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

Sep 21, 2023

Innovate Springfield to host a new business startup educational series for inspiring entrepreneurs

Innovate Springfield (iSPI), the University of Illinois Springfield’s business incubator located in downtown Springfield, will host a new business startup…

Sep 19, 2023

Sangamon CEO program to become a part of Innovate Springfield, UIS’ downtown business incubator

The Sangamon CEO program is joining Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s downtown business incubator, as part of an agreement with…

Aug 31, 2023

'Dream big' about future growth

The following is a guest column written by Robert Kerr, executive director of innovation and opportunity at the University of Illinois Springfield, that was…

Aug 03, 2023

Ben Hage named director of UIS’ downtown business incubator Innovate Springfield

Ben Hage (also known as Nabih Elhajj) has been named director of Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s business incubator located in…

Jul 19, 2023

Robert Kerr to lead the development of the new UIS Innovation Center in downtown Springfield

Robert Kerr of Springfield will lead the development of the new University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Center in downtown Springfield as executive…

Dec 06, 2022

UIS officially takes ownership of the future downtown Springfield Innovation Center property

The University of Illinois Springfield has officially purchased the downtown building that will serve as the new home of the UIS Innovation Center. The…