Rose-Hulman begins work on $100 million innovation district – Indianapolis News | Weather in Indiana | Indiana traffic

“TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (October 3, 2024) – Construction has begun on Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology’s new Enterprise District, which will be a vibrant center for entrepreneurship and technological advancement, expand educational opportunities for Rose-Hulman students, strengthen local health care services and bring economic growth potential to the Wabash Valley.

“This is a signature feature of the recently announced $102.3 million Trails to Innovation project, supported by generous philanthropic support from Lilly Endowment Inc., various private philanthropic sources, and federal, state and community support, including from the Department of Economic Affairs United States Trade. Development Administration (EDA), the Indiana Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI), and the allocation of funds from Vigo County Council and Terre Haute City Council resources under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA).

“The Innovation Grove District will offer Rose-Hulman students opportunities to complete hands-on internships, collaborate on real-world engineering projects through Rose-Hulman Ventures, and the chance to be exposed to cutting-edge healthcare technologies at the Hip and Hip Replacement Knee Surgery Center.

“We are excited to begin implementing aspects of ours Progress by design strategic plan,” said Rose-Hulman President Robert A. Coons. “This is a monumental opportunity for Rose-Hulman that will bring tremendous benefits to our students, staff and alumni, while further strengthening the ties we have enjoyed over the past 150 years with Terre Haute and the Wabash Valley. The Innovation Grove District will provide our students with unparalleled opportunities for hands-on learning, collaboration with industry leaders, and real-world experience in entrepreneurship and technological innovation, preparing them to meet the challenges of tomorrow.”

“On October 3, Coons hosted a groundbreaking ceremony at the Innovation Grove District, kicking off Rose-Hulman Homecoming Weekend and continuing the year-long sesquicentennial celebration. The ceremony was attended by U.S. Senator Todd Young, Union Health President and CEO Steve Holman, and Dr. Michael Meneghini, CEO of the Indiana Joint Replacement Institute (IJRI) and a Rose-Hulman alumnus, as well as several state and local officials.

“Today’s announcement is exciting for Rose-Hulman, its students and staff, and all of Indiana. For 150 years, Rose-Hulman has been at the forefront of technology, ranking among the best engineering schools in the country and producing some of our brightest minds. Innovation Grove will create more opportunities for students to build careers in our state and spur economic growth throughout the Wabash Valley,” said Senator Young.

“The Innovation Grove district will include:

“Rose-Hulman’s ventures: The 35,000-square-foot building will be the new headquarters for the engineering consulting, design and technology development company that has existed for more than two decades on the Institute’s South Campus. This modern space will also include: STEM educational programs and roboticsin partnership with the Vigo County School Corporation and Sawmill Societydedicated spaces for Rose-Hulman’s network of alumni and entrepreneurial supporters to serve as mentors and collaborate with emerging innovators.

“Surgical center for hip and knee replacement: A 40,000-square-foot building that will house a key facility in partnership with Union Health and IJRI.

“5 megawatt photovoltaic farm: This renewable energy source will significantly reduce the district’s carbon footprint while promoting clean energy practices on campus.

“Innovation Routes: Designed to encourage a healthy and active lifestyle in the Rose-Hulman and local communities. This trail will connect to the broader trail system in the Wabash Valley, offering scenic routes for walking, running and biking.

“This partnership (Rose-Hulman/Union Health/IJRI) is expected to be one of the most exciting and successful in the Midwest,” Holman said. “This collaboration will drive new technological advancements in the healthcare industry, provide students with hands-on experience and bring patients from across the country to Terre Haute for orthopedic joint replacement surgeries.”

“Meneghini, an internationally recognized and award-winning orthopedic surgeon, researcher and educator, added: “This leading technology facility represents a unique collaboration supporting innovation in education, research and development of the highest quality biomedical engineering in the care of patients with hip and knee replacement . This unique facility will not only attract students, industry partners, engineers, surgeons and patients to learn about the latest advances, but will inspire future healthcare professionals for decades to come.

“The Innovation Grove District, scheduled to open in 2026, will transform the Rose-Hulman campus into a dynamic center for entrepreneurship and technological advancement. The district will feature state-of-the-art facilities, including modern collaboration spaces where students, entrepreneurs and industry partners will be able to innovate together. With a 5-megawatt solar farm, the district will showcase Rose-Hulman’s commitment to environmental responsibility and create a vibrant atmosphere for innovation. From advanced engineering laboratories to world-class healthcare facilities, Innovation Grove will be a forward-thinking space where education, engineering, science and industry converge to shape the future.

Dale H. Long, Editor-in-Chief and Director of Media Relations, Office of Communications and Marketing, Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology