Ãå±±½ûµØ Innovate Springfield
Where Ideas Become Reality.
The numbers speak for themselves: our university produces $1 billion in startup funding annually. Ãå±±½ûµØ Ventures, our venture arm, has invested in 125+ companies over 25 years, generating $2.7 billion in follow-on capital, three IPOs, and 23 acquisitions. But beyond the metrics, what truly matters is this — tomorrow’s unicorns are getting their start right here, in our community.
Innovate Springfield is the University of Ãå±±½ûµØ Springfield’s innovation hub and business incubator — a place where ideas ignite, ventures grow, and changemakers collaborate to build a stronger Central Ãå±±½ûµØ.
Our Mission
To position the communities we serve for sustainable economic and social success by cultivating entrepreneurial ventures, fostering policy and social change, developing talent, and leveraging collaboration.
Our Vision
To be a leader in inclusive innovation and economic development — driving entrepreneurship, research, and social progress throughout Ãå±±½ûµØ.
Why Choose Innovate Springfield?
Launch Your Startup
Access mentorship, programming, and a community of entrepreneurs ready to help you succeed.
Network & Collaborate
Connect with like-minded innovators, potential partners, and industry experts in our vibrant community.
Professional Environment
Work from a modern space with high-speed Wi-Fi, printing, parking, and conference rooms.
Learn & Grow
Enjoy free programming, workshops, and events that help you develop new skills and stay ahead of trends.
Areas of Focus
Business Incubation & Acceleration
Innovate Springfield supports new and growing ventures through incubation and will launch an accelerator to attract and scale high-growth startups. Members gain access to tools, mentors, and opportunities from across the Ãå±±½ûµØ Innovation Network.
Technology & Research Commercialization
The UIS Innovation Center provides technology labs, maker spaces, and experiential environments for entrepreneurs and researchers to prototype, test, and launch products into new markets.
Education & Workforce Development
UIS expands its renowned internship and fellowship programs while launching new workforce development and professional education initiatives to equip future leaders with the skills local employers need.
Membership Options
| Category | Incubation | Coworking |
|---|---|---|
Price | $135 / month | $260 / month |
| Ideal for | Entrepreneurs & freelancers starting their journey | Growing businesses & teams |
| Includes | • Full workspace access • 1 dedicated parking space • High-speed Wi-Fi • Printing services • 3rd-floor conference room (unlimited) • 1 ID badge • Free programming & workshops • Free networking events • Discounted additional programming | • Full workspace access • 1 dedicated parking space • High-speed Wi-Fi • Printing services • Shared conference rooms (1 hour/day) • 3rd-floor conference room (unlimited) • 1 ID badge • Free programming & workshops • Free networking events • Discounted additional programming |
🎯 Team Discounts — Save More as You Grow!
| Team Size | Incubation Member Rate | Team Total (Monthly) | Coworking Member Rate | Team Total (Monthly) | Annual Savings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Member | $135 | $135 | $260 | $260 | ___ |
| 2nd Member | $94 (30% off) | $229 | $182 (30% off) | $442 | $492/year |
| 3rd Member | $88 (35% off) | $317 | $169 (35% off) | $611 | $708/year |
| 4th Member | $81 (40% off) | $398 | $156 (40% off) | $767 | $1,284/year |
Four-person teams save over $1,200 annually compared to individual memberships.
Get Involved with Innovate Springfield
If you’re a , become a member to access resources, mentorship, and connections.
If you’re an , join our Angel Network and help fuel the next generation of innovators.
If you’re , we’d love to support your journey into founding.
Location: 1 Horace Mann Plaza, Suite 300A, Springfield, IL
Email: innovate@uis.edu
Phone: (217)960-9631
Follow us:
• — @innovate_springfield
• — Innovate Springfield
• — Innovate Springfield