The spirit of innovation that propelled Purdue alumnus Neil Armstrong's giant leap for mankind continues to define Purdue Engineering today. Energy powers every dimension of our economy-from manufacturing and transportation to digital infrastructure and everyday life. As the demand for reliable, affordable, and abundant energy grows, Purdue is once again stepping forward with bold action.

The Institute for Energy Innovation (IEI) unites Purdue faculty, students, and industry partners to develop transformational, industry-driven energy solutions that advance U.S. energy leadership, technology innovation, domestic supply-chain resilience, and the economic vitality of the State of Indiana. The Institute integrates industrial research, interdisciplinary collaboration, and research at the speed of business to deliver practical solutions while fostering workforce development and helping drive economic growth across Indiana.

Through its research, education, and partnerships, IEI focuses on ensuring energy availability and resilience for all sectors of society. By combining Purdue's strengths in engineering, physical sciences, data science, and policy, IEI accelerates the path from discovery to deployment-transforming ideas into technologies that power prosperity at home and strengthen U.S. competitiveness abroad.

OUR MISSION

To spark and nurture innovations within Purdue University that ensure the availability of abundant, affordable, and reliable energy; to transform energy-related learning through hands-on, cross-disciplinary education; and to accelerate technology translation through strong partnerships with industry, government, and communities.

OUR VISION

To be the national leader in energy innovation-empowering people, technologies, and systems that deliver reliable and accessible energy to power economic growth, strengthen manufacturing, and enhance quality of life for all.

STRATEGIC DOMAINS AND INITIATIVES

IEI's research and innovation efforts are organized around three synergistic domains: Energy Systems and Infrastructure, Energy Storage and Conversion, and Enabling Materials and Supply Chains. These domains encompass initiatives such as the Grid of Tomorrow, Nuclear Energy, Geothermal and Natural Gas (including CISTAR), Battery and Storage, and Critical Materials-each aimed at ensuring abundant, reliable, and affordable energy for industry and society.

Complementing these domains are cross-cutting horizontal sub-initiatives that integrate Purdue's strengths across disciplines. The first, Heat Pumps and Industrial Efficiency, targets improved efficiency in industrial processes and expanded use of electrified heat. Future efforts will explore emerging areas such as fusion, clean coal, and other high-impact technologies, always with a focus on innovation, domestic manufacturing, and U.S. energy leadership.

WHY PURDUE?

Indiana ranks among the nation's leaders in manufacturing jobs per capita, with more than a quarter of its economic output tied to this sector. Meeting the growing energy demand of advanced manufacturing requires innovation in power generation, storage, and utilization.

Purdue University provides the intellectual, technical, and workforce engine for that innovation. Through its research facilities, academic excellence, and partnerships with industry, Purdue is creating energy solutions that strengthen local communities, support U.S. energy leadership, and expand the state's role as a national hub for energy-intensive industries.

Contact Us

To learn more about the Institute for Energy Innovation, email us at IEI@purdue.edu