Purdue University Northwest’s (PNW) Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center (CMEC) received a $10,000 gift from Old National Bank to support commercialization ventures for women entrepreneur clients at the center.
CMEC at PNW serves as a catalyst for economic development and technological transfer by providing advanced manufacturing opportunities, fostering entrepreneurial ventures and hosting related training opportunities. Through CMEC’s concept-to-commercialization (C2C) program talented entrepreneurs are guided and supported to bring their innovations to market.
CMEC has demonstrated strong evidence of supporting women entrepreneurs and increasing representation among local innovators. Historically, among the top entrepreneurial ventures rendered through the C2C program, 8 of the top 10 achieving funding have been women-led. Among those women entrepreneurs, 7 of 8 are women of color.
With the support of Old National Bank’s gift, CMEC will be able to continue recruiting and supporting successful women entrepreneurs seeking to commercialize their visions and deliver transformational changes for the Northwest Indiana business landscape.
“Old National Bank’s generous gift is important not only for how it will strengthen local entrepreneurs in reaching their goals, but also for its focus on serving underrepresented groups,” said Niaz Latif, associate vice chancellor for Commercialization and Research and executive director of CMEC. “Individuals with innovative ideas will have valuable assistance to develop marketable products and launch companies to commercialize their visions.”
“Old National Bank is proud to support Purdue University Northwest’s Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center and their work supporting women entrepreneurs and underrepresented groups,” said Monica Rubio, Old National Community Lending Market Executive, VP and NWI Market President. “We cannot wait to see the applications that result from these entrepreneurs and future leaders.”
