How Purdue is Building the Midwest's Premier Innovation Hub

As a proud Purdue alum and entrepreneur myself, I was thrilled when I heard about the Inaugural Purdue Entrepreneurial Alumni Reunion. Purdue has such a rich history of innovation and discovery, I knew this event would be the perfect way to reconnect with that spirit and meet other alumni who are driving Boilermaker breakthroughs.

Attending the reunion over three days in early November, I came away more energized and excited than ever about the direction Purdue is headed. A big part of the discussion was the recently created Purdue Innovates, a streamlined initiative to accelerate technology commercialization, IP licensing, and startup creation across the university. This reunion brought that mission to life, convening researchers, students, investors, and Purdue-affiliated entrepreneurs from across many industries.

Among Purdue's innovative alumni ranks are legends like Neil Armstrong who became the first person to step foot on the moon; Orville Redenbacher, who dominated the commercial popcorn industry after perfecting his popping corn hybrid; and Dr. Robert Baker who invented chicken nuggets in the early 1960s.

The Innovation Ecosystem at Purdue

“Purdue Innovates streamlines and strengthens the ecosystem for Boilermaker innovators in two ways,” said Purdue President Mung Chiang. “One is the generation and licensing of intellectual properties such as patents, where we have continued to be among the nation’s best. The other is the creation of startup companies by our students, faculty, and alumni, where we are rolling out new strategies and new funds, broadening outreach to alumni across the country, and simplifying an impactful support system for Boilermaker entrepreneurs. Purdue Innovates will elevate excellence at scale for both inventors and entrepreneurs.”

Purdue Innovates unites key areas to support that mission: intellectual property commercialization resources to get ideas to market, and startup support to launch businesses that solve global problems. With dedicated licensing professionals, startup incubators and accelerators, mentorship for student and faculty ventures, and investor networks, Purdue Innovates takes ideas from lab to launch pad.

Behind those resources is an innovation powerhouse. Purdue registers over 300 patents per year, putting us among the global top 50. Our startups have raised over $877 million in funding since 2013. Attendees also got to tour Purdue's Convergence Center for Innovation and Collaboration, the flagship home of Purdue Innovates and a hub for industry partnerships and entrepreneurial support.

Programming and Events at the Reunion

Over two days, the reunion packed in dynamic keynotes, panels, interactive sessions, startup pitch contests, networking events, and more that brought these stats to life. I heard directly from Purdue researchers about cutting-edge work in areas like AI and quantum tech that could soon transform new markets.

We heard from Dr. Philip Low, a Purdue professor who has founded seven or more companies based on his research into innovative techniques to target malaria, bone fracture repair, precision cancer treatments, autoimmune diseases, sickle cell disease, anti-viral therapies, and many others. His companies have generated billions of dollars in revenue and saved countless lives.

I learned that Purdue ranks number 4 in patents received by a national university. (The three higher rankings were for entire statewide university systems.) Purdue also ranked 3rd in startup creation, 5th in most innovative universities, 4th in most trusted public universities, and is the only university to show up on the Fast Company Brands that Matter list. I could go on and on with these rankings.

Venture capitalists shared what appeals to them when investing in startups. Successful alumni entrepreneurs explained their personal journeys in areas ranging from cybersecurity to biotech to cleantech to smart city infrastructure. Many are now giving back as mentors and angel investors themselves.

We also celebrated several Purdue startups that recently secured millions in seed funding or venture backing.

The Power of the Purdue Network

Beyond the programming itself, reconnecting face-to-face with the Purdue community is what ultimately made this event so meaningful. I met researchers working across every discipline to move their findings out of academia into tangible solutions for real people and communities. I collaborated with student founders brimming with business ideas they conceived of in college dorm rooms just months ago that are now launching into viable companies.

And of course, I swapped stories, ideas, and cards with fellow alumni entrepreneurs who understand the ups and downs of startup life but keep forging ahead, reminding me we all share that persistent Boilermaker grit.

So many spoke about the power of the Purdue network—that sense of family rooted in our common experiences and values, which lifts up each other’s endeavors. If someone needs advice, a connection, beta testers, funding, or just moral support, Boilermakers step up. We saw example after example of senior alumni now paying it forward to the next generation.

Key Takeaways and Next Steps

Attending Purdue’s first ever entrepreneur-focused alumni reunion filled me with Boilermaker pride. From our history of pioneers like Neil Armstrong to the boundary-pushers of today, Purdue keeps driving innovation that changes lives.

With Purdue Innovates and other new funding and mentorship initiatives announced at this event, the university is removing more barriers for researchers and alumni founders alike to elevate their ideas into reality. If this event is any indication, I predict the numbers of technologies commercialized, startups launched, investments secured, and jobs created will all surge, and the Purdue brand will shine even brighter on the global innovation stage.

I’m more motivated than ever to accelerate my own startup plans while also volunteering to mentor student entrepreneurs who remind me of myself just a few years ago. And I can’t wait to return for the second annual Entrepreneurial Alumni Reunion, which promises to bring even more Boilermaker energy as the innovation ecosystem gathers strength across this network I’m so grateful to be part of.

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