Andrews Hosts Innovation Conference x HYVE X 2026

Themed "Innovation with Purpose"

Michael E. Cafferky, author, speaker and writing coach, spoke on the connection between faith and business. (Photo by Brian Vasquez)

From March 27–29, the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Andrews University hosted the Andrews Innovation Conference × HYVE X 2026, a weekend gathering that brought together students, entrepreneurs, ministry leaders and industry professionals to explore the intersection of innovation, entrepreneurship and faith. Held at the Howard Performing Arts Center, the conference created a dynamic space for collaboration, learning and spiritual reflection.

The event featured keynote presentations, hands-on workshops, networking sessions and competitions, all centered on solving real-world problems through purpose-driven innovation. Throughout the weekend, attendees connected with mentors, investors and alumni while gaining practical tools to develop ideas and ventures.

The conference opened on Friday morning with interactive workshops, including a session about the job market in Silicon Valley led by Solomon Kim, technical staff at the Thinking Machines Lab and Andrews alumnus. Drawing from his experience in the tech industry, Kim shared insights on building a career in the field.

A branding workshop led by Licci Zemleduch, founder and director of the Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center at Southwestern Adventist University, guided attendees through developing a professional identity. Through hands-on activities, participants explored how to align personal values with effective communication and strategic branding.

Alumnus Celeste Velinova shares, “The conference and everything leading up to it was a good experience to connect with like-minded people who want to not just be consumers but create solutions and be part of making the world a better place in one way or another.” She adds, “It’s humbling to share an idea knowing that not everybody will resonate with it or see the vision, but … there’s a space at Andrews where students are encouraged to not only share their ideas, but to keep developing new ones.”

One of the highlights of the weekend was the Pitch Competition, where seven presenters from the Startup Lab Incubator, including undergraduate and graduate students, entrepreneurs, and ministry leaders, pitched their ventures. A total of $30,000 in prizes was distributed among the winners, and judges provided detailed feedback to help refine and strengthen each idea. “The pitch is not the breakthrough. It is the exposure. The real work is what happens after the room empties,” shares Natasha Richards, director of the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary Chaplaincy Study Center and associate professor of chaplaincy at Andrews.

Later that afternoon, Kim delivered his keynote address, “Driven in Purpose,” encouraging students to pursue careers grounded in discipline, balance and intentional decision-making. He emphasized calculated risk-taking and long-term growth, challenging attendees to align their professional paths with a deeper sense of purpose.

A roundtable discussion titled “Innovation with Purpose,” featuring Kim, Zemleduch and Richards, focused on designing solutions that address real needs rather than simply following trends. Panelists emphasized testing ideas, understanding communities and maintaining purpose beyond profit.

Spiritual themes were integrated throughout the conference. During a Friday vespers service, Michael E. Cafferky, author, speaker and writing coach, spoke on the connection between faith and business, emphasizing that entrepreneurship can serve as a form of ministry. He encouraged participants to consider how their professional work can reflect their values and positively impact others.

Tachica Mc Coy, speech language pathology student at Andrews, noted that the conference reinforced the idea that entrepreneurs can remain grounded in their faith while pursuing success. “I was especially blessed by the presentation of one of the presenters in that it revealed that we can become entrepreneurs, be around the world’s most influential people and yet maintain strong Christian principles,” she shares. “Additionally, I learned the importance of balancing what we love, what we are good at, what we are paid for and what the world needs. It allows for more fulfillment.”

The conference continued on Saturday with expanded networking opportunities and a landmark event: the first-ever Demo Night at Andrews University. During this showcase, start-ups from the Startup Lab Accelerator presented their ventures to peers, mentors, investors and supporters. The presentations highlighted student and professional-led solutions addressing challenges in technology, ministry and community development.

On Saturday evening, Richards led a vespers service centered on the theme “Decide.” She challenged attendees to move beyond inspiration and take action, emphasizing that lasting transformation comes through intentional decisions and consistent follow-through. Reflecting on her message, Richards says, “Transformation does not begin with clarity. It begins with a decision … discipline replaces adrenaline. Structure replaces inspiration. You are no longer performing your idea—you are building it.”

Throughout the weekend, a consistent message emerged: Innovation is most effective when guided by purpose. Speakers emphasized that business and faith are not separate paths but can work together to serve others and create meaningful impact. Matias Soto, director of Innovation & Entrepreneurship at Andrews, shares, “Recently, we have seen many business leaders in the country disregard the effect their actions have on others, or operate without any morals or ethics. The theme of ‘Innovation with Purpose’ for this conference sought to bring our ideas and minds towards being intentional in the way we conduct business to align with our values and with the purpose to change the world.”

As attendees returned to their daily routines, they carried not only new ideas and connections but also a renewed challenge to turn inspiration into action. To see more from the Center for Innovation & Entrepreneurship, follow the team on Instagram or LinkedIn. To learn more, visit their website.