Purdue’s Entrepreneurship Certificate Program Expands to Indianapolis: A New Chapter Begins
This spring, Purdue’s Certificate in Entrepreneurship and Innovation launched its first course in Indianapolis, marking a significant milestone in expanding experiential entrepreneurship education across the state. The course, ENTR 20000: Introduction to Entrepreneurship and Innovation, is taught by Greg Finch, a Purdue alumnus and seasoned entrepreneurship instructor.
Greg brings both passion and deep local knowledge to the Indianapolis location. A graduate of Purdue’s Agricultural Economics program—with concentrations in Computer Science and Marketing—Greg began his career in banking as an agricultural investment manager before earning an MBA from Butler University and transitioning into the tech sector. Over the years, he has worn many hats: entrepreneur, intrapreneur, consultant, and now, as founder of Gravitas LLC, he collaborates with a network of independent professionals to bring “old-school wisdom to new-school challenges.”
“Greg was the perfect choice to lead this new initiative,” said program staff. “His enthusiasm for Purdue and the entrepreneurial mindset, along with his deep ties to Indianapolis, make him an ideal mentor for our students.”
In Fall 2025, the program expansion continues with three entrepreneurship courses planned for students across diverse majors, including engineering, computer science, motorsports, and artificial intelligence. The goal: to blend technical expertise with entrepreneurial thinking, and to prepare students to launch their own ventures or innovate from within organizations.
Inside the classroom, Greg fosters a dynamic and inclusive learning environment. ENTR 20000 combines lectures with guest speakers who bridge theory and real-world experience. Student teams are formed based on their majors and schedules to maximize interdisciplinary collaboration—a signature aspect of the program’s approach. Many students are working in teams for the first time, developing not just business ideas, but essential communication and leadership skills.
“It’s been exciting to see how the urban environment of Purdue Indy is shaping students’ perspectives,” Greg shared. “They’re analytical, globally diverse, and ready to compete.”
That competitive spirit is already on display. Student David Wang traveled to New York City for a weekend hackathon at Columbia University. Leonor Sinogas, a Certificate Program Ambassador, represented Purdue at an entrepreneurial competition at South by Southwest (SXSW). Greg notes that experiential learning opportunities like these are vital to students’ development, and he’s committed to helping them apply their knowledge in meaningful, impactful ways.
As Purdue’s entrepreneurship program plants new roots in Indianapolis, one thing is clear: the energy, curiosity, and innovation are already thriving.
