About

Where Innovation Becomes Impact

Connecting research, innovation, and entrepreneurship to create meaningful impact in the world.

Whiteboard with black optical diagrams, red light path arrows, blue markings, and the physics equation Δλ/λ = ΔV/C. Young woman with curly brown hair writing on a whiteboard with a black marker, focused on pink and yellow sticky notes. Smiling man with a bun inserts a tray of bright green 3D printed objects into a silver 3D printer. Smiling woman in red pantsuit and braids holds microphone, engaging with another woman across from her.

The IDEA Center is the University of Notre Dame’s collaborative innovation hub dedicated to expanding the technological and societal impact of the University’s innovations.

As part of Notre Dame Research, the IDEA Center nurtures ideas from discovery to commercial application, supporting faculty, staff, and students. The Center provides the space, services, and expertise for idea development, technology licensing, commercialization, entrepreneurial education, and student entrepreneurial efforts.

Spaces That Bring Ideas to Life

The IDEA Center's impact extends beyond programs and services to facilities that support hands-on innovation and venture growth. Innovation Park and the Innovation Lab provide the space, equipment, and expertise that help move ideas from concept to reality.

Notre Dame Innovation Park, red brick building with warm glowing windows at dusk. Car light trails on the road below.

Innovation Park

Innovation Park is an 80,000-square foot entrepreneurship center at the University of Notre Dame. The facility is managed by Notre Dame Research and serves as a hub for innovation, commercialization, and venture development.

A KERN laser cutter head emits blue light and orange sparks while cutting metal.

Innovation Lab

The Innovation Lab brings together state of the art machines, expert staff, and collaborative spaces, empowering Notre Dame students, staff, faculty, and community members to create, prototype, and manufacture almost anything.

Notre Dame's illuminated Golden Dome and Basilica of the Sacred Heart stand out against a dramatic blue and orange sunset.

Support the Mission

From helping researchers translate discoveries into real-world solutions to supporting students as they launch new ventures, the IDEA Center advances innovation across the University. Explore opportunities to join our team or invest in the future of Notre Dame innovation.