Southern Illinois University Carbondale is gearing up to host its annual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase on December 5th, inviting everyone to celebrate the region’s newest innovators, inventors, and entrepreneurs. The event, following the SIU System’s Technology and Innovation Expo, will take place at the Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center on Innovation Drive in Carbondale from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Attendees can look forward to a night filled with patent presentations, recognition of program graduates, business plan competition winners, and more.
Lynn Andersen Lindberg, the executive director of Innovation and Economic Development at SIU, expressed excitement about the showcase, highlighting the opportunity for attendees to witness the creative activities and advances happening at SIU and in the surrounding area. The event aims to shine a spotlight on transformative projects with lasting impacts on the community, celebrating the innovation and entrepreneurship driving progress in the region.
The showcase will feature a diverse program, including the honoring of innovative individuals affiliated with SIU who have secured patents for inventions or processes in the past year. Additionally, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU will recognize representatives of local businesses who have completed the Launch That Business program, a 10-week “fast-track” training initiative designed to support small and home-based businesses in establishing and growing their enterprises.
One of the highlights of the evening will be the announcement of the winners of the 2024 Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions Bank. Entrepreneurs from various counties in the region were invited to submit their business concepts, pre-venture plans, or existing small businesses for a chance to win a share of over $20,000 in prize money and in-kind services. The competition, which included local and regional rounds, showcased the region’s entrepreneurial talent and innovative ideas.
Furthermore, the showcase will acknowledge graduates of the Carbondale Accelerator program, as well as the SIU faculty and staff involved in the successful organization of the 2024 Tolar Solar Eclipse celebration. The event will also celebrate the Illinois SBDC at SIU, which was named the 2024 Illinois SBDC of the Year.
For those interested in attending the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Showcase, further information can be obtained by calling 618-536-4451. The event promises to be an inspiring and informative evening, highlighting the entrepreneurial spirit and innovative initiatives driving economic growth and development in Southern Illinois.
