Bosch recently opened a new 19,000-square-foot co-working space in Chicago's Merchandise Mart, called the Connectory, that will house startups and some employees. The facility, located on the fifth floor of the Mart, is jointly operated by Bosch and 1871. The companies are also partnering with local universities, including the School of the Art Institute and Northwestern University, to help mentor entrepreneurs.

Startups such as the IoT-security company, Xaptum, which already is an 1871 tenant, will move to the news pace. Bosch will also be offering training on IoT equipment like sensors and prototyping capability with 3D printers.

1871 is a hub for tech startups and recently celebrated its fifth anniversary. The Connectory is its most recent expansion, and Bosch is one of approximately 200 companies that have partnered with 1871.