Purdue@WestGate will bring defense industry resources to WestGate innovators

ODON, Ind. – Purdue@WestGate will bring the Institute for Global Security and Defense Innovation (i-GSDI) free seminar to WestGate Academy on Feb. 6 to discuss resources available to WestGate innovators, tenants and the greater region.

Global Security and Defense Innovation is a Purdue University consortium that supports Indiana’s defense industry and integrates strengths across Purdue and its research centers, converging cross-cutting research capabilities from Purdue STEM fields. The sectors include advanced instrumentation, nanotechnology, social and behavioral sciences, big data simulation and cybersecurity.

“Our consortium has a lot to offer WestGate innovators and tenants,” said Mike Dodd, managing director for the Global Security and Defense Innovation. “Due to WestGate’s relationship with Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane as well as its volume of defense focused tenants, the research our group compiles provides access to the leading-edge defense technology directly relevant to their industries.” 

The seminar will include several topics relevant to WestGate innovators and tenants:

• Introduction to the Institute for Global Security and Defense Innovation.
• Explanation of the iGSDI roundtable series.
• Global Security and Defense Innovation consortium member benefits.
• Credentialing of defense contractors.
• Overview of contract vehicles that require teaming and benefits of teaming.
• Structuring agreements to be a successful government contractor.
• Mentor Protégé programs available.
• Description of how to exceed subcontracting requirements.
• Assist large primes to identify “procurement ready and credentialed” sub-contractors and vendors.

The seminar will take place at 3:30 p.m. ET Feb. 6 at WestGate Academy, 13598 E. WestGate Drive, Odon, Indiana, directly prior to the monthly networking event the Spirited Entrepreneur at 4:30 p.m. The public is invited to attend both the Global Security and Defense Innovation seminar and the Spirited Entrepreneur networking event.

The Spirited Entrepreneur @WestGate Academy is a monthly networking event offered by the Purdue Foundry@WestGate, a startup accelerator located in the Academy.

“Having Mike and the Global Security and Defense Innovation as a resource will only enhance the mission of becoming a more innovative and diverse region as well as bringing tangible solutions for the mission of the Warfighter,” said Samantha Nelson, the program manager for Purdue@WestGate.

About Purdue@WestGate

Purdue@WestGate is an economic development accelerator formed by the partnership between WestGate Authority, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane Division (NSWC Crane), Purdue University and Purdue Research Foundation. The Indiana-based collaboration combines strengths to advance educational, research and development and technology commercialization across Indiana and elsewhere. Purdue@WestGate offers tools for startups, entrepreneurial experts, programs, educational opportunities and workforce development to help southern Indiana businesses grow and thrive. For more information about the resources available to businesses, visit Purdue@WestGate. 

Writer: Sarah K. Miller, 812-863-2756, skmiller@prf.org

Sources: Mike Dodd, 212-729-6959, doddm@purdue.edu

Samantha Nelson, 812-863-4080, sjnelson@prf.org