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UNIVERSITY OF ILLINOIS URBANA-CHAMPAIGN

Research Park

    Registration is now open!

    Join us on March 10, 2026 in Champaign to explore how technology is addressing some of the most significant challenges facing agriculture today – and learn about what is on the horizon.

    Register Here

    Register now for AgTech Summit 2026!

    One of the premier AgTech hubs in the nation, Champaign-Urbana is uniquely positioned to bring together entrepreneurs, investors, academics, and industry to advance this sector. AgTech Summit features dynamic panels, fireside chats, networking and more—creating opportunities to explore emerging innovations and forge connections that drive the industry forward.

    This event is free of charge thanks to our generous sponsors.

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    The key topics shaping AgTech Summit 2026

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    Our Sponsors

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    AgTech Summit has proven to be a nexus for building lasting partnerships, and inspiring new ideas. Connect your organization with the industry leaders, entrepreneurs and researchers driving agricultural innovation.

      For more information contact Laura Bleill at lwbleill@illinois.edu. 

    AgTech Summit Highlights

    Glen "GB"
    Brandt Prize

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    Edwin Moore Family Agriculture Award

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    Startup World Cup Ag and Food Regional

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    Celebrate Champaign-Urbana's AgTech Ecosystem March 9-13, 2026.

    Learn more about the initiatives, partnerships, startups, and state-of-the-art facilities making Champaign-Urbana an AgTech epicenter.

    Learn More

    Book Your Stay

    Research Park offers on-site accommodations at the I Hotel the night before AgTech Summit, while supplies last.

     

    Rate: $159.00 + tax

    Block Code: AGTECH2026

    Guest Password: Z2%sA (Case Sensitive)

    Check-In: Monday, March 9, 2026

    Check-Out: Tuesday, March 10, 2026

    Booking Deadline: Tuesday, Feb. 10, 2025

    Book Here

    Illinois Capital Forum

    This forum will include discussions on capital formation, attraction, and allocation to fund startups as they grow, and the roles of stakeholders across the state in supporting and retaining these companies.

    Student Startup to Top-Tier VC Funded Company

    Hear directly from recently graduated founders discussing their experiences launching a company and quickly securing VC funding.

    Innovation Tours and Site Exhibits

    Participate in a selection of tours of the campus and Champaign–Urbana innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. Campus locations will include the Beckman Institute, Siebel Center for Design, Institute for Genomic Biology, Integrated Bioprocessing Research Lab, and EnterpriseWorks. 

    TechRise Startup Pitch Competition

    Support founders in traditionally overlooked industries and locations as they pitch for a $25K prize in our second annual live TechRise pitch competition. 

    EnterpriseWorks Homecoming Dinner

    Join us in welcoming back EnterpriseWorks startup graduates to share their progress and network with current startups and other stakeholders. 

    Illini Angels Meeting

    Join an in-person meeting of Illini Angels, a program of Illinois Ventures. Participants will hear updates from portfolio companies and pitches from companies seeking investment.

    Founders Showcase

    Discover the latest innovations emerging from our university’s research labs in biotech and health innovation, computing and AI, climate tech, and more. Hear from Illini founders, builders, funders, and ecosystem partners as we look to the future.

    Celebrating 25 Years of Illini Leadership in Innovation and Entrepreneurship

    Celebrate 25 years of the University of Illinois Research Park, Illinois Ventures, Office of Technology Management and Technology Entrepreneur Center as key resources in the university’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem.

    Illinois Football Tailgate at EnterpriseWorks

    Network with Illini founders, investors, ecosystem partners at a tailgate before the top 25 Illini take on defending national champion Ohio State. 

    Illinois vs. Ohio State Football

    Network with Illini founders, investors, ecosystem partners at Memorial Stadium. 

    Research Park 25th Anniversary Celebration

    Share memories and celebrate a legacy of innovation and impact. With immense gratitude, we will honor key figures from both the public and private sector whose extraordinary commitment to the Research Park made indelible marks on its success trajectory. Finally, we will provide a glimpse at what the future holds for UIRP. 

    iVenture Demo Day

    Meet the driven student entrepreneurs from the 11th cohort of the award‑winning iVenture Accelerator, a program of the Origin Ventures Office of Entrepreneurship. At this annual event, each startup will pitch their venture, answer questions from a panel of judges, and share their key asks with the audience.