Purdue Research Foundation

What Purdue Research Foundation does

Purdue Research Foundation (PRF) is an Indiana-incorporated nonprofit foundation established in 1930 by David E. Ross and Josiah K. Lilly to bridge Purdue University research with private industry. Operating through wholly-owned subsidiaries — Purdue Innovates (Office of Technology Commercialization, Incubator, and Ventures), Purdue Research Park, Discovery Park District, McClure Services, and McClure Park LLC — PRF provides technology transfer, IP licensing, startup incubation, venture capital investment, real estate management, and financial/administrative services to Purdue University and external clients.

In FY2025, PRF received 479 invention disclosures, executed 161 licenses/options, and helped establish 18 startup companies; Purdue-affiliated researchers received 172 patents, ranking #7 nationally and #12 globally. PRF controls a real estate portfolio of 130+ properties, ~10,000 acres of Indiana farmland, the nation's largest university-affiliated business incubator (Purdue Research Park in West Lafayette with satellites in Merrillville, New Albany, and Crown Point), and the 400-acre Discovery Park District, plus the recently opened Third Coast Foundry in San Francisco.

Revenue is generated across six streams: technology licensing royalties, real estate rental/management, investment management of the Purdue Investment Pool (PIP/PIPC), grants/scholarship administration, financial services (accounts payable/receivable, payroll, gift/trust administration, JPMorgan-issued Purdue Commercial Credit Card), and venture capital returns from Purdue Innovates Ventures investments. Customer segments span Purdue faculty/staff/students (primary), industry partners (Saab, Rolls-Royce, Schweitzer Engineering, Elanco, Eli Lilly, Bayer, SK hynix, MediaTek, Caterpillar, Cook Medical, Dassault Systèmes), startup companies, government/defense agencies (U.S. Department of War, Uniformed Services University, Henry M. Jackson Foundation), and venture investors. PRF is governed by a 16-member board chaired by Mitchell E. Daniels Jr., with Chad A. Pittman as President & CEO.

Name

Purdue Research Foundation

Legal name

Purdue Research Foundation

Website

https://prf.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1930

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

101–250 employees

Short description

Purdue Research Foundation is an Indiana nonprofit foundation established in 1930 that commercializes Purdue University research through IP licensing, startup incubation, venture capital, real estate, and financial services. It serves faculty, startups, industry partners, and government agencies via Purdue Innovates, Purdue Research Park, and Discovery Park District.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

University Research Foundation Services

NAICS

Scientific Research and Development Services (5417)

SIC

Patent Owners & Lessors (6794)

akta.pro primary industry

Technology Transfer & Innovation-Driven Research Universities (High Commercialization) (EDAHABAH)

akta.pro secondary industries

Corporate Accelerators & Startup Programs (FSANAHAD), Corporate Strategic Partnership & Ecosystem Investment Arms (FSANAHAF)

Keywords

• Technology transfer services
• University technology licensing
• Business incubation programs
• Early-stage venture capital
• Research park facilities

Headquarters

HQ city

West Lafayette

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Technology Transfer and Licensing: PRF protects, markets, and licenses Purdue University's intellectual property through the Office of Technology Commercialization. Revenue is generated from licensing fees, royalties, and technology transfer services for innovations developed by Purdue researchers.
2. Real Estate Management: PRF owns and manages extensive real estate portfolio including more than 130 properties, approximately 10,000 acres of Indiana farmland, Purdue Research Park, Purdue Technology Centers, and Discovery Park District. Revenue from rental properties and commercial real estate services.
3. Investment Management: Office of Investments manages the combined Purdue Investment Pool (PIP) and Purdue Investment Pool Cash (PIPC), overseeing endowments and investment pools at the direction of Purdue University.
4. Grants and Scholarships Administration: PRF administers trusts, funds scholarships and grants, and supports Purdue's Division of Research and Scholarly Activities through various restricted and unrestricted contributions.
5. Financial Services: PRF provides financial services including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll processing, gift and trust administration, and commercial credit card management for Purdue University and PRF operations.
6. Venture Capital Investment: Purdue Innovates Ventures invests in early-stage Purdue-connected startups across agriculture, deep tech, digital tech, life sciences, and mobility. Returns generated through portfolio company exits and equity appreciation.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels7 records

Marketing channels12 records

Core offering

Purdue Research Foundation is a nonprofit foundation that commercializes Purdue University's intellectual property and operates the surrounding innovation ecosystem. Its core offerings include technology transfer and IP licensing via the Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization, startup formation support through the Purdue Innovates Incubator and Accelerator, early-stage venture capital via Purdue Innovates Ventures, business incubation space in Purdue Research Park (the largest university-affiliated business incubation complex in the U.S.) and three Purdue Technology Centers, and real estate development through the 400-acre Discovery Park District.

