Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, will host Founders Day on Tuesday, Oct. 7, as the kickoff to 2025 Founders Week events.
Founders Day is designed to shine a spotlight on entrepreneurship in Illinois. The event will bring together business founders, investors, government leaders and community members to share ideas, highlight local startups and discuss how to grow innovation across the state.
Traditionally celebrated on the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign campus, Founders Week will expand to Springfield this year with a day of activities that connect history, business and innovation. Events in Urbana-Champaign will follow Oct. 8-11.
UIS Founders Day programming will take place at the Horace Mann Building and the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum in downtown Springfield.
Schedule of Oct. 7 events:
- Guided Tours of the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
8:30-11 a.m., Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
- Founders Showcase
11 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Horace Mann Building
Central region startups present healthcare ideas, followed by an interactive conversation with the founders.
- Panel Discussion: Founder Resources with Distillery Labs,
12:30-1:15 p.m., Horace Mann Building
Doug Cruit, executive director of Peoria Distillery Labs, will lead a discussion on incubators and startup hubs supporting entrepreneurs.
- Lunch and Mentor Madness
1:30-3:30 p.m., Horace Mann Building
Buffet lunch with networking and mentoring opportunities.
- Panel: State Government’s Role in Supporting Founders and Investors
3:30-5 p.m., Horace Mann Building
Conversation with state leadership, founders and investors on improving venture activity.
- Networking and Fireside Chats
6-7:30 p.m., Abraham Lincoln Presidential Museum
Evening networking and conversations with accomplished founders and investors.
Founders Day is free and open to the public, but advance registration is required.