Innovate Springfield cultivates entrepreneurial ventures, develops talent, and serves as a thought leader for innovation in our region.

Innovate Springfield is the university-led business incubator at the University of Illinois Springfield. It's also a hub of the Illinois Innovation Network—supporting entrepreneurs, strengthening the workforce, and driving economic growth across Illinois.

Innovate Springfield office

Events, Workshops, and Entrepreneur Resources

Stay Connected to Springfield’s Innovation Community

Continuing education, networking opportunities and hands-on workshops at Innovate Springfield can help our Springfield community grow. Check out our calendar of events and register for an upcoming event today!

Calendar of Events

Social Entrepreneurship & Community Innovation

Building Healthy, Inclusive Communities Through Innovation

Innovate Springfield is a catalyst for entrepreneurship, innovation, and economic growth in central Illinois. Located in downtown Springfield, we bring together startups, creators, and social changemakers in a collaborative environment where ideas become viable businesses and solutions strengthen communities.

UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD

Business Incubation

Through expert-led programming, workshops, and access to legal and financial consulting, we help founders navigate the challenges of launching and growing a successful venture—alongside a supportive community of peers.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD

Social Entrepreneurship

By strengthening communities and advancing equity-driven innovation, we help entrepreneurs create meaningful, lasting impact.
UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS SPRINGFIELD

Coworking

Our coworking space offers a professional, collaborative environment for innovators who want to work alongside like-minded founders while staying connected to Springfield’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Want to be in the know?

Be the first to know about workshops, pitch competitions, networking events and opportunities for students and entrepreneurs in Springfield.

Sign up for our newsletter

News

Man speaking to an audience in a conference room.
Feb 25, 2026
AI workshop series to support local businesses
Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown hub for business incubation and talent development, is launching a six-week artificial...
Two men discussing work at a desk with a laptop in an office setting.
Feb 09, 2026
Illinois Small Business Development Center and Innovate Springfield expand entrepreneur support
The Illinois Small Business Development Center for Central Illinois (SBDC), hosted by the Small Business Growth Corporation, and Innovate Springfield have...
Young woman works on a laptop at a high-rise office window with earbuds, water bottle, and phone nearby.
Sep 29, 2025
UIS Innovate Springfield to launch University of Illinois Founders Week
Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, will host Founders Day on Tuesday, Oct. 7, as the...
Horace Mann building in downtown Springfield at sunset, with trees and sidewalks in the foreground.
Jul 02, 2025
UIS Innovation Center leasing space at Horace Mann to grow programs that support economic development
The University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Center will lease space at Horace Mann’s downtown Springfield campus to expand programs that support...
Paul Magelli
Ene 28, 2025
Innovate Springfield to host February events featuring serial entrepreneur Paul Magelli
Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown business incubator, will host a series of events in February featuring Paul Magelli, a...
Top Hat Hackers Hackathon
Ene 17, 2025
Top Hat Hackers Hackathon
Calling all tech innovators in Central Illinois! If you are a current University of Illinois Springfield student, University of Illinois System student, or...