Product overview

Purdue Research Foundation operates a unified platform-plus-services architecture centered on Purdue Innovates, which encompasses the Office of Technology Commercialization (IP protection and licensing), the Incubator (startup support), and Ventures (venture capital). Supporting infrastructure includes Purdue Research Park (the nation's largest university-affiliated business incubator), Discovery Park District (400-acre innovation campus), and Purdue Technology Centers in West Lafayette, Merrillville, and New Albany. Student-industry collaboration is facilitated through Fusion Point® and Capstone Plus® programs, while Third Coast Foundry in San Francisco extends the ecosystem to the Bay Area. McClure Services provides IT infrastructure including DataStation (data center/co-location), Lightbound Telephone Services (VoIP), and internet services. The Hard Tech Corridor spans 65 miles to connect regional innovation assets.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization Technology transfer program that protects, markets, and licenses Purdue University's intellectual property, working with faculty, staff, and student-entrepreneurs to commercialize innovations and generate licensing revenue.
• Purdue Innovates Incubator Startup incubator helping turn innovative ideas into companies through support, resources, and mentorship for game-changing technologies from Purdue University.
• Purdue Innovates Ventures Venture capital arm investing in early-stage, Purdue-connected startups across agriculture, deep tech, digital tech, life sciences, and mobility. Provides capital, community access, and strategic support in addition to funding.
• Purdue Research Park University-affiliated business incubator and the largest in the country, providing technology communities for startups emerging from Purdue University and Discovery Park, with office/lab space and ecosystem services.
• Discovery Park District at Purdue 400-acre launch pad for innovation with university setting and business DNA, creating a vibrant live-work-play environment steps from Purdue University, with development-ready parcels available for company facilities.
• Purdue Technology Centers Technology centers including locations in West Lafayette, Northwest Indiana (Merrillville), and Southeast Indiana (New Albany) for company incubation, with satellite facilities serving broader Indiana.
• Fusion Point® Student-industry collaboration program where student teams work with faculty to design, build, and test prototypes using Purdue's patented technologies for industry partners.
• Capstone Plus® Extended capstone program partnered with Purdue Polytechnic Institute and Purdue University Northwest that facilitates student-industry collaboration projects for industry partners.
• Purdue Innovates Accelerator Accelerator program for Purdue-connected startups providing mentorship, strategy refinement, and investor connections through an intensive cohort-based experience.
• Purdue Innovates Firestarter Market readiness program helping researchers shift from academic research to market-driven commercialization.
• Purdue Innovates Commercialization Fellowship Fellowship providing recent PhD graduates and postdoctoral researchers the opportunity to advance commercialization of Purdue-owned intellectual property through startups or licensing.
• DataStation High-security, energy-efficient data center providing co-location, managed services, VoIP, firewall, backup and disaster recovery for technology-based companies in the Purdue Research Park network and beyond.
• McClure Services IT services suite including Lightbound Telephone Services (VoIP), McClure Internet Services, consulting, network design/security/management, server management, and desktop security for park tenants and external clients.
• Third Coast Foundry Physical hub in San Francisco's South Park neighborhood serving as a landing place for Purdue-connected startups, researchers and entrepreneurs to connect with Bay Area investors and strategic partners.
• Hard Tech Corridor 65-mile hard-tech ecosystem corridor established by Purdue University and the State of Indiana for research and business development in advanced manufacturing and technology at the smart crossroads of America.
• Purdue Commercial Credit Card (PRF Card) MasterCard issued through JPMorgan Chase & Co. for facilitating expenditure of Purdue University's School Discretionary and Institutional Program funds.

