Roberts Impact Lab
Innovation in the Making
The Roberts Impact Lab is a commercialization center and regional hub for business growth under development by Purdue University Northwest. Featuring PNW’s quantum computing lab, it will be the centerpiece of a new $40 million-plus downtown innovation district in Hammond, Indiana.
This dynamic space for education and entrepreneurship will be located at 5454 Hohman Ave.
Investing in Excellence
While its physical space is still under development, the Roberts Impact Lab is already showcasing PNW’s commitment to innovation.
- The Roberts Impact Lab has secured $7.7 million in committed funding through a $3 million philanthropic gift and another $4.7 million from Indiana’s Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative (READI).
- This home for innovation reflects deep engagement with major industrial leaders, such as domestic steel manufacturers, BP’s Whiting Refinery and regional electric/gas utility NIPSCO; the city of Hammond; and community organizations such as One Region, the Society of Innovators at PNW and the Northwest Indiana Forum.
- The space is planned to host PNW’s quantum computing lab in partnership with the Chicago region’s Bloch Tech Hub, a coalition of industry, academic, government and nonprofit stakeholders led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange.
- It builds on PNW’s thriving and growing Commercialization and Manufacturing Excellence Center (CMEC) and the Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation (CIVS), a leading national hub for industrial simulation and digitalization.
The Roberts Impact Lab at PNW has long been envisioned to spur economic development in northwest Indiana through an advanced manufacturing technology lab, makerspace, and scientific research and development space.
PNW Chancellor Kenneth C. Holford
What’s Planned at the Impact Lab?
The Roberts Impact Lab at PNW will have an advanced manufacturing technology laboratory, makerspace, scientific research and development space, all of which will be overseen by PNW faculty with expertise in areas needed to support clients’ business needs. It will serve as a regional hub for community engagement, offering innovative solutions to business and industry while boosting “concept to commercialization” economic development in Northwest Indiana.
Focus Areas
Facilitating Quantum Commercialization
The Roberts Impact Lab will serve as a quantum “testbed” within the Bloch Tech Hub, allowing companies to explore practical applications for quantum technologies and smart manufacturing solutions.
Connecting Research with Industry
The lab will actively engage researchers, startups and industry leaders in technology and business to bridge the gap between academic discovery and market application.
Expanding Workforce Training and Education
The Roberts Impact Lab will offer tailored training programs to equip local talent with the skills needed for careers in AI, cybersecurity and quantum-related fields.
A Hub for Innovation
Purdue University Northwest supports significant advancement on campus and transformative opportunities in the community.
Impact Lab Updates
Purdue University Northwest will join the Chicago region’s Bloch Tech Hub, a coalition of industry, academic, government and nonprofit stakeholders led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange and its focus on driving the nation’s quantum economy.
Purdue University Northwest is designated as an innovation and Economic Prosperity University from the Association of Public and Land-Grant Universities.
PNW Receives Generous $3 Million Gift for Future Impact Lab
Purdue University Northwest (PNW) alumnus and donor David Roberts and wife Susan Roberts generously gifted $3 million for a planned transformational Impact Lab. The Roberts Impact Lab at PNW will be a workspace for entrepreneurship, innovation and education collaboration.