IU accelerates commitment to catalyzing startups and business growth

Indiana University is igniting the entrepreneurial spirit of our students, faculty, and partners across our state and around the world. 

With our new IU Innovates Hub serving as the cornerstone of activities to advance student- and faculty-led startups, our campuses are accelerating the creation and success of businesses across Indiana and beyond. 

At the recent inaugural Rally Innovation Conference in Indianapolis, two IU-affiliated startups were chosen as finalists to pitch their business ideas to entrepreneurs and venture capitalists: Kovina Therapeutics, which aims to develop first-in-class antiviral therapies to treat cancers and premalignant infections, and Revival Food Co., a sustainable almond butter company founded by IU alumna Rachel Klein. 

In New Albany, IU Southeast’s partnership with the Novaparke Innovation & Technology Campus took a major leap forward with the attraction of the complex's first tenant, global space infrastructure leader Redwire Corporation. Entrepreneurs and fledgling tech companies based on the campus will benefit from consultations with local entrepreneurs, business seminars, pitch competitions, and laboratory space.

A new innovation and entrepreneurship center at IU South Bend and the new Innovation Hall for IU Kokomo’s KEY Center for Innovation will help our students launch their startups and link them with other business leaders.

Creating connections was at the heart of IU’s recent Founders and Funders Network Venture Summit, hosted by IU Ventures. Nearly 200 business leaders and members of IU’s global venture network joined IU leaders in identifying future opportunities to spur innovation and entrepreneurship. 

The momentum IU is generating across our campuses in support of Indiana’s leading businesses will spawn new ventures and spark innovations to help solve the biggest challenges facing communities in our state and the world.

Pamela Whitten

President
Indiana University