The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest

The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest aims to contribute to economic and community development throughout the region as the champion of innovation in Northwest Indiana. The Northwest Indiana Society of Innovators was founded in 2004 as a program of Ivy Tech Community College. The major activity of the Society was to identify, recognize and celebrate innovation and innovators in Northwest Indiana. As a result of the Society’s efforts, the community became more aware of and proud of the innovation that occurred throughout the region. The Society of Innovators (SOI) transitioned in 2018 to become an affiliated organization with Purdue Northwest. Since then, the Society has been incorporated as a not-for-profit with IRS 501(c)(3) status, adopted bylaws, formed a board and completed a collaboration agreement with Purdue University Northwest. “PNW recognizes the significant opportunity to build upon the connecting legacies of leadership and innovation represented by these two long-standing, successful regional organizations,” said Thomas L. Keon, Chancellor of Purdue Northwest. The Society’s board of directors implemented a new strategic plan in 2019 to create a robust pathway forward. Using the Northwest Indiana Forum’s Ignite the Region plan as one of the benchmarks for implementation, the Society aims to be positioned for success by supporting robust regional economic development and ensuring that it enhances, champions and drives a culture of innovation in Northwest Indiana.