Chicago’s northern suburbs have long been known for their family-friendly neighborhoods and excellent schools—but they’re also quietly becoming a rising force in the Midwest tech ecosystem. Towns like Deerfield, Lincolnshire, Vernon Hills, Buffalo Grove, and Wheeling are transforming into vibrant hubs for technology-driven companies, offering modern infrastructure, access to top-tier talent, and proximity to Chicago’s global network.
Deerfield: Healthcare Meets High-Tech
While Deerfield is traditionally associated with healthcare giants, it’s also a place where healthcare and tech converge. Baxter International and Walgreens Boots Alliance are not just pharmaceutical or retail companies—they’re investing heavily in digital transformation, data analytics, and automation.
Nearby, the Oracle Innovation Lab is one of the most exciting developments in Deerfield’s tech scene. This 18,000-square-foot facility acts as a real-world showcase for smart construction technology, AI, robotics, and IoT applications. It demonstrates how Deerfield is positioning itself as a place where cutting-edge ideas are not just tested—they’re brought to life.
Lincolnshire: Cloud, Cybersecurity, and Enterprise Tech
Just north of Deerfield, Lincolnshire has quietly become a go-to destination for enterprise tech and professional services. Alight Solutions, a major player in cloud-based human capital management, anchors the village’s tech presence. With a focus on AI-driven employee benefits and payroll platforms, Alight employs hundreds of tech professionals in areas like machine learning, UX design, and software development.
Lincolnshire is also home to Camping World’s tech and data teams, who support its vast e-commerce and logistics systems, and Sysmex America, a diagnostic equipment company that integrates cloud software into laboratory testing systems.
Vernon Hills: Hardware and IT Solutions
Vernon Hills brings serious muscle to the region’s tech economy through companies like CDW, a Fortune 500 tech reseller and IT solutions provider. Though CDW is now headquartered in Lincolnshire, it maintains a strong operational footprint in Vernon Hills. From cybersecurity and cloud infrastructure to hybrid work solutions, CDW’s influence extends across North America.
Vernon Hills also supports mid-sized software firms and startups in fields like B2B platforms, healthtech, and logistics automation—many of which benefit from the area’s business-friendly zoning and flexible industrial spaces.
Buffalo Grove: R&D and Automation
Buffalo Grove’s growing tech scene leans toward manufacturing technology and industrial automation. Companies like Nihon Kohden Innovation Center, specializing in medical monitoring systems, and Covenant Animal Health, which uses data and diagnostics to improve animal care, highlight the town’s blend of biotech and software.
Buffalo Grove also supports several R&D divisions focused on smart sensors, analytics platforms, and process optimization for industrial clients.
Wheeling: Aerospace and Emerging Tech
Wheeling is building a reputation in tech-adjacent fields like aerospace engineering and food-tech. Located near Chicago Executive Airport, the village attracts aviation electronics firms and startups working on drone technology, flight management software, and automation tools. Companies like SGS Galson and HandCut Foods are also integrating smart technologies into environmental testing and food production, respectively.
Conclusion:
From cloud computing to biotech and industrial automation, the north suburbs of Chicago are carving out a significant place in the region’s tech ecosystem. For companies seeking top talent, supportive local governments, and proximity to the Chicago metro, these towns offer a compelling case as the next great tech corridor.