Innovate Springfield | February 2026 Newsletter

February at Innovate Springfield was defined by collaboration, disciplined innovation, and continued momentum across our entrepreneurial community.

As partnerships strengthen and programs deepen, we remain focused on expanding access, supporting founders, strengthening capital pathways, and building a resilient ecosystem for innovation across Central Illinois.

Featured Founder Spotlight: Dr. Chaitanya Mamillapalli’s Journey from Medicine to Innovation

This month, we highlight Dr. Chaitanya Mamillapalli, whose professional journey reflects the intersection of clinical expertise, technology, and entrepreneurship.

Board certified in Internal Medicine and Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Dr. Mamillapalli brings years of medical training into the innovation space. Through his work in clinical workflow tools and technology integration, he is focused on improving efficiency, accuracy, and patient outcomes within modern healthcare systems.

In our conversation, he shared what drew him to Innovate Springfield and how being part of a collaborative entrepreneurial environment has supported the continued evolution of his work. His perspective underscores the importance of cross sector collaboration between healthcare, technology, and business.

His story represents the type of domain driven innovation we aim to cultivate within our community.

A New Chapter with the Illinois Small Business Development Center

We had a fantastic time celebrating the grand opening of the Illinois Small Business Development Center’s new office at Innovate Springfield on February 19.

The event brought together community leaders, stakeholders, entrepreneurs, members, and nonmembers for a morning filled with meaningful connection, conversation, and collaboration. The energy in the room reflected a shared commitment to supporting small business growth across Central Illinois.

Guests enjoyed coffee and treats from Mel-O-Cream Donuts while networking and touring the new SBDC office, now located within the Horace Mann building in the heart of Springfield’s innovation hub.

By embedding no cost advising, technical assistance, and business development resources directly within our incubator, this partnership strengthens the pathway for entrepreneurs at every stage of growth and reinforces our shared mission of building sustainable local businesses.

We are excited about the opportunities this new space will create for local entrepreneurs and business owners throughout the year.

AI in Business: Practical Innovation for Small Businesses

February marked the launch of our AI in Business course, led by Daniel Reifenberger, focused on helping small business owners apply artificial intelligence in immediate and practical ways.

Participants explored how AI can streamline operations, enhance marketing strategies, improve customer communication, and reduce repetitive manual tasks. Tools such as ChatGPT, Claude, and Notebook LM were introduced through live demonstrations, showing how AI can assist with content creation, data analysis, transcription, automation, and workflow optimization.

A key theme throughout the session was the importance of context and human oversight. Business owners were encouraged to identify specific operational challenges and experiment with AI tools between sessions to develop tailored, practical solutions that drive measurable efficiency.

If you are still interested in joining the course, please email us to learn more about upcoming sessions and availability.

Angel Flight School: Ownership, Dilution, and Real Returns

Angel Flight School continued its deep dive into the financial mechanics that ultimately determine angel investment outcomes. February sessions focused on cap tables, valuation methodologies, term sheet mechanics, and the realities of ownership dilution across funding rounds.

Participants examined how angel returns are shaped not simply by entry valuation, but by ownership percentage at exit, dilution across Seed and Series rounds, liquidation terms, and capital structure decisions. Through real world examples and case studies, the cohort reviewed priced rounds, SAFEs, convertible notes, option pools, pro rata rights, and fully diluted ownership.

A powerful takeaway emerged from the analysis: small ownership stakes produce small outcomes. Understanding dilution, cap table structure, and preference stacks is critical for disciplined investing in a venture environment driven by power law returns.

Guest speakers including Paul Magelli, Jackie DiMonte, and Reed McBride shared insights from decades of experience in venture capital, early stage investing, and startup operations. Participants also engaged in live pitch analysis and structured due diligence exercises, applying valuation frameworks and term sheet mechanics to real companies.

As the program advances, sessions continue strengthening the region’s early stage investment discipline and building a more informed, connected capital ecosystem.

Startup Roadmap 8: Building Toward Pitch Readiness

Startup Roadmap 8 continued building momentum in February as founders refined their ideas, validated assumptions, and strengthened core business fundamentals.

Sessions focused on customer discovery, unit economics, break even analysis, revenue modeling, legal business structures, and go to market clarity. Using the Lean Business Model Canvas, participants sharpened how they create value, deliver value, and capture value within their ventures.

The cohort also developed and refined investor ready pitch decks in both six minute and fifteen minute formats, strengthening their ability to clearly communicate value propositions, market opportunity, and competitive positioning.

A joint session with the AI for Small Business program introduced practical applications for marketing workflows, forecasting, and pitch preparation, allowing founders to explore how AI can immediately support execution and efficiency.

As the program progresses, founders continue building clarity, confidence, and traction as they prepare for upcoming pitch opportunities.

Sangamon CEO Program: Leadership in Action

Sangamon CEO students continued engaging directly with local business leaders through site visits and classroom discussions. This month, students visited Ace Sign Company, where CEO Todd Bringuet shared insights into the company’s fourth generation history of growth and innovation.

Experiences like this give students a firsthand look at leadership, operational scale, and long term strategic thinking while connecting classroom learning to real world business environments.

Sangamon CEO Student Spotlight

We are proud to highlight three outstanding students from the Sangamon CEO Program who exemplify the entrepreneurial mindset, leadership, and drive we aim to cultivate.

Sophia S., a senior at Pleasant Plains High School, plans to attend the University of Iowa to study Political Science and has valued the unique environment of Sangamon CEO, where she has built meaningful relationships and stepped outside her comfort zone through new experiences.

Emery G., a senior at Sacred Heart Griffin High School, plans to study Finance at the University of Mississippi and has especially appreciated the opportunity to meet business leaders across the Springfield area while developing his business, Bin Bandits.

Charlie K., a home school student planning to attend Lincoln Land Community College to study Marketing or Management, is building a message focused apparel brand called Thought Threads and has embraced the program’s speakers and local business connections to deepen his understanding of entrepreneurship.

Together, these students represent the curiosity, initiative, and leadership that define the Sangamon CEO Program.

As we continue through 2026, Innovate Springfield remains committed to expanding opportunity, supporting responsible innovation, and strengthening the collaborative networks that power our region’s entrepreneurial growth.

Visit https://www.uis.edu/innovation to learn more, schedule a tour, or get involved.