Program Mission The goal of the Purdue Research Park Entrepreneurship Academy is to provide innovative math, science and technology-based business and life skills that empower young people, and offer them unique opportunities and real-world experiences.
Program Overview
The Purdue Research Park wants to recognize incoming Indiana high school juniors and seniors who have demonstrated an aptitude and interest in the areas of math, science, and technology.
Selected students will attend a five-day, high-tech focused Purdue Research Park Entrepreneurship Academy at Purdue University’s West Lafayette campus the week of June 21-26, 2009. The Academy will be led by Purdue Research Foundation staff, Purdue University faculty, industry leaders, business experts and successful high-tech business entrepreneurs. Students will work in teams of five with other students from Indiana high schools to identify a viable business idea, test the feasibility of the business idea, determine the best way for the business to compete, identify capital needs to start the business and devise a plan for managing the business successfully.
Participants will be provided with case studies, instruction and necessary materials to assist them in the successful completion of the program. On the final day, the teams will present their executive summary and a 15-minute “investor pitch” to faculty and community judges. Tuition vouchers will be given to the teams whose presentations are judged as having the most solid business strategy and promise for success.
Entrepreneurial Experiences
High-tech entrepreneurs representing a variety of technology backgrounds, expertise and products will mentor the teams throughout the week. The teams will also hear from guest presenters who will share their stories of success and lessons learned.
