What is IGNITE?

IGNITE is an annual celebration of student creativity that showcases students’ innovative work from every college at Iowa State University! 

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!

Join us, May 5th – May 9th, to witness the incredible power of creativity that builds our culture of innovation!

We are currently seeking groups to display and exhibit, present and host activities, and host receptions and celebrations to include in IGNITE 2025.  Iowa State University Faculty and Staff should submit the Request to Showcase at IGNITE 2025 form below!

We are also seeking individual representations of Daily Innovations for a curated exhibit that will be included in IGNITE 2025.  If you would like to submit your student work for inclusion please visit the Daily Innovations page.

Displays and Exhibitions

Have your students created a captivating display, poster, or project?  We want to showcase it as part of our celebration of the diversity of innovation at Iowa State, from engineering marvels to artistic expressions!  Complete the Request to Showcase form below so that we can include your innovative students’ work in IGNITE 2025.

Presentations and Activities

Do you have students preparing capstone presentations or pitches, designing an activity or interactive session, or a final presentation for your course that could benefit from being viewed by a diverse audience?  Are you wanting to host a panel discussion or a guest speaker?  We would love to host these activities in the Student Innovation Center during IGNITE 2025!  Complete the Request to Showcase form below so that we can include your innovative students’ work, discussion, or guest speaker in IGNITE 2025.

Receptions and Celebrations

Have you held a competition in your college/department/unit and need to announce the winners?  Do you want to host a networking reception? Do you have an achievement or milestone you would like to celebrate?  We would love to host these activities in the Student Innovation Center during IGNITE 2025!  Complete the Request to Showcase form below so that we can include your awards, celebrations, or reception as part of IGNITE 2025.

Image of audience and presenters at Ignite.

Innovation Challenge

Join our Innovation Challenge for a chance to win up to $15,000 in seed funding and year-round access to resources and advisors to develop your MVP/MVX! Innovation Challenge Winners will be announced at IGNITE!

Application information will be available in Spring 2025!