NIU students interested in clean energy, sustainable agriculture, biotechnology, community resilience, research, and innovation have an opportunity to attend the 2026 Illinois Innovation Network Conference, with funding available to help cover the trip.
The annual Illinois Innovation Network Conference will take place October 22–23, 2026, at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE). The conference brings together students, faculty researchers, program leaders, and business and industry innovators from across Illinois to explore ethical, socially engaged, and sustainable economic growth.
Present Your Work
The conference will include a poster session where students can share their research, meet potential project partners and employers, and connect their academic interests to regional innovation priorities.
Conference organizers are especially interested in projects related to:
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
Poster abstract deadline: September 21, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Funding Available for NIU Students
NICCS has funding to support up to 12 NIU students attending the conference. Support includes:
Transportation from NIU to SIUE
Overnight hotel accommodations
Meal reimbursement
Waived $20 student conference registration fee
The group will depart NIU on the morning of Thursday, October 22, and return at approximately 9 p.m. Friday, October 23.
Priority for funding will be given to students who are:
Presenting a poster at the conference
Interested in areas that align with the conference focus areas
However, all interested students are encouraged to apply.
Apply for NIU Student Support
Students interested in receiving support should email mdeitch@niu.edu with the subject line “2026 IIN Conference” by:
Friday, September 25, 2026, at 5 p.m.
Your email should answer:
How will attending the IIN Conference support your academic interests and future goals? Please limit your response to 150 words.
Can you attend the full conference, departing the morning of October 22 and returning the evening of October 23?
Do you plan to present a poster? If so, include the title of your poster.
Learn more about the conference, including registration information, on the Illinois Innovation Network Conference website.
This is a great opportunity for students interested in connecting environmental and sustainability topics with research, innovation, careers, and real-world challenges across Illinois.
