question quality and provide real-time feedback—helping students develop critical thinking skills essential for academic success and lifelong learning.
- The platform has demonstrated improved student engagement, higher retention rates, and enhanced learning outcomes across diverse institutions.
- Packback’s emphasis on curiosity-driven learning has made it a standout solution in EdTech, recognized by awards such as the EdTech Digest and CODiE Awards.
Packback is more than an EdTech tool; it’s a catalyst for cultivating curiosity and deeper understanding in students. By seamlessly blending AI with education, Packback equips both learners and educators with the tools to spark meaningful inquiry, promote active learning, and ultimately elevate academic achievement. With its innovative approach and strong market presence, Packback is reshaping the future of classroom engagement.
4. Uptake
At the intersection of industry and innovation, Uptake leads the charge in redefining how industrial companies harness data. Based in Chicago, Uptake empowers enterprises in sectors like energy, manufacturing, and transportation to anticipate challenges before they arise. By transforming vast sensor data into crystal-clear insights, Uptake helps businesses shift from reactive fixes to proactive strategies that boost uptime and operational excellence.
Services
- AI-Powered Recommendations
- Operational Intelligence
- Asset Optimization
- Predictive Failure Alerts
In a world where every second of downtime counts, Uptake transforms raw data into a powerful ally for industry leaders. Their predictive AI capabilities unlock unprecedented foresight, enabling companies to operate safer, smarter, and more efficiently. Positioned at the forefront of the industrial AI revolution, Uptake is not just a technology provider—it’s a strategic partner fueling the future of intelligent operations.
5. Hoppr
Delivers secure, scalable AI infrastructure for building, fine-tuning, and deploying medical imaging models with regulatory-grade precision.
HOPPR is a Chicago-based AI infrastructure company focused on transforming medical imaging by equipping developers and healthcare vendors with the tools to build clinically compliant, high-performing AI models. Founded by experts in radiology and artificial intelligence, HOPPR offers a robust platform designed to support the entire AI development lifecycle—from dataset preparation to inference APIs—all with strict adherence to healthcare regulations like HIPAA.
Their platform includes foundation models pre-trained on vast, diverse datasets, giving developers a head start in building imaging applications. Through seamless fine-tuning capabilities, secure data pipelines, and integrated compliance workflows, HOPPR enables faster deployment of diagnostic models for use in real clinical environments. The company’s infrastructure also supports version tracking, data provenance, and automated documentation to meet regulatory and quality assurance standards.
One of their key innovations is the Marie Curie Chest Radiography model, available via API for classification and inferencing. HOPPR also partners with leaders like DeepHealth (a RadNet company) to co-develop advanced AI tools for early cancer detection across lung, breast, and prostate imaging. With recent Series A funding of $31.5M, HOPPR is rapidly scaling its platform, expanding model capabilities, and becoming a foundational player in the clinical AI ecosystem.
HOPPR stands out for its specialized focus, regulatory-grade rigor, and deep industry collaboration—making it a trusted infrastructure partner for any healthcare organization aiming to bring medical imaging AI to life.
6. QualSights
QualSights is an award-winning consumer insights platform based in Chicago that helps brands deeply understand how people behave, decide, and use products in real-world environments. Their technology enables companies to observe in-the-moment behaviors and reactions through a powerful combination of mobile video, smart sensors, and artificial intelligence—offering authentic, data-rich insights that traditional research methods often miss. Alongside these innovations, QualSights also supports paid social media services, helping brands translate consumer insights into impactful campaigns and measurable digital growth.
Unlike standard surveys or focus groups, QualSights lets brands capture rich, contextual feedback from participants using mobile ethnography tools and remote video capture. This allows companies to see exactly how customers interact with products in their homes or in-store, unlocking a more accurate and empathetic view of consumer needs, preferences, and pain points.
Their platform also includes AI-powered analytics that help researchers quickly identify behavioral patterns, emotional cues, and product opportunities—saving time and driving faster decision-making. From in-home usage testing to concept validation, shopper journey tracking, and product usage studies, QualSights provides a full-service ecosystem that blends qualitative depth with quantitative intelligence.
