Note: Sodam Kim, assistant director of research communications for the IU Office of the Vice President for Research, contributed to this story.
Despite the COVID-19 pandemic, Indiana University has accelerated efforts to build connections among its global community of entrepreneurs, innovators and investors, while also advancing business ideas with the potential to create new high-quality jobs for Hoosiers.
Two new opportunities, as listed below, reflect the ongoing work of IU staff, faculty and alumni to strengthen and expand Indiana’s entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem.
IU Innovation: Tech & Connect 2022
The IU Innovation and Commercialization Office will host an in-person networking event on Feb. 17 at 16 Tech in Indianapolis.
IU Innovation: Tech & Connect 2022 will bring together startups and researchers from IU, Purdue University and the University of Notre Dame. Participants will have an opportunity to learn more about Indiana’s growing tech industry, listen to pitches, explore investment opportunities and network with startup founders, venture capitalists and investors in Indiana.
“We are excited to host joint event series with Purdue and Notre Dame this year,” said Simran Trana, associate vice president of the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office. “This will be a great opportunity for the entrepreneurial and VC community to connect with university innovation.”
Followed by panel discussion with VCs and institutional investors in Indiana, the event will feature six startups and their technologies from IU, Purdue and Notre Dame. Each startup will present their technology for five minutes and receive feedback on pitch and next steps.
Located near several of central Indiana’s top healthcare, educational and corporate institutions, 16 Tech is a rapidly growing “innovation district” designed to advance bold ideas and emerging enterprises. Its mission includes developing industry and community-based partnerships and programs that will provide job training and educational opportunities for Hoosiers. IU Vice President for Government Relations and Economic Engagement Bill Stephan is a member of 16 Tech’s board of directors.
The IU Innovation and Commercialization Office works closely with faculty, industry and the entrepreneurial community in Indiana to take IU innovations to market.
Anyone who wishes to be part of Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem can register here for the event. Event details may change to meet the current safety standards based on IU’s Event and Conference Guidelines.
Benefiting from the best of IU’s startup community: The IU Founders and Funders Network
IU has launched a global online community that will enable like-minded IU-affiliated innovators to connect with industry experts and benefit from other university resources they need to grow their business ideas.
The IU Founders and Funders Network is designed to deliver the “best of IU’s startup community” to its members, which include entrepreneurs, donors and investors. Several of its members have founded or are associated with portfolio companies supported by IU Ventures, which oversees the network and manages IU’s investment in high-potential new venture opportunities with strong university connections.
Among its offerings, the Founders and Funders Network has organized a series of “fireside chats,” which will include a conversation on Feb. 23 with IU alumnus Angelo Pizzo, an award-winning screenwriter and producer of the Oscar-nominated sports drama “Hoosiers.”
Additionally, the network is planning an inaugural Venture Summit, which will be held at the Indiana Memorial Union in Bloomington, Ind., on May 12-13.
Membership in the IU Founders and Funders Network is free with completion and review of a short application. Anyone associated with IU is welcome in the network. Alumni, current students, parents, and faculty and staff at any IU campus are encouraged to join.