IDEA Week

An innovation festival.
Here in South Bend-Elkhart.
For Community. By Community.

Idea Week is put on by some of our area's most engaged organizations to bring you an exciting production of events in 2024.

This April, a whole new kind of innovation festival hits the South Bend-Elkhart region that lets you Learn, Play, Meet, And Compete. Geared towards Everyone - whether you're already a successful entrepreneur, a new student, or simply live for local events - discover Your way of experiencing innovation Here.

Idea Week is an innovation festival hosting business, technology, and entertainment events to provide entrepreneurs, students, and attendees with the practical knowledge, creative inspiration, and social foundation they need to innovate within their own careers, studies, and communities.

Schedule Of Events

9:00 am - 10:00 am: Thirst for Innovation: Dive Into the Hydro Flask Revolution with Founder Travis Rosbach

Travis Rosebach, founder of Hydro Flask, joins IDEA Week as a keynote speaker to talk product invention, scaling through innovation, and more.

11:00 am - 12:00 pm: Preparing for Jobs that Don't Exist Yet

Join us for an enlightening session with Michelle Weise, acclaimed expert and author of "Long-Life Learning: Preparing for Jobs That Don't Even Exist Yet" and Senior Advisor at Imaginable Futures. As a thought leader in the realm of "Skills Compasses," Michelle explores the intersection of innovation, training, and upskilling to meet the evolving demands of the labor market.

In this session, Michelle will challenge us to reevaluate our learning ecosystems in the face of longer lifespans, automation, and rapid transformation in the 21st century. Drawing from her extensive experience as the former Chief Innovation Officer of Strada Education Network's Institute for the Future of Work, Michelle will share insights on the significance of education systems evolving to of education systems adapting to meet the needs of an emerging workforce generation.  

Join us as Michelle Weise guides us through strategies for future-proofing our skills and embracing a mindset of continuous learning. Whether you're an educator, business leader, or simply curious about the future of work, this session promises to inspire and equip you with the knowledge needed to thrive in an ever-changing professional landscape.

11:00 am - 1:00 pm: Elevate Ventures Hardtech Roadshow

Step into the heart of innovation at the South Bend | Elkhart Startup Showcase! Discover groundbreaking ideas, cutting-edge technologies, and creative solutions that are shaping the future of Indiana and beyond. Exhibiting companies represent key talent from Elevate Ventures' portfolio in the South Bend  - Elkhart region and Elevate staff and stakeholders will be in attendance to connect and engage.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: Supporting Entrepreneurs With AI

AI is changing the way entrepreneurs operate. Naturally, it should then also change the way we coach people how to be entrepreneurs. In this session, Logan Herzog, Chief Innovation Officer at RISE, will demonstrate how AI can make an immediate impact in the way organizations support and upskill entrepreneurs.

You'll see real-life examples of AI chat bots built to support students in the classroom, hear strategies RISE has developed for embracing AI, and hear what's coming in the months ahead.

If you're responsible for teaching entrepreneurs, and interested in how AI can help, this session is designed specifically for you.

1:00 pm - 2:00 pm: DECA: A Framework for 10x Impact Investing

Venture capitalist Zoey McKenzie recently launched a $100 million impact fund called Public Ventures that seeks out science and clean tech startups focused on improving health equity and climate preparedness for underserved communities. In this session, Zoey will discuss impact investing and how it aims to generate positive social and environmental outcomes, along with financial returns. In this talk, you will also learn about the DECA Framework, a method that offers innovators, investors, and philanthropists a precise roadmap towards universal progress. You will discover the four essential pillars of the framework: Deal, Ecosystem, Community, and Application, and how they can help you achieve 10x (sustainable) impact while addressing complex global challenges, like climate change.

3:00 pm - 4:00 pm: Strategies for Fundraising and Startup Growth in Challenging Financial Landscapes

Join us for an exciting session during IDEA Week featuring Maya French, the visionary founder of Koia, a renowned name in the plant-based nutrition industry. As the mastermind behind Koia, Maya has revolutionized the way we look at and consume plant-based beverages.

Maya's journey is a remarkable story of innovation, dedication, and passion. With a mission to make healthy, delicious, and sustainable nutrition accessible to everyone, she has taken Koia from a small start-up to a globally recognized brand. Her commitment to creating products that are not only good for your body but also the planet has set Koia apart in the competitive health and wellness market.

4:00 pm - 5:00 pm: Brand Amplifier, The Power of Personal Branding

Unlock the Power of Authentic Branding: Join a Personal Branding workshop featuring the insights of Creative Duality's CEO + Executive Director of The ayana Foundation, Jaclynn Brennan. Dive deep into the art of crafting a brand identity that mirrors your genuine values and unique expression. As female founders, harness strategies to amplify your voice, establish your digital footprint, and lead authentically. This is your chance to transform your vision into a resonating personal brand; sign up and let your true self shine!