Illinois Innovation Network Conference 2026: Powering Illinois’ Future Together

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville will host “Illinois Innovation Network Conference 2026: Powering Illinois’ Future Together” on October 22-23, 2026.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Conference Info

Illinois Innovation Network Conference 2026: Powering Illinois’ Future Together
October 22-23, 2026
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville

Register by Oct. 15 | Detailed Schedule

This conference provides a forum to gather university faculty researchers, students, funded program managers, and business and industry innovators from across the region. Attendees will have the opportunity to showcase, discuss, and learn about projects to support ethical, socially engaged, and sustainable economic growth in Illinois. Participants will contribute and consider sustainable approaches to clean energy production, developments in next generation agriculture technologies, and advancements in a range of biotechnologies.

Students will gain knowledge about critical ways that their research interests converge with business, industry, and social innovation, and will have opportunities to consider how pursuing academic expertise prepares them for future careers that address the concerns impacting our region.

For all attendees and participants, this conference is an opportunity to connect with potential collaborators, to share methods for pursuing cross-disciplinary partnerships, and become inspired by the exciting activities and advancements in addressing the interconnected issues that are important to Illinois and the bi-state region.

Conference Dates and Location

Exhibit Tables:
All exhibit tables are now reserved.

Accommodations near SIUE:
Hotel accommodations are available at a group rate at the following locations:

Parking
Open parking will be available in Lot P4 on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 12 p.m. – 7 p.m., and on Friday, Oct. 23, from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m.

Schedule

The 2026 IIN Conference schedule is now available.

> Conference Schedule

Register today!

Registration for the 2026 IIN Conference is available here and is open until Oct. 15. The conference is open to all interested faculty, students, community members, and industry and regional partners. There is a $20 registration fee for general attendees but student attendees can register for free.

> Register for the conference

Poster Session

There will be an opportunity for senior undergraduate students, graduate students and faculty to present their research at the conference.

Poster presentations will be featured on October 23, 2026, from 12-1:15 p.m. We look forward to highlighting work connected to the following conference focus areas:

  • Clean Energy: Sustainable approaches to energy production
  • Ag Tech: Next generation agricultural technologies
  • Biotechnology: Advancements in life sciences
  • Social and Economic Innovation: Building resilient communities

This conference will bring together university faculty researchers, students, program leaders, and business and industry innovators from across the region to explore ethical, socially engaged, and sustainable economic growth in Illinois. The poster session will provide students with an excellent opportunity to share their work, connect with potential collaborators, network with potential employers, and see how their academic expertise aligns with regional innovation priorities.