Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology is beginning development of an entrepreneurial ecosystem called Innovation Grove, which will feature the relocation of Rose-Hulman Ventures and the addition of other new amenities to provide students with additional internships and hands-on experiences to gain the skills needed to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Rose-Hulman Ventures is a place that, for more than two decades, has turned real-world client’s ideas into game-changing and lifesaving technology. The entity is currently located on the institute’s South Campus, approximately six miles from campus.

A long-term vision for Innovation Grove is to further leverage Rose-Hulman faculty expertise, student ingenuity, and industry partnerships to fuel economic growth in the Wabash Valley. This site could also provide space for Rose-Hulman’s new entrepreneurial Sawmill Society network. Funding for the long-term vision will come from various private philanthropic sources along with federal, state, and community support, including from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA), Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), and an allocation from Vigo County Council and Terre Haute City Council’s American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) resources. Efforts are currently underway to secure additional grant funding to further the longer-term vision. 

This new space, located on the former Hulman Farm property at the northeast corner of Indiana State Roads 42 and 46 adjacent to the main campus, is one of the centerpieces of Rose-Hulman’s “Advancing By Design” Strategic Plan, which focuses on enhancing the environment that supercharges the innovative potential of students while expanding the Institute’s entrepreneurial ecosystem for external clients and beyond.

“As we continue to identify ways to strengthen our presence globally, our vision is that Innovation Grove will be a thriving, self-sustaining entrepreneurial center that houses advanced labs and testing facilities, a greatly expanded client base, and, most importantly, valuable hands-on and immersive learning opportunities that enhance our students’ classroom and laboratory educational experiences,” said Rose-Hulman President Robert A. Coons. 

He noted Rose-Hulman is already highly regarded for attracting the brightest students and preparing them to excel at whatever pursuits they choose post-graduation. Given the fast pace of change and the need to solve urgent global issues, Rose-Hulman graduates must be prepared to innovate bold ideas, discover solutions, and use entrepreneurial approaches to bring them to life.