Trusted by leading global brands such as Nestlé, PepsiCo, Clorox, and Estée Lauder, QualSights has also been recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the U.S. Their ability to deliver deep human understanding at scale makes them a go-to partner for innovation, brand strategy, and product development teams.
QualSights stands at the intersection of human insight and AI innovation—empowering brands to make smarter, faster, and more empathetic decisions. With its real-time research capabilities and scalable technology, QualSights gives companies the ability to observe the unfiltered truth behind consumer behavior, turning raw moments into meaningful strategies that drive growth.
7. HealthJoy
HealthJoy is a Chicago-based healthcare technology company that empowers employees to easily and confidently navigate their benefits. By integrating various healthcare services into a single, user-friendly platform, HealthJoy helps employees make informed decisions about their health, leading to better outcomes and reduced costs for employers.
Services
- Connected Navigation Platform
- Virtual Care Services
- Chronic and Musculoskeletal Care
- Surgery Centers of Excellence
- Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
- Integrations
HealthJoy is redefining the employee healthcare experience by providing a comprehensive, integrated platform that simplifies access to care and benefits. With a focus on cost containment and improved health outcomes, HealthJoy is a valuable partner for employers seeking to enhance their benefits offerings and support their employees’ well-being.
8. ModelOp
ModelOp is a Chicago-based enterprise software company specializing in AI governance. Founded in 2016, ModelOp addresses the critical need for large organizations to operationalize diverse AI models—ranging from machine learning and regression models to generative AI and embedded systems—while ensuring strict governance and compliance. Their flagship platform, ModelOp Center, serves as a centralized hub for managing the entire AI lifecycle, providing visibility, control, and automation to safeguard AI initiatives without stifling innovation.
Services
- Comprehensive AI Governance Platform
- Automated Compliance and Risk Management
- AI Portfolio Intelligence
- Out-of-the-Box Integrations and Templates
ModelOp is redefining AI governance by providing enterprises with the tools and frameworks needed to manage AI initiatives responsibly and at scale. By offering a comprehensive, automated, and compliant solution, ModelOp empowers organizations to harness the full potential of AI while mitigating risks and ensuring accountability. As AI continues to evolve, ModelOp stands at the forefront, enabling enterprises to innovate with confidence and responsibility.
9. Compose AI
Compose AI is redefining how individuals and teams approach writing in the modern digital workspace. Based on cutting-edge language models and designed with usability at its core, Compose AI is a browser-based writing assistant that seamlessly integrates with users’ daily workflows—whether they’re crafting emails, drafting reports, replying to chats, or generating marketing copy. Instead of toggling between apps or typing every word manually, users get instant suggestions, smart rephrasing, and even full-sentence generation—right where they’re working.
What sets Compose AI apart is its deep focus on productivity and personalization. The platform adapts to your unique writing style, learns from your usage patterns, and eliminates repetitive typing through intelligent autocomplete features. Whether you’re a busy executive handling hundreds of emails a day or a marketer juggling multiple content tasks, Compose AI acts as a frictionless writing partner—helping you write better, faster, and with more confidence. With growing adoption among individuals and businesses alike, Compose AI is leading the charge toward an AI-enhanced future of communication.
Services
- Privacy First Design
- Works Across Your Workflow
- Instant Email Compose & Reply
- Smart Rewrite & Tone Adjustment
- Contextual Autocomplete Everywhere
Compose AI isn’t just an autocomplete tool—it’s your writing sidekick, eager to help you draft, polish, and communicate with clarity and speed. Whether you’re firing off emails, notes, or document drafts, Compose AI streamlines the process while preserving your unique tone. Trusted by professionals, teams, and creators alike, it’s a must-have for anyone looking to let AI do the typing—so you can focus on thinking.
10. XSELL Technologies
Founded in 2014 by seasoned leaders from the sales and tech industries, XSELL Technologies emerged from Chicago with a bold mission: to make every customer interaction feel like it’s handled by the company’s best ambassador. Their AI-driven platform listens and learns from users’ frontline superstars, then scales those proven behaviors to all agents—ensuring consistency, empathy, and brand alignment in real time. Their vision? Augmentation, not automation. The company is rapidly growing, recently announcing plans to hire over 500 team members in Chicago across data science, engineering, and product roles.
