The Society of Innovators at Purdue Northwest has launched the Spark Series, a new video learning library.
The library is designed to help students, educators and aspiring entrepreneurs learn directly from real-world innovators across Northwest Indiana. The short, documentary-style video interviews with local entrepreneurs and innovators aim to bring real-world business and innovation concepts to life for audiences.
The Spark Series highlights authentic stories, challenges and insights designed to inspire the next generation of problem-solvers and creators. Each 12 to 14-minute episode is paired with classroom-ready discussion guides and linked to Indiana’s high school entrepreneurship pathway standards, providing a teaching tool for educators statewide.
“We believe innovation can come from anywhere, and that anyone can be an innovator,” said Jason Williams, Society of Innovators CEO, in a press release. “The Spark Series is designed to spotlight that spirit by showcasing real founders and creators in our own backyard. Their stories help bring entrepreneurship to life for the next generation.”
The first season of the Spark Series features innovators from a range of industries, from food and wellness to marketing and manufacturing. Guests include:
- Wade Breitzke, WeCreate founder and CEO
- Allyson Straka, Frozen Garden founder
- Carol Podolak, BNutty Gourmet Peanut Butters co-founder
- Maurice “Chef Blāque” Shelton, Steel City Bakery owner and Netflix’s Sugar Rush champion
Additional episodes feature entrepreneurs and innovators across sectors, including health care, social enterprise, technology and retail, with new episodes added throughout fall 2025.
“We heard from teachers across the Region who were looking for high-quality, local content that made entrepreneurship feel real,” Williams said. “The Spark Series delivers that by offering short, engaging episodes that highlight not just the ‘what’ of entrepreneurship, but the ‘why’ and ‘how.’”
