Looking to keep tech talent, Emanuel to start competition

The Chicago Sun-Times reports:

Bemoaning the loss of PayPal and YouTube, which started in Chicago and left for Silicon Valley, Mayor Rahm Emanuel has been on a three-year mission to prevent the “next big thing” from getting away.

Now, he’s upping the ante — by launching a nationwide competition for companies started by college students and offering free office space, mentoring and advice to 10 winners.

Winners of the “Chicago College Start-Up Competition” will get “full-time desks” for one year and all of the advice that comes with it at 1871, the Merchandise Mart startup center that helps connect entrepreneurs to would-be investors, mentors, partners and peers.

No word yet on whether free parking is included because it might cost you $30 a day to park around the Merchandise Mart.