University of Evansville to Host Innovate Southwest Indiana Event
Evansville, Ind. (04/15/2025) — The University of Evansville (UE) is pleased to announce it will host the Innovate Southwest Indiana event, the refreshed identity of a longstanding initiative dedicated to fostering economic prosperity and innovation across the region. Formerly know as Engage Indiana, this marks the fourth year of this regionally-focused event dedicated to exploring Southwest Indiana's growth.
The event will take place on Tuesday, April 29, 2025, at Ridgway University Center, Eykamp Hall, bringing together key business leaders, educators, and economic development experts to discuss the future of Southwest Indiana.
Innovate Southwest Indiana is designed to convene thought leaders from across sectors to explore opportunities in business expansion and attraction, workforce development, entrepreneurship and innovation, and growth through Indiana's tech hubs. Indiana Secretary of Education Katie Jenner will serve as the keynote speaker, offering insights into the evolving landscape of education and workforce readiness in the state.
"IBJ Media is thrilled to bring Innovate Indiana Southwest to Evansville for the fourth consecutive year, underscoring our unwavering dedication to driving economic growth across all regions of the state," said IBJ Media CEO, Nate Feltman. "This event serves as a platform for collaborative dialogue, where we can collectively address the pressing topics and capitalize on the unique strengths of Evansville and the Southwest Indiana community."
Panelists for the event include:
- Jim Ryan, CEO, Old National Bank
- Andy Perry, CEO & Co-Founder, Curvo Labs
- Lloyd Winnecke, CEO, Evansville Regional Economic Partnership
- Sara Worstell, Executive Director, Southwest Indiana Workforce Development
- Daniella Vidal, Chancellor, Ivy Tech Evansville
- Ivan Ball, Co-founder & CTO, anu (previously gropod)
"This event represents a significant step in bringing together key decision-makers and thought leaders to propel Southwest Indiana's economy into the future," said UE President Christopher Pietruszkiewicz. "The discussions we have at Innovate Southwest Indiana will lay the groundwork for continued regional growth and development. As a university deeply committed to preparing students for the evolving workforce, UE is proud to facilitate conversations that highlight the intersection of education, business, and innovation. We believe that fostering partnerships between academia and industry is essential to equipping the next generation with the skills and knowledge they need to drive our region forward."
Attendees will engage in discussions on economic development, innovation, talent attraction, and industry partnerships, aiming to drive forward-thinking solutions for the region.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, April 29, 2025
- Location: University of Evansville - Ridgway University Center, Eykamp Hall
- Address: 1800 Lincoln Ave, Evansville, IN 47714
- Networking: 11:30 a.m.
- Program Start: 12:00 p.m.
For more information and to register by April 22 for Innovate Southwest Indiana - Evansville, visit: https://www.insideindianabusiness.com/events/2025/innovate-southwest-indiana-evansville.
The University of Evansville is a private, comprehensive university with a solid foundation in the arts and sciences and professional schools in business, engineering, education, and health sciences. Established in 1854, UE is recognized across the globe for its rich tradition of innovative, academic excellence and dynamic campus community of #Changemakers.
Home of the Purple Aces, UE is located in the southwestern region of Indiana and offers over 75 majors, 17 Division I sports, and a unique study abroad experience at Harlaxton, the University's very own Victorian manor located in the countryside of England. For more information, please visit evansville.edu.
MEDIA CONTACT
Noah Alatza, Chief Communications Officer
na122@evansville.edu
812-893-5319