David Broecker has become PRF’s chief innovation and collaboration officer, bringing with him expertise from the biosciences and philanthropic funding agency IBRI.
Purdue Research Foundation (PRF), the non-profit body that supports Purdue University’s tech transfer activities, has hired David Broecker (pictured) as chief innovation and collaboration officer.
Broecker officially started in the role earlier in 2018, taking on responsibility for the development of PRF’s innovation and collaboration programs.
Tasks in Broecker’s in-tray include the completion of PRF’s Discovery Park District innovation complex, where construction work began in January 2018. Discovery Park is set to host facilities such as the Convergence Center for Innovation and Collaboration, a 145,000 square-foot office development that will link Purdue faculty with industry.
Broecker’s appointment means he has stepped down from the PRF board after two and a half years, however he will continue to lead medical device developer Zorion Medical while undertaking his duties for the foundation. He also remains the principal of biosciences-focused consultancy Legacy Biosciences Consulting.
Broecker once headed philanthropic funding agency Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI), which lured more than $120m in capital during his tenure between 2014 and 2017 and established a range of university and industry partnerships.
Before joining IBRI, Broecker was president of research contractor Harlan Laboratories’ models and services division, spending just over a year from 2012 until 2013 executing a new strategic growth plan.
His leadership experience also includes a year at biopharmaceutical developer Biocritica and almost nine years at biotech developer Alkermes. He previously held various positions at drug developer Eli Lilly, advancing his career over two and a half decades at the corporate between 1985 and 2001.
Broecker received a graduate degree in chemical engineering from Massachusetts of Institute of Technology and an MBA from University of Chicago.
He said: “Having spent my career leading highly successful and innovative organisations, I hope to bring that perspective to expand Purdue’s strategic research and corporate partnerships – especially around placemaking at the Convergence Center and the development of the Discovery Park District.”
– Image of David Broecker courtesy of Purdue University
