Notre Dame IDEA Center leader to step down

SOUTH BEND, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — The University of Notre Dame is launching a search for the next leader of its innovation hub, the IDEA Center. Bryan Ritchie, who serves as vice president and associate provost for innovation at the university, says he will step down at the end of the year.

Notre Dame says Ritchie has accepted a new role outside the university.

Ritchie joined the university in 2016 to lead the IDEA Center, the school’s collaborative innovation hub.

The IDEA Center employs about 30 staff members who work with Notre Dame students, faculty and staff to help bring their ideas and products to the marketplace.

“His vision, passion and vast experience have been central to its maturation from a nascent center to an established and respected business incubator,” said Notre Dame Provost Marie Lynn Miranda. “He has developed a strong team of leaders within the IDEA Center, collaborations across the university and community partnerships that will provide vital support as we manage this transition.”

Notre Dame says it is developing a leadership transition plan to sustain the center’s current projects.