Quantifiable outcome

• 172 patents received in 2025, ranking #7 nationally and #12 globally
• +6 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles5 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability8 records

Feature26 records

Partnerships

38 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• SaabcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDefense and security company partnering with PRF to build the section of the United States Air Force T-7A trainer jet in West Lafayette. PRF provided comprehensive support including facility development during global pandemic and ongoing operational support. Access to highly qualified talent and top-ranked university across the street.
• Rolls-RoycecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerLongstanding relationship with PRF and Purdue University for recruiting and hiring Purdue engineering graduates. Building and expanding test facilities in the Discovery Park District at Purdue. Demonstrates how industry and academia benefit through strong collaborations.
• Schweitzer Engineering LaboratoriescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerEstablishing larger presence in the Midwest at Discovery Park District adjacent to Purdue Airport. Convenient location for business aviation needs and future expansion. Benefiting from proximity to Purdue for research and talent pool.
• Eli Lilly and CompanycoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint Talent Innovation Award recognizing partnership including Eli Lilly and Company, Ivy Tech Community College, and Purdue University. Historical founding donor to PRF ($25,000 from Josiah K. Lilly in 1930).
• Endress & HauserminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIndustry collaborator in Fusion Point and Capstone Plus programs that have facilitated 63 student-industry collaboration projects. Continues to return annually for the program's value.
• Bob TaylorcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerSoybean breeder who developed the KenAvis soybean germplasm collection over 38 years. Collection acquired by Purdue's Department of Agronomy, giving researchers access to rare pool of underutilized genetic diversity with at least 20 distinct traits.
• 34 LivesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartner company with job listings on PRF Alliances platform. Mission to reduce the number of patients removed from transplant waiting list due to death or illness to zero.
• Anduril IndustriescoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDefense technology company with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform. Acquired Adranos, a Purdue-affiliated startup manufacturer of advanced solid rocket motors.
• BayerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLife sciences company with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform. Guided by mission 'Health for all, Hunger for none' in healthcare and agriculture.
• Beck'sminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSeed company (third-largest seed brand in U.S.) with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform. Dedicated to helping farmers succeed.
• ButlerminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorEngineering and Digital Solutions provider with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform. Accelerating innovation and agility across Aerospace, Defense, and Space applications.
• CaterpillarminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorld's leading manufacturer of construction and mining equipment with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform.
• Cook MedicalminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorMedical devices company with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform. Works in life sciences, property management, resort, and service businesses.
• Dassault SystèmesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor3D modeling and design software company with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform.
• EvergenminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorContract Development and Manufacturing Organization specializing in biomaterial solutions for regenerative medicine.
• EvonikminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSpecialty chemicals company with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform. Among the best in the world in specialty chemicals.
• Flock SafetyminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorAll-in-one technology solution for crime elimination with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform.
• InariminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSEEDesign company with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform. Driving innovation for a more sustainable future.
• MediaTekminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorld's 5th largest global fabless semiconductor company with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform.
• On Target LaboratoriesminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorBiotechnology company developing technologies enabling surgeons to remove more cancer during surgery.
• Purdue Federal Credit UnionminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFinancial institution with 10 full-service branches and digital banking services.
• SK hynix AmericaminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorSemiconductor company developing advanced memory solutions with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform.
• Teledyne FLIRminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorImaging technology company (formed from Teledyne and FLIR merger) with open roles listed on PRF Alliances platform.
• VetronixminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorApplied research, development, and manufacture of mission-critical electronics for defense and industrial applications.
• WabashminorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWorld-class manufacturer of advanced engineered solutions for transportation, logistics, and distribution industries.
• Purdue Polytechnic InstitutecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in Fusion Point and Capstone Plus programs that have facilitated 63 student-industry collaboration projects. Partnered with Purdue University Northwest.
• Purdue University NorthwestcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in Fusion Point and Capstone Plus programs that have facilitated 63 student-industry collaboration projects. Partnered with Purdue Polytechnic Institute.
• Ivy Tech Community CollegecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerJoint Talent Innovation Award recognizing partnership including Eli Lilly and Company, Ivy Tech Community College, and Purdue University at TechPoint Mira Awards.
• Frellmann Water TechnologiesminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSpinout company commercializing technology to destroy hazardous chemicals. Notable outcome from Fusion Point and Capstone Plus programs.
• Carnegie Mellon University (Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution in Third Coast Foundry, a 3,500-square-foot hub in San Francisco's South Park neighborhood connecting Midwestern innovators with Bay Area venture network.
• Northwestern University (INVO)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution in Third Coast Foundry bringing innovation + new ventures expertise to the Bay Area hub.
• Ohio State University (Center for Software Innovation)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution in Third Coast Foundry bringing software innovation expertise to the Bay Area hub.
• University of Illinois (Technology Entrepreneur Center)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution in Third Coast Foundry bringing technology entrepreneurship expertise to the Bay Area hub.
• University of Wisconsin (WARF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution in Third Coast Foundry bringing Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation expertise to the Bay Area hub.
• Washington University in St. LouiscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution in Third Coast Foundry bringing entrepreneurship and innovation expertise to the Bay Area hub.
• University of Chicago (Polsky Center)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner institution in Third Coast Foundry bringing Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation expertise to the Bay Area hub.
• Uniformed Services University of the Health SciencescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborator with OYE Therapeutics on $20 million research contract evaluating OYE-101 in military and battlefield-relevant medical scenarios.
• Henry M. Jackson Foundation for the Advancement of Military MedicinecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborator with OYE Therapeutics on $20 million research contract evaluating OYE-101 in military and battlefield-relevant medical scenarios.

