Bloomington, IN – Indiana University Maurer School of Law is set to launch the IU x Trades District Innovation Associates Program this fall, a pioneering initiative designed to immerse graduate students in the dynamic world of venture capital, startups, and legal innovation. This program represents a collaborative effort involving IU’s Kelley School of Business, IU Ventures, and the city of Bloomington’s entrepreneurial hub, the Trades District.
The initiative will integrate two Maurer law students and two Kelley business students in its pilot year, providing them with invaluable real-world experience in supporting growth-stage and early-stage companies. John Fernandez, CEO of The Mill, a key component of the Trades District, emphasized the importance of retaining talented legal professionals who can bolster the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Funded by IU’s Office of the Vice President for University Relations, the program aims to embed students in the Trades District to cultivate and retain high-potential, venture-minded talent. Mark Need, director of the program and a clinical professor of law at Maurer, noted that the infusion of funds has accelerated the program’s development, allowing the offering of comprehensive opportunities right from the program's inception.
The new venture builds on the foundation of the IU Ventures Fellows program but focuses more narrowly on Maurer and Kelley, offering a robust emphasis on outcomes, economic growth, and talent retention. Law students will gain hands-on experience through summer internships, legal-tech hackathons, and interdisciplinary venture competitions. Additionally, they will have the chance to intern at the Elmore Entrepreneurship Law Clinic, now set to offer year-round services to Trades District startups.
The program will extend its educational reach by sponsoring students to attend Berkeley’s VC University and participate in the Venture Capital Investment Competition, alongside engagement with practicing investors. This comprehensive approach aims to equip students with practical skills applicable in various fields, including private equity, family office law, and legal tech entrepreneurship.
Professor Need highlighted the uniqueness of this program, noting the absence of similar initiatives in other law schools, which are often centered in business schools. He anticipates that the program will enhance Maurer's appeal to prospective students, positioning it as a leader in interdisciplinary legal education.
Looking forward, the program aspires to expand its cohort to include more students, particularly those pursuing dual JD/MBA degrees, thereby anchoring high-potential students and startups within Bloomington's economy. As Need emphasized, the program not only aims to enrich Maurer’s curriculum but also to integrate the school into Bloomington’s burgeoning startup scene, building a foundation for future entrepreneurial success.
