The university’s Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship is not scheduled to open until the Fall 2025 semester, but some organizations and a new certificate program are already underway.
Indiana University South Bend will be opening its new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship with the Fall 2025 semester. The building it will be housed in, the former campus bookstore, is being renovated to suit the purposes of the new center. While the building is not yet complete, some workings of the new Center are already open for business, including the Entrepreneurship Student Ambassadors Program and the pilot for a new Certificate in Entrepreneurship program.
According to an article on Indiana University South Bend’s website, Modupe Adeoye, the Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship, was quoted as saying of the development of the new Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, “I’m looking forward to seeing students, faculty, and community entrepreneurs gather in a dynamic environment to inspire ideas and transform them into reality. The space represents more than just a physical location - it’s a commitment to fostering an entrepreneurial mindset and creating a home for groundbreaking ideas to flourish. A dedicated space also enhances our ability to host events, networking sessions, and speaker series, creating more opportunities for students to engage with mentors and industry experts. Most importantly, the space will symbolize the center’s role as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurship on campus and in the broader community.”
The new certificate program is undergoing a pilot with several students. The program is a 40-hour certificate that is available to students in any major. Taking the courses is free and will take nine sessions, which equals 24 hours, to complete. Students will be able to earn digital badges to display on their resume for completing the program.
Adeoye said students participating in the pilot program have begun offering helpful feedback that will shape the way the program works in the future. “The response from students in our pilot programs has been overwhelmingly positive. Many have expressed enthusiasm about the hands-on opportunities to develop entrepreneurial skills and connect with mentors. Students have suggested incorporating more flexible scheduling to accommodate working students, and we are actively integrating these suggestions into the next phase of our programs. Their input ensures our offerings are innovative and tailored to meet their needs,” she said.
According to the webpage for the Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship, the Entrepreneurship Student Ambassadors Program, which has been running since February 2024, “creat[es] a powerful bridge between aspiring entrepreneurs and the resources they need to succeed.” It offers students opportunities for networking and mentorships, professional growth, and the ability to advocate for entrepreneurship both on campus and off, all while getting paid for their time.
Through this ambassador program and a similar but separate student club, Adeoye has seen student engagement that will bring awareness to the new physical Center for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. “Through the Entrepreneurship Student Club, I’ve seen students become leaders, organize events, mentor peers, and bring entrepreneurial ideas to life. The Ambassador Program, on the other hand, has been a shining example of how a small group of committed individuals can amplify the center’s mission,” she said.
For more information about Indiana University South Bend, visit the school’s website.