What is IGNITE?

IGNITE is an annual celebration of student creativity that showcases students’ innovative work from every college at Iowa State University! Join us, May 5th – May 8th, to witness the incredible power of creativity that builds our culture of innovation!

The IGNITE Innovation Showcase is an opportunity to view displays, exhibitions, presentations, panels and speakers, celebrations and awards, poster sessions, and explore what innovation looks like at Iowa State!

Image of IGNITE exhibits in the basement of the student innovation center.

Save the Date:

May 5-8, 2026

Mark your calendars for a week full of inspiration, imagination, and innovation at the Student Innovation Center.

IGNITE 2025 Illuminates Innovation at Iowa State

From May 5 through May 9, 2025, the Student Innovation Center at Iowa State University was transformed into a vibrant hub of creativity during the 2025 IGNITE event. Spanning all five floors, the event featured 25 week-long displays that showcased cutting-edge projects and research from multiple colleges across campus. Each floor offered a unique lens into the innovative spirit of Iowa State, inviting students, faculty, and visitors to explore interdisciplinary work and collaborative breakthroughs.Image of two students engaging with an exhibit at Ignite 2025

 

In addition to the static exhibits, IGNITE 2025 hosted 26 unique daily events throughout the week—ranging from hands-on workshops to expert panels and live demonstrations. On Wednesday evening, students presented their multifaceted, forward-thinking, and practical projects through eleven lightning talks. The inventive groups included the Innovation Challenge Incubator teams, Design/Shift design-a-thon teams, and the four scholarship award winners from the Student Innovation Center’s Applied AI Challenge.

 

The IGNITE Innovation Showcase not only celebrated the Iowa State University’s diverse academic strengths but also fostered meaningful connections across disciplines, making it a standout moment in the campus calendar. Thank you for joining us at IGNITE 2025.

Curious about IGNITE in past years? Get a glimpse into the creative energy and community behind our annual IGNITE Innovation Showcase.