At Illinois, We Produce Founders
At Illinois, We
Produce Founders.
Founders Week celebrates our collective entrepreneurial successes and showcases the innovative ecosystem that fosters groundbreaking ventures. Together, we’re building a legacy of innovation and growth, empowering countless entrepreneurs while strengthening our shared commitment to shaping the future of Illini Entrepreneurship.
Save the date! Founders Week 2025 will return October 8-11.
Thank you to all who participated in the inaugural Founders Week.
Here’s a sneak peek at early planning for Founders Week 2025
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Agenda
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Late Afternoon
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Research Park 25th Anniversary Celebration
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Agenda
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Midday
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Illinois Capital Forum
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Innovation Tours and Site Visits
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Late Afternoon
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TechRise Startup Pitch Competition
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Agenda
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Afternoon and Evening
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Showcase of Technologies, Startups and Ecosystem Programs, Speakers, Networking, and Celebrations
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Agenda
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TBD
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Illinois Football Game and Tailgate
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Join the Founders Week email list to receive updates as the schedule continues to take shape
Our Partners
Checkout the highlights from Founders Week 2024
Founders Week celebrates our collective achievements in entrepreneurship and highlights the innovative ecosystems that foster groundbreaking ventures, empower countless entrepreneurs, and define the future of Illini Entrepreneurship.
Together, we’re building a legacy of innovation and growth, and Founders Week is the perfect opportunity to celebrate and strengthen our shared commitment to shaping the future of Illini Entrepreneurship.
The University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign has an exceptional track record of fostering entrepreneurial success. Consistently ranking in the top five in the number of companies founded, founders, and capital raised, we are a powerhouse of innovation. Small businesses are currently the backbone of the U.S. economy, accounting for over 60% of all jobs created in the U.S. We believe in cultivating entrepreneurship, producing founders, and preparing students for all aspects of new venture creation, and growth is imperative in meeting our land grant mission in today’s economy. Our graduate companies are now leading players in their respective industries, demonstrating the real-world impact of our entrepreneurship initiatives.
