Purdue Research Park opens one of the country’s largest co-working facilities for innovators and entrepreneurs

Photo: Purdue Research Foundation.

Last week, Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette, Indiana, dedicated, “Purdue Railyard,” a co-working facility where Purdue University and community members can meet, network, hold events, use conferencing space and eat or have a cup of coffee at the Express Café. The 26,140-square-foot co-working facility is one of the largest in the country. The Purdue Research Park unites discovery and delivery as a player in commercialization and economic development in Indiana. It works with Purdue faculty, staff and students to bring innovations to the people and economies that need them most.

The co-working space pays homage to the Purdue Schenectady No. 1, the first full-scale locomotive used in the Purdue Locomotive Testing Plant in the late 1880s and early 1900s, which established Purdue as a national leader in transportation research and innovation. The space is highlighted with antique railroad memorabilia, 14 conference rooms, three phone rooms, a stage for presentations, and a wooden two-story water tower meeting space.

“The Purdue Railyard provides unparalleled amenities and space for early-stage entrepreneurs and will support the entire entrepreneurial culture in West Lafayette, Tippecanoe County and the surrounding areas,” said Greg Napier, director of Purdue Research Parks and the Purdue Railyard. “The location of the co-space is another great asset as we have 160 companies in this Purdue Research Park; that provides co-space members with the access to meet other fully established entrepreneurs who are happy to give advice and create strong opportunities for partnerships.”

The Purdue Railyard provides access and/or services including:

• 24/7 access.
• Networking events.
• Express Café, open 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. M-F, serves breakfast, lunch, snacks and coffee.
• Exterior second-floor balcony.
• Fourteen conference rooms.
• Three individual meeting rooms for private calls.
• Business address and mailbox.
• Business and mailing services including copier and access to postage supplies.
• Access and networking opportunities with more than 160 companies in the Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette.
• Participation in the Indiana Coworking Passport, granting access to more than 30 coworking spaces across Indiana.

“I’ve been an entrepreneur for more than three decades and associated with Purdue Research Park through several of my ventures,” said Pete Kissinger, founder of Phlebotics Inc., and Purdue professor of chemistry. “What I like about having a co-space like the Purdue Railyard is that it provides important amenities at a very reasonable cost, and the folks running it understand what an entrepreneur needs to be successful. It is a winning combination.”