Veteran entrepreneurial leader named Purdue Research Foundation’s chief innovation and collaboration officer

David Broecker
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WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University President Mitch Daniels and Purdue Research Foundation President Brian Edelman have jointly announced the appointment of David Broecker as the foundation’s chief innovation and collaboration officer. 

Broecker, who has a long history of industry and entrepreneurial experience at Fortune 500 and startup medical device and biotechnology companies in Indianapolis and the Boston area, will oversee strategic innovation and collaboration initiatives at the Purdue Research Foundation, a private, nonprofit foundation established in 1930 to advance the mission of Purdue University.

“Purdue seeks to be the most partner-friendly university anywhere,” Daniels said, “and David’s great record of success in a series of technology businesses will make him a respected and welcomed ambassador anywhere he goes on our behalf.”

Edelman also praised Broecker’s appointment.

“Advancing big ideas in collaboration with others is at the heart of what we do here at the Purdue Research Foundation, so it is important we have someone who can continue to propel us forward and promote innovation activities on behalf of the foundation,” Edelman said. “David has shown he’s an outstanding leader, a top-notch entrepreneur and innovator with strategic acumen, and someone with a drive for success.”

Broecker officially began his role earlier this year and stepped down from the PRF board after two and half years of service.

“I am excited to be working with Mitch and Brian to build upon all the great work that has resulted in Purdue University being recognized as one of the top places for innovation and entrepreneurship,” Broecker said. “Having spent my career leading highly successful and innovative organizations, I hope to bring that perspective to expand Purdue’s strategic research and corporate partnerships – especially around place making at the Convergence Center and the development of the Discovery Park District.”

Broecker continues to serve as the CEO and chairman for Zorion Medical, a medical device startup he founded and located to Indianapolis.  He recently served as founding president and chief executive officer of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, where he helped raise more than $120 million in funding, recruited world-class scientific and operational talent, and spearheaded several early and successful university and industry partnerships.

He also is the former president and CEO of Alkermes, a global biopharmaceutical company in Cambridge, Massachusetts, developing innovative medicines for the treatment of central nervous system diseases.

He has founded several life science companies, provided executive leadership, and is a board member to multiple startups.

Broecker began his career at Eli Lilly and Co. as a process engineer, but quickly assumed leadership positions throughout the company.  He graduated summa cum laude from Wabash College, is a member of Phi Beta Kappa, and was a four-year starter on the football team. He holds a graduate degree in chemical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and an MBA from the University of Chicago. 

Purdue Research Foundation contact: Tom Coyne, 765-588-1044, tjcoyne@prf.org

Sources: Brian Edelman, 765-588-3826, beedelman@prf.org

David Broecker, dabroecker@prf.org