Driven ByPrinciples of InnovationThe goal of the Chicago Innovation Awards is to recognize, educate and inspire.Hardik Bhatt
Appointed in February 2006, Hardik is the Chief Information Officer for the City of Chicago and the Commissioner for City's Department of Innovation & Technology.
Hardik strives to implement Mayor Daley's vision of a city government that benefits from an assimilation of best practices from both the public sector and the private industry by raising the level of service provided to citizens, businesses and tourists.
Hardik manages City's technology investment with an annual budget of $150 Million and a team of 250 employees and consultants.
Hardik leads Mayor's charge for universal and affordable broadband for all Chicagoans through various initiatives. Hardik also spearheads Mayor Daley's vision of career academies in the technology sector, with the first technology academy, supported by more than 80 large and small businesses, opening its doors in fall 2009.
Hardik chairs Mayor Daley's council of Technology Advisors comprised of leading CIO's of the region including Boeing, Bexter, CNA, Exelon, and Aon.
Prior to joining the public sector, Hardik worked as a consultant with Oracle corporation in the US and Tata Consultancy Services (TCS) in India.
Hardik has an MBA from Kellogg and Bachelor degree in Computer Science from India.