Research Foundation News

May 10, 2017

Purdue opens one of the country’s largest coworking facilities for innovators, entrepreneurs

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue Research Park of West Lafayette dedicated a coworking facility Wednesday (May 10) called the “Purdue Railyard,” where Purdue and community members can meet, network, hold events, use conferencing space and eat or have a cup of coffee at the Express Café.

The Purdue Railyard is located in Purdue Research Park at the Herman and Heddy Kurz Purdue Technology Center at 1281 Win Hentschel Blvd. in West Lafayette, Indiana. The 26,140-square-foot coworking facility is one of the largest in the country.

The coworking 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.”

West Lafayette Mayor John Dennis said the community will make good use of the Purdue Railyard.

Napier collaborative Visitors to the Purdue Railyard share a laugh at the 26,140-square-foot coworking space in the Purdue Research Park Herman and Heddy Kurz Purdue Technology Center. (Purdue Research Foundation Photo) Download image

“I am not surprised that the new co-space in Purdue Research Park is one of the largest in the country as the Purdue Railyard fills an important and growing need for the West Lafayette and surrounding community,” he said. “I anticipate that it will quickly become a great hub of activity for entrepreneurs, innovators and our residents.”

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.”

Phlebotics Inc. is a life sciences startup working to improve blood sampling for personalized medicine. Kissinger also founded or co-founded Prosolia Inc. and BASi Inc., both life sciences companies.

To learn more about the Purdue Railyard or to become a member, contact Kayla Bowsher, kmbowsher@prf.org, 765-588-3468 or email PurdueRailyard@prf.org.   

Media contact: Cynthia Sequin, 765-588-3340, casequin@prf.org

Sources: 

Greg Napier, 765-588-3461, gsnapier@prf.org

John Dennis, mayor@wl.in.gov 

Peter T. Kissinger, kissingp@purdue.edu 


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