Purdue Northwest Center Joins Manufacturing Initiative

Purdue Northwest has campuses in Hammond and Westville.

The Center for Innovation through Visualization and Simulation at Purdue University Northwest has joined the new Smart Manufacturing Innovation Institute. The national network aims to fuel growth and innovation in the advanced manufacturing sector. 

The CIVS joins nearly 200 partners in the network from more than 30 states. Purdue Northwest says the CIVS will focus on developing virtual methods for training and work force development.

"This is outstanding recognition for our university and CIVS," said Chenn Zhou, director of the CIVS. "It demonstrates that CIVS’ application-driven approach for integrating simulation and visualization technologies can help provide practical, efficient and innovative solutions to maintain the competitiveness of American industries."

SMII’s task is to advance technology and support work force and an education pipeline. Zhou said the CIVS was invited to participate because of its successful projects for the Department of Energy, the National Institute of Standards and Technology and various industries.

"Being part of this new institute will provide learning and partnership opportunities for our students and faculty, create relationships for CIVS with industries, national labs and other universities and help cultivate possible external funding sources," said Zhou.

The SMII is led by the Smart Manufacturing Leadership Coalition and the U.S. Department of Energy, which has invested $70 million into the project. That investment will be matched by manufacturers and coalition members, according to Purdue Northwest.