Founders Mixer
Coffee and good company. A weekly meetup for UIUC builders: meet other founders, swap ideas, or just come hang out. Sign up through the link in our Instagram bio for 25% off your drink.
Tuesdays through Nov 17 · 5-6 PM · BrewLab
Show up. Build. Pitch.
Weekly mixers, hackathons, speakers and workshops, plus two flagship weekends. Here's what's on.
Dates, times and locations can change. For the most up-to-date info, check @illinoisfounders on Instagram.
Coming up
Founders Marketplace
For students, by students. Shop unique finds from local creators, student entrepreneurs, and small businesses.
Nov 7, 2026 · 1:30-4:30 PM · Illini Union, Room B
Forge 2027
The Midwest's largest student-run startup weekend. Two days in Chicago with VCs, founders and top student startups: pitch for prizes, get 1:1 mentoring, and sharpen your idea in workshops.
March 2027 · Chicago
Past
54
A 54-hour startup hackathon. Over 100 students form teams, work with Y Combinator founders, and pitch a startup.
Date TBA · Siebel Center for Design
Flagship events
Our big weekends
Forge 2027
The Midwest's largest student-run startup weekend. Two days in Chicago with VCs, founders and top student startups: pitch for prizes, get 1:1 mentoring, and sharpen your idea in workshops.
54
A 54-hour startup hackathon. Over 100 students form teams, work with Y Combinator founders, and pitch a startup.
