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

As the university-led business incubator at the University of Illinois Springfield and one of the 15 hubs in the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN), Innovate Springfield drives innovation, economic growth, and workforce development throughout Illinois.

What We Do

  • Business Incubation — structured support, mentorship, and consulting for startups and social enterprises.
  • Entrepreneurship Training — workshops, pitch competitions, and accelerator-style programs.
  • Coworking & Collaboration — flexible workspace with shared resources and a vibrant peer community.
  • Community Engagement — partnerships with local, state, and national organizations to strengthen Illinois’ innovation ecosystem.
  • Sangamon CEO Program — a year-long, experiential learning program for high school seniors in Sangamon County, giving students hands-on experience and entrepreneurial skills that prepare them for future success.

Why Springfield?

As Illinois’ state capital and the heart of central Illinois, Springfield offers entrepreneurs direct access to policy leaders, universities, healthcare institutions, and corporate partners. Innovate Springfield serves as the bridge between these resources and the innovators building the next generation of businesses.

Meet Some of Our Members and Partners

  • Office of Medicaid Innovation (OMI) — a strategic partnership between the University of Illinois System and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), leading initiatives to strengthen Illinois’ Medicaid program and improve health outcomes statewide.
  • Krasan Consulting — a strategic technology and consulting firm serving the public sector, specializing in systems integration, digital transformation, software development, data analytics, and cybersecurity.
  • Midwest Chemical Safety — a consulting firm specializing in chemical safety, industrial hygiene, regulatory compliance, reactive chemical management, and training.
  • BLDD Architects — a leading Midwest architecture firm focusing on education, healthcare, senior living, and community projects, blending innovative design with functionality.
  • Loyal Tribe — a brand- and community-building company helping organizations grow through engagement, storytelling, and customer relationships.
  • NextGen Ventures — a Springfield-based venture fund investing in emerging technologies and supporting regional entrepreneurship.
  • Zion Cloud Solutions — a cloud technology firm delivering scalable infrastructure, cloud migration & management, security, and enterprise digital solutions.
  • John Baranzelli Enterprises (pdf) — led by John Baranzelli, former Deputy Director for the Department of Central Management Services and Chief Administrator of the Illinois Office of Rapid Results. A registered professional engineer and long-time state government leader, John has overseen ISO 9001 certifications, design & environmental programs, and innovation in Illinois public service.
  • DivIHN Integration — an IT consulting and technology transformation firm focusing on digital transformation, enterprise architecture, analytics, cybersecurity, and operational excellence.
  • Forefront — Illinois’ statewide association for nonprofits, grantmakers, and advisors, providing training, advocacy, capacity building, and community connections.
  • Illinois Migrant Council (IMC) — a nonprofit dedicated to supporting migrant and seasonal farmworker families, immigrants, refugees, and rural communities through employment, education, health, housing, and advocacy services.
  • PS2G (Public Sector Solutions Group) — delivering technology-driven solutions for government and business operations.

Our Team

Behind Innovate Springfield is a dedicated staff committed to helping entrepreneurs succeed.

Meet Our Staff →

Location

Innovate Springfield
1 Horace Mann Plaza, Suite 300A
Springfield, IL 62715

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News

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
Jan 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…
cartoon robot with a top hat and a magnifying glass
Jan 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…
A sign on a building reads Innovate Springfield University of Illinois Springfield
Oct 23, 2024
Innovate Springfield to host pitch competition and keynote by former Redbox executive
WHAT: Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s business incubator, will host a two-part event featuring a pitch competition and a…
A sign on a building reads Innovate Springfield University of Illinois Springfield
Aug 28, 2024
Innovate Springfield partners to host “Founders, Failures and Fun” speaker series event
WHAT: Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s business incubator, has teamed up with the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and…