Innovate Springfield | January 2026 Newsletter

As we begin 2026, Innovate Springfield looks back on a year defined by growth, transition, and momentum. In 2025, we proudly celebrated 10 years of supporting entrepreneurs and officially began our next chapter in the Horace Mann building. Alongside these milestones, we also experienced meaningful team transitions, giving us the opportunity to reflect with gratitude on the people who helped shape our work and community.

As we move into the new year, we remain focused on building opportunity, supporting innovation, and advancing impactful programs already underway.

Director Spotlight: A Conversation with Rob Kerr

Executive Director of Innovation & Opportunity

As 2025 came to a close, we sat down with Rob Kerr to reflect on Innovate Springfield’s evolution, the transition to the Horace Mann building, and what lies ahead.

Rob grew up and attended college in the Chicago area before building his career in Springfield. In the interview, he shares what drew him to the Springfield community, how the differences between Chicago and Springfield have shaped his perspective, and why Innovate Springfield plays a vital role in creating opportunity across Central Illinois.

He also reflects on the move from 15 S. Old State Capitol Plaza to the Horace Mann building, the improvements made during his tenure, and his vision for supporting founders, students, and investors moving forward.

Innovate.ED: AI in the Classroom

On January 22, Innovate Springfield hosted Innovate.ED, a full-day EdTech conference that brought together regional educators and high school students at the Horace Mann building to explore the role of artificial intelligence in the classroom.

The event featured industry leaders, higher education faculty, and regional educators who shared insights on responsible AI adoption, emerging technologies, and the future of learning. A highlight of the day was the participation of five teams of high school students from Rochester CUSD 3A and Champaign Unit 4, who presented thoughtful ideas on intentional AI use, student support tools, and innovative school solutions.

InnovateED reflects Innovate Springfield’s commitment to convening educators, students, and industry partners around purposeful and responsible innovation.

A Fond Farewell

As we closed out the year, we marked the departure of several valued members of the Innovate Springfield community as they moved into new chapters.

​Scott Germeraad, former Associate Director of Innovate Springfield and professor for the Sangamon CEO Program, has relocated to Michigan and begun a new professional role. We are grateful for his leadership and impact during a period of growth and transition.

Grace Fitch, who spent two years as a student worker with Innovate Springfield and was a familiar, welcoming presence in our space, has begun student teaching at one of the local schools. We are proud to see her continuing her path in education.

We also recognized Victoria Ehiagwina, who served as part of the CEFCU Venture staff and worked closely with Innovate Springfield last semester. Victoria has since transitioned into a role with the State of Illinois, and we appreciate her collaboration and contributions during her time with us.

Startup Roadmap 8 — Momentum in Motion

Startup Roadmap 8 is gaining strong momentum as founders refine their ideas and deepen their understanding of customers and markets. The cohort has focused on clarifying value propositions, testing assumptions through customer discovery, and translating insights into stronger business strategies.

As the program progresses, founders are moving into market analysis, product prototyping, and Lean Startup methodologies, building a solid foundation for scalable, investor-ready ventures.

Angel Flight School — Strengthening the Investor Ecosystem

Angel Flight School is creating a dynamic learning environment for current and aspiring angel investors across the region. Participants are engaging in hands-on sessions centered on deal sourcing, screening, and early-stage investment decision-making through live case studies.

By working through pitch decks, term sheets, and screening discussions together, the cohort is building confidence, sharpening judgment, and strengthening Central Illinois’ early-stage investment ecosystem.

Sangamon CEO Program — Learning by Doing

Experiential learning is at the heart of the Sangamon CEO Program. Throughout the semester, students connected with founders, CEOs, and community leaders through classroom visits, site tours, and service projects that link entrepreneurship to real-world impact.

This semester also marked a leadership transition within the program. Following the departure of Scott Germeraad, students welcomed Joel Tjemeland ,Vice President of Laketown Automotive, Inc., as their new instructor. With more than three decades of experience leading a family-owned business, Joel brings real-world entrepreneurial insight and hands-on leadership to the Sangamon CEO Program.

Students heard from leaders such as Sarah Petty and Tiffany Mathis Posey on leadership, adaptability, and lifelong learning, and from Jarid Brown of the Washington Street Mission on community impact and social responsibility. Site visits with Peerless Cleaning & Restoration Services, Staff Carpet, and Loyal Tribe exposed students to purpose-driven businesses and practical leadership strategies.

Networking skills were further reinforced through a session with RISE Springfield, where students learned how preparation, relationship-building, and LinkedIn readiness can open doors to future opportunities.

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.

• Madison B., a senior at Glenwood High School, is interested in pursuing a degree in Business Administration and is currently developing a business that creates engraved medal hangers to help customers display their accomplishments.
• Brenden M., a senior at Rochester High School, plans to study Business at Benedictine University and consistently demonstrates initiative, curiosity, and a commitment to personal growth.
• Elijah T., a senior at Pleasant Plains High School, plans to pursue a degree in Business Administration at the University of Southern Indiana and has embraced the entrepreneurial experience by learning directly from local founders and business owners.

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

As we look ahead to 2026, Innovate Springfield remains committed to building opportunity, supporting innovation, and strengthening our entrepreneurial ecosystem.

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

Innovate Springfield