Turning Ideas into Impact: Entrepreneurship at IU Indianapolis helps children at Riley

Recent graduates of IU Indianapolis, Emma Ash and Jesús Andrade are living proof of what happens when curiosity, creativity, and mentorship come together.

While studying media arts and science at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, Emma and Jesús were introduced to the fundamentals of entrepreneurship through hands-on coursework, real client projects, and faculty support. Their journey began in Professor Zeb Wood’s N420 Multimedia Production Development class, where they developed a mobile app to help children recover from medical procedures through play. With further mentorship from Zeb and Huss Sadri at the Indiana Small Business Development Center, that class project grew into Bluum Designs, a startup that “reimagines kids’ recovery as an adventure.”

Emma and Jesús’ app, developed in collaboration with physicians at Riley Children’s Hospital, gamifies physical therapy and recovery for children, transforming repetitive exercises into motivating experiences. What started as a student project is now helping young patients heal with courage and confidence.

Their story reminds us that societal challenges require interdisciplinary solutions.  As we graduate the workforce that Indiana needs, IU Indianapolis faculty, staff, and students create solutions across our curriculum – using science, technology, the arts, health sciences, and engineering. Combining academic rigor with real-world application helps make IU Indianapolis a home for innovation.

Our kudos to the student entrepreneurs and the faculty who support them - I can’t wait to see what they’ll do next and I know they won’t be the last students to take their passion from prototype to purpose.

Go Jags!

Latha Ramchand
Chancellor