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.
Details coming soon!
Innovate Springfield is a social innovation and business incubator in the heart of downtown Springfield, Illinois.
Want to learn more? See what's happening at Innovate Springfield.
In order to serve those who have served our country better, iSPI will be hosting a monthly hybrid "iSPI Military Veteran Entrepreneur Monthly Meet-Up" as a way to bring veterans (as well as active military and their spouses) in the Innovate Springfield and greater community together to share their experiences as entrepreneurs, discuss resources they can leverage when starting and running a business, and provide to support for those encountering challenges on their entrepreneurial journey…all with the goal of being stronger together!
Phone: 217-206-8671
Email: innovatespringfield@uis.edu
To position the communities we serve for sustainable economic and social success by cultivating diverse entrepreneurial ventures, fostering policy and social change, developing talent and leveraging collaboration.
To be a leader for inclusive innovation and economic development.
The University of Illinois Springfield is increasing its support for the Springfield community by creating a new downtown Innovation Center. This will be a place where collaboration happens and partnerships grow.
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.
There's a lot to look forward to in downtown Springfield with many major redevelopment projects currently underway.
The city is expecting to get its first rooftop bar by this summer and the University of Illinois at Springfield (UIS) could begin designing a new downtown space in the next few months. Other projects like new hotels and luxury apartment buildings however, are either out of money or have been scrapped altogether.