Scale indicators12 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Wisconsin Alumni Research Foundation (WARF): WARF is the nonprofit tech transfer and investment arm for the University of Wisconsin–Madison, directly comparable to PRF in patenting, licensing, startup creation, and venture investing. WARF is also a co-partner in Third Coast Foundry alongside PRF.
• Stanford University Office of Technology Licensing: Stanford OTL is the technology licensing office for Stanford University, handling patent prosecution, licensing, and startup creation out of one of the highest-output research universities globally. Functionally analogous to Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization.
• MIT Technology Licensing Office: MIT TLO is the central technology transfer office for MIT, responsible for protecting and licensing inventions arising from MIT research. Operates with the same commercialization mandate as PRF and is consistently a top-5 U.S. university patent generator.
• University of Chicago Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Polsky Center provides technology commercialization, startup incubation, and venture support for University of Chicago research. Co-partner with PRF in Third Coast Foundry and serves an analogous university-affiliated commercialization function.
• Carnegie Mellon University Swartz Center for Entrepreneurship: Swartz Center drives entrepreneurship, startup creation, and industry partnerships for Carnegie Mellon. Co-partner with PRF in Third Coast Foundry and serves a comparable role for a STEM-heavy research university.
• Northwestern University Innovation and New Ventures Office (INVO): INVO is Northwestern's tech transfer and commercialization office, handling IP protection, licensing, and startup formation. Co-partner with PRF in Third Coast Foundry and serves the same university commercialization role.
• Ohio State University Office of Research and Technology Commercialization: Ohio State's research commercialization office handles IP protection, licensing, and startup creation for one of the largest U.S. public research universities. Co-partner with PRF in Third Coast Foundry; comparable scale and breadth.
• University of Michigan Tech Transfer: U-M Tech Transfer is the central IP and startup creation office for the University of Michigan, a top public research university. Operates a comparable disclose-to-license pipeline and runs its own venture/incubation activities.

Broad incumbents

• Battelle Memorial Institute: Battelle is a large nonprofit applied science and technology development organization that manages national labs and commercializes R&D at scale. Broader and more diversified than PRF but serves a comparable nonprofit R&D-commercialization role.
• RTI International: RTI International is a nonprofit scientific research institute that performs contract R&D and commercializes innovations across life sciences, engineering, and social sciences. Comparable as a nonprofit research commercialization entity, though PRF is university-anchored while RTI is independent.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/PurdueRP
• YouTubeyoutube.com/@purdueresearchfoundation5448
• Facebookfacebook.com/1645372169283
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/purdue-research-foundation
• Instagraminstagram.com/purdue_research_foundation

Compliance2 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles22 records

Subsidiaries5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds2 records

Investors1 record

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M&A

Investments15 records

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Frequently asked questions about Purdue Research Foundation