Rose-Hulman’s newest hub for hands-on learning and sustainable innovation enters its next phase

Utilizing a grant of $30.5 million from the Lilly Endowment as a catalyst, combined with other federal, state, and local funding as well as philanthropic support, the vision of Innovation Grove as Rose-Hulman’s newest hub for student learning, industry collaboration, and community engagement, is becoming reality. 

With an overall projected total project cost of approximately $102 million, the development will bring together hands-on education and real-world innovation through the relocation of Rose-Hulman Ventures, the creation of a state-of-the-art ambulatory surgical center, a large-scale solar farm, and new walking and biking trails connecting campus and community.

These efforts advance key sustainability, innovation, entrepreneurship, and discovery goals outlined in Rose-Hulman’s Advancing by Design strategic plan. With key elements of the project set to be completed next winter, here is an overview of progress to date.

Rose-Hulman Ventures

Construction of the new Rose-Hulman Ventures facility is now underway, with completion anticipated in December 2026. Designed for maximum programmatic flexibility and student hands-on experience, the building will feature a highly efficient geothermal energy system, powered by 64 wells——each approximately 400-feet deep——and providing all-electric heating and cooling. This system represents a major advancement in energy performance and long-term sustainability, reducing the facility’s environmental footprint while showcasing engineering innovation in practice.

A multipurpose space within the building will also be available to host community events, student showcases, and engineering competitions with local schools and organizations. 

Solar Farm and Sustainability Initiatives

Preparations are advancing for the campus’ planned 5-megawatt solar facility. Roughly one-half of the hundreds of panels required have been procured, and work is projected to continue through the summer of 2027. The project also supports broader regional sustainability goals—helping to support the Vigo County School Corporation’s transition to an electric school bus fleet with the addition of 14 new electric school buses through collaborative grant work and shared charging support with the Innovation Grove facility.

Trails and Connectivity

Rose-Hulman continues to work with community members to determine the most expedient way to move this portion of the project forward with new walking and biking trails, which will connect Innovation Grove to nearby neighborhoods and greenways. Active trail construction is anticipated in a later phase of this five-year project.

Biodesign and Health Care Innovation 

As plans for the surgical center advance, Rose-Hulman is also in the process of selecting a faculty member to serve as the first Stanford Biodesign Innovation Fellow, who will participate in the Global Faculty Training Program at the Stanford Mussallem Center for Biodesign in early 2027 and then return to campus to further explore how elements of this program could perhaps enhance curricular offerings at Rose-Hulman. This fellowship will help bring world-class innovation and design thinking back to Terre Haute, supporting the next generation of biomedical problem-solvers.

Learn more and follow the latest progress at rhit.edu/innovationgrove.