Purdue exploring possibility of NYC campus

February 22, 2010

Purdue plans to pursue an opportunity to bring Indiana-style innovation to New York City.

In response to a request to higher education institutions by Mayor Michael Bloomberg, Purdue will submit a plan to develop a premier applied science and educational research facility and campus in New York City. The city seeks to strengthen its applied-sciences capabilities, specifically in fields that lend themselves to commercialization opportunities.

"In past Senate meetings I have described our new West Coast Partnership Center in the Silicon Valley -- an effort to engage alumni and venture capitalists in funding the many innovations that flow from Purdue faculty," said President France A. Córdova in her remarks at Monday's University Senate meeting. "Now we may have an opportunity also to build a presence on the East Coast."

A team from Purdue recently traveled to New York City for an information session and survey of properties. Purdue was part of a group of about 20 institutions from the U.S., France, China and South Korea that expressed interest.

Stanford and Purdue, which are among the universities showing interest, were highlighted in a recent Wall Street Journal article, which can be viewed at https://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704900004576152623717038258.html.

Purdue plans to submit a letter of interest in the project. Leading the effort are Richard Buckius, vice president for research; Leah Jamieson, the John A. Edwardson Dean of Engineering; and Jeffery Roberts, the Frederick L. Hovde Dean of the College of Science. The deadline for proposals is March 16.

"Success will depend in large part on the interest of our faculty," Córdova said. "Such an effort could have a special appeal to those interested in doing applied science and engineering in the stimulating financial investment environment that is New York City."

A Purdue campus in New York City could be built on a Discovery Park model and coupled with a nearby Purdue Technology Park for incubating and accelerating companies, Córdova said. The campus also could feature the University's most distinguished engineering and science programs as well as capitalize on increasing faculty interest and capabilities for innovation and entrepreneurial activities.

Córdova added that an East Coast campus would raise visibility nationally and internationally for the University and the state of Indiana.
 
"New York City is a premier location for foreign firms wishing to do business in the U.S., and a Purdue presence and partnerships could bring more business to Indiana," she said. "New York City provides a rich environment that looks to invest in cutting-edge research in emerging areas like information technology, nanotechnology, building technology and energy technologies."