Abin Kuriakose

Director of ChicagoNEXT, World Business Chicago

Born and raised in Chicago, Abin is a dynamic young professional who thrives at the intersection of policy, politics, and tech. Currently, Director of ChicagoNEXT at World Business Chicago (WBC) – the City of Chicago’s economic development organization chaired by the Mayor. Governed by a council of technology leaders, ChicagoNEXT is WBC’s dedicated effort to drive growth and opportunity for Chicago’s tech economy with strategic focus areas in venture capital, talent, industry and community impact. His portfolio of programs includes the Chicago Venture Summit, ThinkChicago, and the Blackstone Inclusive Entrepreneurship Challenge. Abin was previously the first ChicagoNEXT program manager from 2016-2018.

Before WBC, Abin was a public engagement strategist for 270 Strategies, founded by Obama 2012 advisors. Prior to that, he served as Deputy Chief of Staff, Director of Public Policy and Director of Community Engagement for the Cook County Board of Commissioners (Bridget Gainer – Tenth District). His work included public policy development, government relations, legislative affairs and community outreach for a district of 300,000+ constituents. Cook County, Illinois is the second-largest county in the United States with 5.2 million residents and an annual $5 billion+ budget.

Abin remains active in local politics and several civic initiatives. He currently serves as Senior Advisor for the Illinois Asian American Leaders Caucus and board secretary/executive committee member for the Indo-American Democratic Organization (IADO), one of the oldest South Asian political advocacy organizations in the country. Abin helped elected the first South Asian congressman and state legislator for the state of Illinois. He is a 2018 Civic Leadership Academy/CLA Fellow of the University of Chicago and a 2016 Fellow of New Leaders Council Chicago (NLC). He currently mentors graduate students at the University of Chicago’s Harris School of Public Policy.
Abin attended DePaul University’s Driehaus College of Business where he was recipient of the DePaul Scholars Award. In 2017, Abin was recognized as one of “35 under 35 Young Leaders Making An Impact” by Chicago Scholars. He’s a lifelong fan of the 2016 World Series Champions the Chicago Cubs.