Entrepreneurship at PNW
From pitch competitions to networking and training opportunities for the next generation of innovators, Purdue University Northwest is committed to fostering economic development in our region and beyond.
Upcoming Events
Mar 19
Morning Meet Ups Winter Series x WeCreate (Eli McGanal)Morning Meet Ups offer coffee, connection and one powerful idea in 15 minutes, all by 9 a.m. at Lower Lincoln.
Mar 22
Big Sell Submission DeadlineThink you have the next big business idea? Want a chance to win $10,000 in eight minutes? 2026 Big Sell video submissions will be accepted until March 22.
May 02
The 2026 PNW Big SellJoin us for PNW’s annual contest to identify the best new ideas in business! This innovative pitch competition is hosted by PNW’s Office of Commercialization and Research.
PNW Entrepreneurship Resources
Leadership Institute
At the Purdue University Northwest Leadership Institute, we prepare great leaders of all ages to excel in an increasingly competitive global environment.
Visit the Leadership Institute
Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center (CMEC)
CMEC serves as a catalyst for economic development and technological transfer throughout Northwest Indiana.
VEREFI (Venture Ready Financials)
VEREFI partners PNW and community startups with upper-level undergraduate College of Business entrepreneurship students to establish their financial models, projections and preparations for defending their financial “ask” to venture funding.
PNW Big Sell
Think you have the next big business idea? Want a chance to win $10,000 in eight minutes? The Big Sell is PNW’s annual contest to identify the best new ideas in business.
Society of Innovators
We contribute to economic and community development as the champion of innovation and entrepreneurship in Northwest Indiana.
Roberts Impact Lab
The Roberts Impact Lab will bring new and viable economic and cultural opportunities into the market through innovation, collaboration and entrepreneurship.
Contact Us
Have questions about how Purdue University Northwest may be able to help your business or project? Contact PNW Assistant Professor of Practice in Management AJ Moran at ajmoran@pnw.edu.
Community Resources
Looking to connect with fellow entrepreneurs in Northwest Indiana? Explore a selection of non-profit meetups, incubators and other entrepreneurship resources.
This is a fluid listing of community resources. Inclusion does not imply endorsement by Purdue University Northwest.
1 Million Cups
1 Million Cups is a free program designed to educate, engage and inspire Northwest Indiana’s entrepreneurs, innovators, startups and inventors.
Innovate WithIN
An elite high school pitch competition, Innovate WithIN offers year-long programming that teaches students to view the world through a lens of entrepreneurship and innovation.
IronWorkz
IronWorkz is a business incubator focused on increasing access to the tools and resources you need to thrive as an entrepreneur.
Lower Lincoln
This co-working space lets founders, entrepreneurs, and remote workers collaborate, attend events, network or just crush your to-do list!
OneRegion
One Region brings together local leaders to empower economic growth and enhance the quality of life in Lake, Porter and La Porte counties.