Innovate Springfield is a catalyst for creating a collaborative community where ideas ignite, businesses incubate, and creators and social changemakers innovate.
We are Springfield's university-led business incubator. Come visit Innovate Springfield in downtown Springfield, Illinois, and keep reading to learn about what we do.
The following is a guest column written by Robert Kerr, executive director of innovation and opportunity at the University of Illinois Springfield, that was published by the Illinois Times on Aug. 31, 2023.
Ben Hage (also known as Nabih Elhajj) has been named director of Innovate Springfield, the University of Illinois Springfield’s business incubator located in downtown Springfield. He is a leader in entrepreneurship, leadership development and business education.
A modern, light-filled hub for innovation, collaboration, and entrepreneurship — right in the heart of downtown Springfield.
Robert Kerr of Springfield will lead the development of the new University of Illinois Springfield Innovation Center in downtown Springfield as executive director of innovation and opportunity. His appointment is effective Aug. 1, 2023. Kerr is a leader with more than 20 years of experience in economic development, innovation and entrepreneurship.
Phone: 217-206-8671
Email: innovatespringfield@uis.edu
Where Ideas Become Reality.
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.
The University of Illinois Springfield has officially purchased the downtown building that will serve as the new home of the UIS Innovation Center. The purchase of the three-story, 24,600-square-foot building located near the Illinois State Capitol at 401 E. Washington St., was completed on Nov. 18, 2022.
Scheduled to open in 2025, the UIS Innovation Center will serve central Illinois as part of the Illinois Innovation Network (IIN) to drive innovation, economic growth and workforce development across the state.
