Discovery Park

Purdue University students and future entrepreneurs can get advice and direction from successful business and professional leaders through a Feb. 19 event at the Purdue Research Park.

The free event, Entrepreneurial Opportunities at Purdue Research Park, is co-sponsored by Blue Chip Venture Company and the research park. It is being organized by Purdue's Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation program.

"One of our goals is to make students aware of all the entrepreneurship-related resources Purdue offers to the campus, region and state," said Nathalie Duval-Couetil, director of the certificate program.

Scheduled speakers include Martin C. Jischke, president emeritus of Purdue University; Tim Peoples, director of the Purdue Research Park Technology Centers; and Pete Kissinger, chairman and CEO of the Indiana-based firms Prosolia Inc. and Phlebotics Inc.

Dennis Barket Jr., president and CEO of ICx Griffin Analytical Technologies Inc., a Purdue Research Park-based firm, will serve as master of ceremonies. Barket is teaching the entrepreneurship capstone course for the certificate program.

The event will take place in the large conference room on the first floor of the Purdue Technology Center, 3000 Kent Avenue, West Lafayette. It will begin at 6 p.m., with networking and refreshments following the program.

Although the event also is open to the public, space is limited. For reservations, contact Sascha Harrell of Purdue's Discovery Park, at (765) 494-3805, smharrel@purdue.edu, by Feb. 16 or go online to http://www.purdue.edu/discoverypark/certificate/events/