Purdue University Northwest and the Society of Innovators are ending their collaborative agreement that began in 2018.
The Society will transition to a traditional nonprofit at the end of the year, according to Board Chair Gary Johnson.
“Through the transition to a stand-alone nonprofit organization, SOI plans to focus on independent fundraising to expand its capacity to pursue its mission in the Region,” Johnson said in a press release.
The Society's board of directors voted in July to terminate the agreement. The two organizations had operated under a memorandum of understanding.
“As our formal agreement comes to a mutual end, SOI enters its next phase — expanding its funding base to support expanding its community value,” Johnson said. “PNW and SOI remain committed to collaborating to support regional innovation and entrepreneurship.”
PNW Chancellor Kenneth Holford confirmed that sentiment.
“This unique collaboration agreement enabled SOI to thrive in its mission to drive economic and community development across Northwest Indiana through innovation and entrepreneurship, while giving PNW a direct tie to the growth of the entrepreneurial ecosystem and mentoring of youth entrepreneurs in Northwest Indiana,” Holford said. “We are excited to continue to engage with the SOI and innovators throughout our Region to create positive community impact.”
Johnson is excited about what comes next.
“My association with the Society of Innovators began more than 12 years ago, and serving as a director and board chair has given me a front-row seat to the power of innovation to drive economic and community development,” Johnson said. “I am tremendously energized by what lies ahead as we expand our programming, funding and partnerships to deepen our impact across Northwest Indiana.”
The milestone also comes with refreshed branding and a new website.
The Society was established in 2005, and previously was affiliated with Ivy Tech Community College. It hosts events that promote youth entrepreneurship and innovation in the Region, and most recently, started the Spark Series, which features interviews with entrepreneurs and classroom materials.
The organization also has honored more than 500 innovators, who receive their wings. Chanute Wings lapel pins are a symbol of the Region’s pioneering history. The pin is named after Octave Chanute, whose glider flights on the Indiana lakeshore paved the way for the Wright Brothers. Read about 2025's honorees here.
