The Third Annual Midwest Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit 2027

Paradigm Shift: Preparing for the AI and Quantum Revolution

How Midwest Entrepreneurs, Employers and Educators are Leading a New Era of Collaboration and Innovation

The Midwest is shaping an extraordinary new era of innovation and entrepreneurship. Building on its strengths in TDL, manufacturing, education, technology, and scientific research, the region is well positioned to address disruptive megatrends like AI, quantum, climate change and fintech.

The Midwest Innovation and Entrepreneurship Summit (MIES) connects entrepreneurs, employers, educators and economic development leaders from across the region to architect the country’s economic future.

Hosted by College of DuPage and Innovation DuPage, MIES 2027 will center on the theme Paradigm Shift: Preparing for the AI and Quantum Revolution, examining how entrepreneurs, employers and educators can harness rapidly advancing technologies to create new businesses, strengthen existing industries, develop talent and accelerate economic growth.

MIES 2027 will explore the convergence of artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, and clean energy, and their impact on key regional industries. We will explore how entrepreneurship is a necessary mindset for organizations of all sizes to keep pace with a rapidly changing world. Conversations will focus on translating these advances into practical opportunities for businesses and communities throughout the Midwest.

Through keynote speakers, panel discussions, breakout sessions, and opportunities for networking, participants will explore how entrepreneurs can leverage new technologies to launch and scale businesses, how employers can innovate and develop the workforce of tomorrow, and how educators can prepare students and working professionals with the skills needed to thrive in an increasingly technology-driven economy.

At the center of the MIES 2027 is an ambitious question: How can the Midwest lead the next paradigm shift in innovation? This is the Midwest’s Silicon Valley moment. Don’t’ get left behind.

The Summit has three primary goals:

· Empower Entrepreneurs and Businesses
Connect entrepreneurs and business leaders with the ideas, tools, technologies, resources, and relationships that can help them innovate, compete, and grow.

· Align Education, Talent and Industry
Align educators, employers, and entrepreneurs to strengthen the connections between the classroom and the boardroom, shop floor, and startup communities.

· Advance the Midwest Innovation Ecosystem
Strengthen connections among entrepreneurs, employers, educators, investors, researchers, and economic development organizations to accelerate innovation and establish the Midwest as the entrepreneurship center of the world.

Since its inaugural gathering in 2025, MIES has quickly grown into a significant regional convening, connecting entrepreneurs and small businesses, educators and academic leaders, employers, industry professionals, and innovation partners. Last year, more than 400 participants joined in-person and online, reflecting its growing reach and the strong interest in bringing these communities together around the future of innovation and entrepreneurship.

MIES 2027 will convene a large and diverse audience from across the Midwest, with an expanded focus on the technologies, industries, and talent shaping the region’s next chapter.

Paradigm Shift will bring these communities together around a shared opportunity: positioning the Midwest at the forefront of the AI and quantum revolution while building on the region’s strengths.
The next era of innovation is taking shape today. With its entrepreneurial talent, world-class educational institutions, diverse industries, and collaborative innovation ecosystem, the Midwest is positioned to lead this shift.

Event venue & nearby stays

College of DuPage, 425 Fawell Boulevard, Glen Ellyn, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.

Get the app →

Discover more events by tag