Purdue Joins OrthoWorx University | Industry Advisory Board

June 25, 2014  


WARSAW, Ind. and WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – OrthoWorx announced Wednesday (June 25) that Purdue University has joined the OrthoWorx University | Industry Advisory Board, which was recently formed to better connect the technology and talent needs of Indiana's orthopedic medical device industry with the assets and capabilities represented by Indiana's higher education institutions.

"We are delighted that Purdue is joining OrthoWorx and look forward to helping build even stronger connections between the medical device industry and their academic resources and student populations," said Sheryl Conley, president and CEO of OrthoWorx. "Purdue is rightly known for its engineering prowess, which is a significant need of the orthopedic industry, but it has additional strength that can be leveraged for mutual benefit."

Colleges and universities that have joined OrthoWorx as part of the University Industry Advisory Board include Indiana University, University of Notre Dame, Ivy Tech Community College, Indiana University-Purdue University Fort Wayne, Grace College, Manchester University, Trine University and Purdue. Discussions regarding membership are still underway with Ball State University, Rose-Hulman University, Valparaiso University and Indiana Tech.

"The orthopedic medical device industry is one our state's most valuable and promising economic resources," said Dan Hasler, Purdue Research Foundation president and chief entrepreneurial officer.  "With the resources of Purdue University more closely aligned with the orthopedic cluster through OrthoWorx, I believe there can be greater opportunities for our students to enter this important industry. We are also excited to explore a more meaningful connection between Purdue's research and technology strengths and the industry's current and future needs. We believe there are great opportunities for the Indiana economy to benefit from our work to improve the transfer of technology into commercial products that will improve patient outcomes."

Purdue has supported the orthopedic industry in Indiana through a number of avenues including the Technical Assistance Program, IPFW orthopedic educational courses and with basic and applied research projects among Purdue and orthopedic companies based in the state.

Conley said the recent university-industry advisory board members conference underscored the opportunities for greater collaboration.

"We had more than 160 participants, with a good balance of university and industry members, at a daylong conference where we began the process of two-way education. And while it's natural to think about the strength of Purdue and others in technical fields, the needs of the orthopedic industry are spread all across their enterprises, from accounting, finance, marketing, logistics and many other disciplines. It was energizing to have industry and academia together to discuss so many areas of potential engagement, and we look forward to working with Purdue and our other members to capitalize on that momentum."

The Indiana medical device industry is the largest component of the overall life sciences economy in Indiana. OrthoWorx was formed in 2009 to improve the environment for success for an industry cluster based in Warsaw, Indiana that accounts for approximately 13,000 direct and indirect jobs, and contributes more than $3 billion in value annually to the Indiana economy.

About OrthoWorx

Formed in 2009 with initial funding from the Lilly Endowment for the Orthopedics Capital Foundation, the OrthoWorx initiatives feature community-based strategic collaborations with the orthopedic industry and other stakeholders to ensure that the Warsaw region continues to reap the social and economic benefits that derive from its position as The Orthopedic Capital of the World.®

About Purdue Research Foundation

The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Established in 1930, the foundation accepts gifts; administers trusts; funds scholarships and grants; acquires property; and promotes entrepreneurial activities on behalf of Purdue. The foundation manages the Purdue Foundry, Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization, Purdue Research Park and Purdue Technology Centers. The foundation received the 2014 Incubator Network of the Year by the National Business Incubator Association for its work in entrepreneurship. For more information about funding and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org

Contacts:

Brad Bishop, OrthoWorx, 574-306-4122, brad.bishop@orthoworxindiana.com

Cynthia Sequin, Purdue Research Foundation, 765-588-3340, casequin@prf.org

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