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.

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.

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.

Social Entrepreneurship

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

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.

News

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 as two people walk past

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…

UIS Innovate Springfield building in downtown Springfield, IL

Feb 06, 2024

UIS’ Innovate Springfield and Illini Angels to conduct workshop on angel investing

WHAT: Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown business incubator, will partner with Illini Angels to present an educational…

3D printer printing a three petal dish at the University of Illinois Springfield Orion Lab

Feb 02, 2024

UIS launches a new high-tech lab and class allowing high school students to develop innovative products

University of Illinois Springfield, in collaboration with Innovate Springfield, its dynamic business incubator in downtown Springfield, is creating a new high…

Nov 13, 2023

Innovate Springfield’s Sangamon CEO program starts mentor matching program for high school students

Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown business incubator, is partnering with the Illinois Science and Technology Coalition (…

Oct 26, 2023

UIS’ Innovate Springfield to host a discussion on “The Next Technology Revolution”

WHAT: Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown business incubator, and the Community Foundation for the Land of Lincoln will…