Commerce Department Awarded $2 Million Grant
The funding supports a new entrepreneurship academy at Purdue University Northwest in Hammond.
Updated on Oct. 12, 2026 in Startups
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The U.S. Department of Commerce has awarded a $2 million grant to the Roberts Impact Lab at Purdue University Northwest. This funding will support the launch of the new Entrepreneurship, Commercialization, and Innovation Academy.
Why it matters
The initiative aims to strengthen entrepreneurial capacity and accelerate the commercialization of products and services across Northwest Indiana. It represents a significant investment in the region's long-term economic development.
The grant provides $2 million to the Roberts Impact Lab located in Hammond. Purdue University Northwest accounts for 2% of the gross regional product and $746 million in annual total economic impact.
The players
U.S. Department of Commerce
This federal executive department is tasked with promoting economic growth and job creation throughout the United States.
Purdue University Northwest
This public university serves the Northwest Indiana region with campuses in Hammond and Westville.
Minority Business Development Agency
This agency is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce that specifically works to foster the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned businesses.
The details
The newly funded Entrepreneurship, Commercialization, and Innovation Academy will host 16-week cohorts to train participants in essential business skills. Students will focus on market validation, customer discovery, competitive analysis, and intellectual property.
Timeline
The first cohort for the academy is planned for launch in spring 2027.
Market Landscape
This investment follows the pattern established by the Minority Business Development Agency's federal grant programs to bolster regional business infrastructure. It positions the university to capture more commercialization opportunities within the competitive Northwest Indiana startup ecosystem.
Local entrepreneurs and students can expect new training opportunities that may lower barriers to entry for launching local ventures. The initiative aims to enhance the availability of support for new commercial products in the Hammond area.
The takeaway
This grant provides a structured path for local innovators to transition from conceptual ideas to viable business products. Participants in the 16-week cohorts will gain access to specialized resources for technology adoption and funding readiness.
What happens next
The first cohort for the Entrepreneurship, Commercialization, and Innovation Academy is scheduled to launch in spring 2027.
Further reading
For more on the regional business climate, visit Startups.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WIMS.
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