INNOVATION WEEK 2024: IGNITING IDEAS + INSPIRING ACTION IN BLOOMINGTON
Innovation Week 2024 has come to a close, and what a week it was! From groundbreaking ideas to incredible connections, Bloomington’s Trades District was the epicenter of creativity, entrepreneurship, and innovation. Let’s take a moment to reflect on the highlights that made this year’s celebration unforgettable.
A Week Packed with Possibilities
This year’s Innovation Week brought together entrepreneurs, investors, students, and community members for over 20 dynamic events. From panels and pitch competitions to hands-on workshops, each event highlighted the spirit of innovation driving Bloomington forward.
DAY 1: Kicking Things Off with Momentum
The week began with the PROPELS Sprint Week Kick-Off, where entrepreneurs and tech enthusiasts collaborated on commercializing groundbreaking federal IP from NSWC Crane. The energy was high as teams dove into workshops and laid the groundwork for exciting ventures.
DAY 2: Mayoral Proclamation and Founders Meetups
We were honored to host Mayor Kerry Thompson at The Forge, where she declared November 18th as Innovation Dayin Bloomington. This milestone set the tone for the Collegiate Founders Summit and the TechStars Lunch + Learn, inspiring student founders and startups alike.
DAY 3: Pitch Competitions and Big Ideas
The Crossroads Semi-Finals showcased the future of business as top startups pitched their ideas to expert judges. Meanwhile, COLLIDE Founders Meetup offered a space for entrepreneurs to share insights, and Morgan Miller captivated audiences at Morgenstern Books with her inspiring story, From Startup to Standout.
DAY 4: Celebrating Community and Collaboration
We honored local businesses at the Best Places to Work Bloomington event, and the Crossroads Idea Pitch Competition gave early-stage founders a platform to shine. At the Remote Worker Friendsgiving, we celebrated connection and community over a delicious meal.
DAY 5: Grand Opening of The Forge
Innovation Week concluded with the grand opening of The Forge, Bloomington’s new innovation hub. This LEED-certified, 22,000-square-foot workspace is designed to fuel big ideas and foster collaboration in the Trades District.
Key Takeaways
Innovation Week reminded us that Bloomington is more than a place to work—it’s a community where innovation thrives. From celebrating the Women in Tech Luncheon to networking at the D!NG Happy Hour, each moment reinforced the importance of collaboration, creativity, and bold thinking.
Thank You to Our Sponsors
A special thank you to Indiana University, NSWC Crane, and all our sponsors for their generous support. Your contributions helped make this week a resounding success and demonstrated the power of community-driven innovation.
Looking Ahead
As we reflect on the successes of Innovation Week 2024, we’re already excited for what’s next. To everyone who attended, participated, or supported this event: thank you for being part of something extraordinary.
Stay tuned for updates and announcements about future events, and let’s keep the spirit of innovation alive!