Skip to content

INNOVATION WEEK 2024: IGNITING IDEAS + INSPIRING ACTION IN BLOOMINGTON

by Admin on

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.


Mayoral Proclamation
1 Bloomington Mayor Kerry Thompson with Executive Director Pat East at the Mayoral Proclamation
Collegiate Founders Summit
2 The Collegiate Founders Summit brought together the next generation of innovators, allowing for the sharing of ideas and networking 
Luncheon Candid
3 Lots of fun connections made at the Startups Making a Difference Luncheon and expertise shared by a panel led by Michelle Cole
Taptic Crossroads
4 Taptic won the Crossroads Pitch Competition
Forge Ribbon Cutting
5 A large crowd gathered for the ribbon cutting of The Forge

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!