Purdue in Indianapolis: Mitch Daniels on Indiana's Tech Future

Purdue University in Indianapolis could reshape Indiana’s tech economy by placing more engineering, computer science and STEM students closer to employers. Mitch Daniels, interim president of Purdue University, tells Gerry Dick that the university has focused first on supporting current students, aligning faculty and academic standards with West Lafayette, and establishing the Indianapolis campus as a fully integrated part of Purdue. He says the next opportunity is faster enrollment growth and stronger connections with central Indiana businesses through internships, work experience and first jobs that could help more graduates remain in the state. Daniels also discusses Purdue’s role in strengthening Indianapolis as a high-tech center, including research in information sciences, life sciences and biomedical engineering, along with the university’s semiconductor programs, the SK hynix investment near West Lafayette and Purdue’s artificial intelligence competency requirement. Looking ahead, he defines success as several thousand students studying in Indianapolis, working with local companies and helping expand Indiana’s talent base, research capacity and long-term economic competitiveness.