Founded in 2020, Ascent is a venture-backed building the unifying dashboard for high-intensity, small unit tactics. Our platform informs incident command where their operators are, how they are doing, and maps the space. This is done through localization of the operator at the scene, reporting biometric data, pre-planning the interior floor design and relaying all this in real time to incident command. During high-risk operations, we ensure that incident command has the necessary information to make for more informed decisions and tasks can be accomplished as efficiently and safely as possible. 

None of this would be possible without our customers. Since our founding, we have conducted over 1,700 customer discovery interviews with fire departments across the United States. We currently have 22 members on our Fire Advisory Board to help guide us in our mission.

Ascent offers the opportunity to make a difference in the world by developing technology that helps keep our heroes safe with embedded technology that allows location and health transparency. At Ascent, you’ll work with engineers from all different backgrounds to collaborate on our tech. Turn your passion into practical solutions that will improve the lives of first responders and warfighters. 

Our team is currently 25 members strong. We currently have two offices, one in UIUC’s Research Park and the other in Chicago in the heart of Fulton Market. Our Chicago office is in an old Chicago Fire Dispatch Center, and includes free street parking, access to a gym on site, and a coffee shop. This office is conveniently located near public transportation which includes access to the green, pink, and blue lines as well as various bus stops. 

What does this mean for you? We are well-resourced, but we’re a lean, strong team- so you’ve got the opportunity for growth. As a new member on the team, your role will be to explain the “How?,” while more experienced team members will explain the “Why?” We value accomplishment over perfection, meaning errors or action are preferred to errors of inaction. As a member of the team, you will be expected to take full ownership of your role.