Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest

We contribute to economic and community development as the champion of innovation and entrepreneurship in Northwest Indiana.

Recipients of the 2025 Innovators Awards hold their awards

Nominations are open for the 2026 Innovators Awards!

Know a Northwest Indiana innovator who deserves to be recognized? Now in its 21st year, the Society of Innovators’ annual celebration focuses on the spirit of creativity and ingenuity by discovering, honoring, and celebrating innovators from across the seven-county region of Northwest Indiana. Anyone who lives or works in Northwest Indiana is eligible for consideration. There is no fee to nominate, and we encourage self-nominations.

Learn More and Nominate an Innovator

Gold text overlay over two people sitting on a couch with the text: Spark Series, Marketing & Branding with Wade Breitzke

Spark Series

Enjoy short, documentary-style video interviews with local entrepreneurs and innovators that bring real-world business and innovation concepts to life for students. Each episode includes a Spark Lesson discussion guide and a short classroom activity designed for single class periods.

Explore the Spark Series

Screenshot of the "Ask An Innovator" knowledge marketplace, with filters on the left listing different audience types and headshots and bios for innovators including Kelly Anoe, Jason Williams and more

Ask An Innovator

This online knowledge marketplace offers a direct connection to entrepreneurs and innovation leaders. Whether you’re a student, teacher, founder or business owner, Ask an Innovator Marketplace lets you book virtual sessions with experienced innovators for LIVE feedback, stories and advice.

Ask An Innovator

Resources

People work on a team-building exercise at a shared table.

Events

From online workshops to in-person networking events and skills development, the Society of Innovators offers programming that connects you with the people, tools and resources that drive growth.

Two women in Frozen Garden t-shirts hold bagged food.

News

Updates from the Society of Innovators and stories of Northwest Indiana innovation.

A woman in professional clothing speaks at a podium.

Sponsorship

Help catalyze Northwest Indiana’s innovation community and reach our region’s talented problem solvers

Champions of Innovation

Innovation is central to advancement and improving the economy and the quality of life in Northwest Indiana.

The Society of Innovators has helped the region realize that innovation occurs here and that anyone can be an innovator.

News and Announcements

Society of Innovators logo

The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest invites nominations for 2026 awards

Nominations are open for The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest’s 21st annual Innovators Awards! Awards are given to individuals, teams, businesses, nonprofits, students, educators and organizations across all industries who live or work in Northwest Indiana.

Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest Hosts Inaugural SPARK Summit

The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest welcomed high school students to explore creativity, innovation, leadership and entrepreneurial thinking at the inaugural SPARK Summit.

Inspired Home Show Student Experience Day

Connecting Students to Industry Innovation at the Inspired Home Show

The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest partnered with the Inspired Home Show to bring students to the show’s Student Experience Day at McCormick Place in Chicago.