Indiana University has recently launched IU Innovates, an initiative aimed at supporting student and faculty entrepreneurs in the creation and growth of startup ventures. Since its inception in fall 2023, IU Innovates has already seen great success, with over 125 student startup founders and 30 incubated startup teams. The initiative is a commitment to providing students and faculty with the tools and resources they need to succeed in the entrepreneurial world.
One of the key aspects of IU Innovates is its support for innovative students on their entrepreneurial journeys. Izzy Branam, a sophomore studying organizational and business psychology, is one of the youngest venture-backed CEOs in the nation. He founded Xygen Records at the age of 13 and later co-founded Fia Recruit, a software startup that received funding and a high valuation. Branam is now part of the team at Relate XR, an IU-affiliated startup focused on using virtual reality technology to treat substance use disorders.
Eli Serrano, a student studying sociology and computer science, is the founder of Airoma, a social media platform that uses AI to engage users in their mental, physical, and digital health. Charlie Edmonds, a Ph.D. student in music education, founded Pocket Methods, an educational platform incorporating Black gospel music for beginner band and orchestra students. Matt Gacek, a sophomore at the IU Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, recently sold his AI therapy and personal growth app, Theia, to a health and wellness platform driven by AI.
These students, along with many others, are part of the vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem at IU. The university has made significant efforts to expand its support for entrepreneurship, with programs like the Shoemaker Innovation Center, the Johnson Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, the Elmore Entrepreneurship Law Clinic, and IU Ventures. These initiatives aim to provide students with the resources and support they need to succeed in the world of startups.
Julie Heath, the inaugural executive director of IU Innovates, is a key figure in driving the initiative forward. With her experience in launching innovative public-private initiatives and social impact organizations, Heath is focused on integrating IU’s entrepreneurial support and increasing the number of IU entrepreneurs. Through partnerships with various schools and programs at IU, IU Innovates is working to create a strong and connected entrepreneurial ecosystem on campus.
The impact of IU’s commitment to entrepreneurial education extends beyond the university walls. Indiana has been recognized as one of the best states to start a business, and the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is gaining global recognition. In 2025, Indiana will host the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, showcasing the state’s vibrant startup community to the world.
With IU Innovates leading the way, Indiana University is poised to become a globally recognized powerhouse for innovation and entrepreneurship. By nurturing the entrepreneurial potential of students and faculty, IU is paving the way for a future where entrepreneurship is actively supported and encouraged, leading to positive impacts on communities and society for generations to come.
