Purdue inaugurates a new era at WestGate@Crane Technology Park

September 8, 2023

ODON, Indiana - Establishing a new “permanent presence of Purdue” in the WestGate tech park region, Purdue President Mung Chiang joined with senior officials from NSWC Crane, Purdue University, and the Purdue Applied Research Institute (PARI) September 5 to announce the creation of a Purdue@Crane initiative. In a WestGate Academy ceremony that included Angela Lewis, NSWC Crane technical director; Navy Captain Rex Boonyobhas, Naval Surface Warfare (NSWC) Crane Commander; Karen Plaut, Purdue Executive Vice President of Research; Congressman Jim Baird; and others, President Chiang outlined a far-reaching progressive plan that would begin with Purdue expanding to 3,000 sq. ft. of offices in the WestGate with an initial budget of $2 million

“Today marks a momentous milestone and turns a new chapter in the collaboration between Purdue and Crane,” he said. “This new strategic partnership with the most important defense presence in our state brings excellence at scale to deliver solutions for national security research.”

Daviess County leaders present at the ceremony expressed excitement and anticipation over the new Purdue expansion. “This announcement holds great opportunity and continued transformation for Daviess County and the WestGate region,” said Bob Grewe, Executive Director of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC). “Many people in Daviess County have worked together for many years to create the foundation and critical resources that have enabled a development like this.”

The expanded initiative harbors well for job creation and workforce development opportunities, especially in semiconductor development related manufacturing, Grewe said.

“We are proud of the leaders and supporters of the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation who have worked tirelessly and often behind the scenes over two decades to collaboratively create the platform for an extraordinary opportunity like this,” said Eric Lane, DCEDC chairman. “In addition to those in Daviess County, we owe much to leaders in Martin and Greene counties working together, as well as Indiana Governors Mitch Daniels and Eric Holcomb in particular, and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation – today the future is bright – it’s a new era.”

In addition to the initial WestGate Academy presence, Purdue will also soon have an expanded presence in the WestGate tech park. “As America's leading university in semiconductor workforce and innovation, we are also looking forward to the new semiconductor ecosystem at WestGate Foundry 1,” the president said.

“We have long been an admirer and fan of Crane, of the Naval Surface Warfare’s capability in delivering for Navy, DoD and the whole country in critical areas, including hypersonics, secure microelectronics, cybersecurity, energetic materials, and much more,” said Chiang at the WestGate Academy. “We cannot wait another day…Team Indiana – Team Crane, right here.”

Dr. Lewis noted that she was “standing on the shoulders of many people” in forging the expanded research relationship with Purdue. Years from now people will look back at the Sept. 5 announcement and acknowledge “that was a pivotal moment.”

The Purdue President said that the third needed element for success, adding to physical facilities and budget, was leadership. He said that the search for an onsite executive director for the Purdue@Crane initiative was now underway.

Purdue officials reported that an initial focus of this initiative — secure and reliable microelectronics — will be led by a research director, an experienced and respected leader in defense microelectronics who will expand workforce and technology development in advanced packaging, reliable and trusted microelectronics, and electronic system design.

Purdue also noted that collaborative work is anticipated with companies located in the WestGate@Crane Technology Park, beginning with NHanced Semiconductors Inc. and Everspin Technologies Inc. 

In prepared remarks, NHanced President Robert Patti stated: “We at NHanced are thrilled with the Purdue announcement,” he said. “Their permanent presence will accelerate our collaborations and bring new technology to market much faster.”

Purdue’s engagement at WestGate started in 2015 to support research and development of innovations through commercialization and collaboration, explained Chad Pittman, chief executive of economic development at the Purdue Research Foundation, in a formal statement. “This announcement reflects the next phase of Purdue’s commitment to the region, to NSWC Crane, to the state and to the growth of semiconductor and microelectronics workforce that is mission critical to our nation,” he said. “This announcement is an intentional next step for Purdue’s collaboration with key partners in the national defense community.”

Daviess County officials first led the initial effort with the Purdue Research Foundation to begin a new direct relationship with the WestGate tech park, eventually leading to an agreement with the WestGate Authority and the establishment of Purdue@WestGate. Back in 2004, through then-Vice Provost of Engagement Vic Lechtenburg, Purdue was the first university to formally agree to support the organizational efforts of Daviess County in establishing the WestGate@Crane Technology Park. As subsequently administered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), the WestGate grew to become Indiana’s only tri-county certified technology park, with additional adjacent development in Martin and Greene counties.

The $7 million WestGate Academy located in the Daviess County portion of the park was built through leadership from the Southern Indiana Development Corporation, IEDC, the WestGate Authority and DCEDC.  In 2009 the team secured major funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration, with local and state organizations providing matching funding.

In addition to Purdue’s engagement, Indiana University has maintained an education partnership with NSWC Crane at the WestGate since 2011. In April, NSWC Crane and IU expanded the agreement to the areas of artificial intelligence, edge computing, secure microelectronics, and sensor data fusion. 

Expressing the thoughts of many, Dr. Lewis noted: “I need to say, and be the first to say, ‘Welcome home, Purdue.’”

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About the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation

As a private/public partnership for county-wide economic development, the Daviess County Economic Development Corporation (DCEDC) is working to build a foundation for a better tomorrow in the communities within Daviess County, Indiana.  A founding organization of the WestGate @ Crane Technology Park, DCEDC's mission is to improve the standard of living in Daviess County by expanding and diversifying the economic base, promoting quality employment opportunities, and enhancing the overall quality of place. For more information, please visit www.developdaviess.com