SIU Innovation and Economic Development

05/05/2026

The SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development is pleased to partner with the City of Carbondale to offer a no-cost funding strategy workshop for nonprofits on May 19.

This session will focus on practical approaches to begin building sustainable funding strategies and positioning organizations for long-term impact.

See the full press release below for details and RSVP information.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  CARBONDALE - The SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development and the City of Carbondale are hosting a no-cost workshop for nonprofits related to funding strategies.

03/06/2026

Exciting news! The Illinois International Trade Center (ITC) at SIU is a new resource within the suite of programs offered by the SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED) to support businesses across Southern Illinois.

We’re excited to announce a new resource for Southern Illinois businesses, the Illinois International Trade Center (ITC) at SIU!

The ITC offers information, counseling and training to existing and new-to-export companies interested in pursuing international trade opportunities.

Services include:
-Evaluating your company’s readiness to export
-Access to foreign market information
-Assistance with export documentation
-Automated trade leads
-Connections with trade representatives

The program is part of the Office of Innovation and Economic Development and is funded through the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), and Southern Illinois University (SIU).

Email: [email protected]
Phone: 618-453-6692

03/03/2026

📣 We’re Hiring!

The SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development is seeking a Program Director for the Illinois International Trade Center.

If you’re passionate about supporting businesses, expanding global trade opportunities, and strengthening economic development in Southern Illinois, this is a great opportunity to make an impact.

https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/siu/jobs/newprint/5230361

Share with anyone who may be a great fit!

02/26/2026

New application window now open.

During the spring of 2025, 46 participants completed the 80-hour training to serve as production assistants in Southern Illinois and throughout the State of Illinois to strengthen the regional film and TV industry.

Don’t miss your chance to jumpstart your career in the film industry! Apply today.

-Stipend available upon completion of the program.

-Applicants are not guaranteed acceptance into the program.

During the spring of 2025, 46 participants completed the 80-hour training to serve as production assistants in Southern Illinois and throughout the State of Illinois to strengthen the regional film and TV industry.

12/03/2025

Join us in celebrating some of the region's newest and best innovators, inventors and entrepreneurs.

Thursday, December 4, 2025
4:30 p.m. Appetizers and cocktails served by Hunan Fine Asian Cuisine
5:00 p.m. Program and awards
- Patents awarded
- Launch That Business Graduates
- Carbondale Accelerator Program graduates
- 2025 Southern Illinois Business Plan Competition Powered by Regions winners

5:30 p.m. Social and networking hour
Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center
1740 Innovation Dr.
Carbondale, IL 62903

11/13/2025

The SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED) is hiring for positions supporting clean energy contractors through its business incubator programs. These roles will help local contractors grow their small businesses, access resources, and succeed in the clean energy sector.

Especially interested in those with construction and or clean energy experience. Positions available include a Program Director, Program Coordinators, and Program Assistants.

Learn more and apply here:
https://www.schooljobs.com/careers/siu?keywords=CEJA

OIED is SIU’s primary outreach arm to the region, offering business development, workforce innovation, economic development, and community engagement services and activities throughout Southern Illinois.

08/15/2025

From ice cream to innovation!
We were honored to welcome Saluki Alumn, Curt Jones, founder of Dippin’ Dots and 40 Below, to NextUp at Dunn-Richmond. Curt shared his inspiring journey from a small-town idea to building a globally recognized brand, reminding us that believing in your idea, trusting your gut, and persistence can change everything.

08/13/2025

Big news for Southern Illinois food entrepreneurs! Funded by a nearly $1.6M grant from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, SIU is launching the SouthernTECH High-Tech Food Incubator. The facility will be a state-of-the-art, energy-efficient kitchen of the future. It is being designed to help small food businesses grow, meet industry standards, and reach new markets. Great things are happening at SIU.

The region’s entrepreneurs will soon have a new, state-of-the-art high-tech food processing and manufacturing incubator at Southern Illinois University Carbondale designed to help them expand and flourish – the only one of its kind within several hundred miles.

07/16/2025

We’re excited to announce that wet lab space is now available at Dunn-Richmond Economic Development Center.

This is an ideal opportunity for startups, researchers, and science-based ventures in need of a professionally equipped space within a supportive business incubation environment. The wet lab is part of the SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development (OIED) Business Incubator Programs, which offer access to professional guidance, support, and facilities to help your innovation thrive.

If you are interested in the wet lab space, office space, or business incubator programs in general please feel free to fill out the inquiry form and a member of our team will follow up to answer any questions: https://forms.office.com/r/6pWnZCREEN

04/18/2025

Join us for the Business Resource Meetup hosted by the SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development, Murphysboro Main Street, and Revitalize 62966. This no-cost workshop is perfect for entrepreneurs at any stage of their journey. Learn about the valuable services and resources available to you through:

Illinois SBDC at SIU
Illinois APEX Accelerator at SIU
Illinois Economic Empowerment Center at SIU
Career Pathways
Gower Translational Research Center
And more!

This is an amazing opportunity to connect, learn, and grow your business with resources to help you thrive.

Date: April 22nd
Time: 3:30-5:00
Location: 17th Street Annex

In addition, we are excited to invite Saluki alumni and friends to the Chancellor's Reception following the Business Resource Meetup—an evening filled with meaningful conversations and university updates. Whether you’re reminiscing about your time at SIU, making new professional connections, or simply enjoying the camaraderie of fellow Salukis, this event provides a welcoming and intimate environment to strengthen your connection to the university.

Register for the Chancellor’s Reception:
https://siuf.org/southern-illinois/murphysboro.php

Don't miss out on these incredible opportunities!

04/12/2025

Broadband READY Meetup
Thursday, April 17, 2025
From 3:30- 5:00 p.m.
Stinson Memorial Library
409 S. Main St., Anna, IL 62906
RSVP for Meetup: [email protected]

The SIU Office of Innovation and Economic Development and Stinson Memorial Library invite you to the Broadband READY Meetup. This meetup aims to provide organizations, government entities, and individuals with updates on Illinois Broadband initiatives and grants. There is also the opportunity to share ideas for trainings and collaborations. Join us for this no-cost event to learn about resources and opportunities.

Light refreshments provided.

Additionally, we would like to extend invitations to the Saluki Takeover Chancellor's Reception to Saluki alumni and friends. The Chancellor's Reception will be on April 17th at Pizza Villa in Anna from 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. Register here for the Chancellor’s Reception:
https://siuf.org/southern-illinois/anna.php