Which wall will your research break? Pitch your innovative idea in just three minutes, showcasing a breakthrough that positively impacts science and society. Presented by the Illinois Innovation Network.

Join UIS Innovate Springfield for an exciting day of activities and experiences to kick off a week of celebrating entrepreneurial successes, showcasing the Illinois innovation ecosystem while building a legacy of innovation and growth. Experience Springfield history, network with founders and investors, experience demos from healthcare organizations, and enjoy a keynote and panel discussion highlighting the need for collaboration with government to leverage venture capital in Illinois to realize our potential in underserved communities.

AI Prompt Design: Get the Most Out of Your AI

So it's been about 2 years since AI models took us by surprise, now what? How can business professionals facing mounting workloads and rising costs, use these AI models to create better solutions that go beyond basic automation?

Innovate Springfield brings you a unique opportunity for solo-entrepreneurs, freelancers and business operators in our area. Dr. Harry Elston, Ph.D., CIH, PMP is the founder of Midwest Chemical Safety. He will lead this two-hour work workshop.

With over 28 years of experience serving clients like Argonne National Labs and Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, Dr. Elston offers insights based on real-world business operations.

The workshop covers essential aspects of solo entrepreneurship:

Double Feature - Podcast & Workshop

Founders' Corner Live Podcast Recording

• Date: February 13th
• Time: 12:30 PM - 2:00 PM (Recording starts at 1:00 PM)
• Location: Innovate Springfield, 15 S.

Exclusive Private Markets Investment Panel

• Time: 4:30 PM - 6:30 PM
• Date: February 12th
• Location: Innovate Springfield, 15 S.

Inside Angel Investing - The Illini Angels Case Study

• Time: 3:30 PM - 4:30 PM.
• Day: February 11th
• Location: Innovate Springfield, 15 S.

2025 IIN Social Innovation Workshop

Join CSPL and the Illinois Innovation Network for a Social Innovation Workshop at the UIS Student Union Ballroom and on Zoom! Learn design thinking principles that will help prepare a competitive application for up to $100,000 in IIN Social Innovation and Impact seed grant funding.

Angel Investing

Startup Valuation

with Venture partner Bruce Sommer

Register for the Angel Investing | Startup Valuation here.

In this session you will learn:

About the Event

On Wednesdays, we network [not the boring kind, the fun kind]. We sip beverages. We talk about our wins and challenges. We sometimes do activities. We sometimes tell stories or create playlists. We always leave happy we came.

Coffee and Community is that standing weekly check-in that you can always count on. It's a casual opportunity, so there's no pressure to prepare anything. You're invited! Every Wednesday morning at 9 AM at Innovate Springfield.