Services
- Agent Experience
- Supervisor Experience
- Human-in-the-Loop AI Model
- Cross-Channel Integration & Scalability
XSELL Technologies isn’t just another AI vendor—it’s the engine behind real, human-first customer engagement. By capturing top-agent excellence and turning it into scalable, AI-powered support, XSELL ensures every agent feels—and acts—like the best. With deep roots in Chicago’s tech scene, attention-grabbing performance metrics, and an emphasis on human-AI harmony, XSELL is forging the future of contact center excellence—one conversation at a time.
AI Leaders Breakdown: Features, Focus & Strengths
Tempus AI
Core Focus: AI-driven precision medicine and cancer diagnostics
Strengths: Genomics + real-time clinical data + AI
HatchWorks AI
Core Focus: AI-native app development and strategy consulting
Strengths: Custom AI agents, GenIQ insights, full lifecycle services
Packback
Core Focus: AI-enabled discussion and writing platform for education
Strengths: Curiosity-based learning with writing coaching AI
Uptake
Core Focus: Industrial AI and predictive maintenance for heavy industries
Strengths: Asset performance optimization with big data
HOPPR
Core Focus: Regulatory-ready AI infrastructure for medical imaging
Strengths: Compliance-first AI, foundation models, secure pipelines
QualSights
Core Focus: AI-powered qualitative market research with video data
Strengths: Natural consumer behavior tracking through visual AI
HealthJoy
Core Focus: Care navigation platform for employee health benefits
Strengths: Unified benefits access, virtual care, employee assistance programs
ModelOp
Core Focus: Enterprise AI governance and risk management software
Strengths: Centralized control over models, policy automation
Compose AI
Core Focus: AI-powered writing tool with autocomplete and rewrite tools
Strengths: Browser extension, fast copywriting, contextual tone control
XSELL Technologies
Core Focus: AI for real-time customer service coaching and sales enablement
Strengths: Top-agent behavior modeling, live agent assistance
Key AI Statistics
- Top 10 AI Hub – Illinois accounts for 8% of all U.S. AI job postings.
- Competitive Salaries – Average annual salary for AI roles is ~$115,000.
- AI Workforce Growth – AI-related hiring continues to rise across Chicago and beyond.
- Tempus AI Impact – Chicago-based Tempus AI employs 2,300+ professionals.
- Sector Expansion – AI is booming in healthcare, education, logistics, and enterprise software.
- Startup Magnet – Illinois is attracting VC-backed AI startups with regulatory-friendly infrastructure and top-tier universities.
FAQs
- Why is Illinois a hub for AI development?
Illinois offers a strong talent pool, world-class universities, and a thriving startup ecosystem—especially in Chicago—making it ideal for AI innovation. - What industries benefit most from Illinois AI companies?
Healthcare, manufacturing, education, finance, and logistics are among the top sectors leveraging AI solutions from Illinois-based firms. - How do AI companies in Illinois support healthcare innovation?
Companies like Tempus and HOPPR develop AI-driven tools for diagnostics, treatment planning, and medical imaging to improve patient outcomes. - Are Illinois AI firms focused only on startups?
No, they serve a broad range from startups to Fortune 500 companies, offering services like AI consulting, software development, and model governance. - What makes HatchWorks AI unique?
HatchWorks specializes in end-to-end AI application development and strategic consulting, accelerating digital transformation for enterprises.
Conclusion
Illinois stands out as a vibrant hub for AI innovation, blending deep technical expertise with diverse industry applications. The top 10 AI companies featured here exemplify how the state is pushing the boundaries—from precision healthcare and industrial optimization to educational technology and enterprise AI governance. With a dynamic mix of startups and established firms, Illinois is not only fostering technological breakthroughs but also creating impactful solutions that resonate globally. As AI continues to evolve in 2025 and beyond, these companies are well-positioned to lead the charge, driving transformative growth and setting new standards in artificial intelligence. Many are also complementing their innovations with ppc services, enabling businesses to expand visibility, generate leads, and achieve measurable results in competitive markets.
Mitesh Patel is the co-founder of 247 Digital Marketing, LawFirm Marketing and a columnist. He helps companies like Emerson and other top Fortune 500 compnies to grow their revenue.
