IU Innovates Northwest

Advancing Indiana University Entrepreneurs

IU Innovates serves as a front door for IU entrepreneurs and aspiring entrepreneurs to access the programs, people, departments, and resources that support students, faculty, and staff who wish to start companies, commercialize innovation, and/or explore entrepreneurship activities.

Core to IU’s strategic plan 2030 pillars of student success, transformative research and creativity, and service to the state and beyond, IU Innovates ensures entrepreneurs know where to start, and continually access the right resource at the right time.

IU Innovates takes an entrepreneurship ecosystem approach. This means we account for all entrepreneurs and those who support them. We build on strengths, highlight impact, and connect people to each other. The foundation of our activities is a culture of helping each other.

Giving IU entrepreneurs a space to thrive

For IU entrepreneurs who are spending a few hours per week actively working on an idea or startup, IU Innovates provides a community space plus offers pre-incubation resources, including coworking, camaraderie, facilitated founder peer groups, networking opportunities, and navigation to the wide variety of resources at the university and beyond.

If you are interested in entrepreneurship, please email Ruhani Sharma, the IU Northwest IU Innovates Founder in Residence, or stop by Dunes Room 1128 on Wednesdays from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. You can also attend an IU Innovates or Business Academy event. Community membership is available to undergraduates, graduate students, faculty and staff at Indiana University.

Fill out an entrepreneurship interest form

The School of Business at IU Northwest has been a helping hand for turning our shared passion into a tangible business.
IU Northwest undergraduate students Arianna Hernandez Ruiz and Dimitri Ginis

Upcoming IU Innovates Events

Apr 19

Small Business Clinic
May 17

Small Business Clinic

See all events

Meet Founder in Residence, Ruhani Sharma

IU Northwest MBA alumna and Founder in Residence for IU Innovates Northwest, Ruhani Sharma.

IU Northwest MBA alumna Ruhani Sharma is an entrepreneur, business consultant, and educator with a passion for fostering innovation, building communities, and empowering the next generation of business leaders.

As the Founder in Residence for IU Innovates at IU Northwest, Ruhani is leading the charge in cultivating an entrepreneurial ecosystem on campus and beyond. In this role, Ruhani mentors student entrepreneurs, organizes high-impact events, facilitates business resources, and strengthens collaboration between students, faculty, and industry professionals. By working closely with the Business Academy and IU Innovates, Ruhani ensures that aspiring entrepreneurs have access to the tools, networks, and support they need to launch and grow their ventures.

Ruhani’s expertise extends to business development, networking, and actively collaborating with local organizations to build a stronger business ecosystem in Northwest Indiana. Passionate about personal growth, innovation, and community building, Ruhani is dedicated to creating opportunities that bridge the gap between academia and industry, empowering students and professionals alike to achieve their entrepreneurial aspirations.

Contact Us

Office Hours

Monday ‑ Friday: 8 a.m. ‑ 5 p.m

Phone Number

219-980-6910

Email Address

jaszoste@iu.edu

Mailing Address

Center for Professional Development
IU Northwest
Dunes Medical / Professional Building, Room 1153
3400 Broadway
Gary, IN 46408

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