Why South Bend?

Q: Why is South Bend attractive to technology companies?

A: Companies can take advantage of the great world-class nanoelectronic research being conducted at the University of Notre Dame’s Center for NanoScience and Technology. In addition, South Bend is home to one of four national nanoelectronics research centers – the Midwest Institute for Nanoelectronics Discovery (MIND) – which aims to develop a new class of semiconductor materials that are more advanced than today’s computer chip technologies.

Additionally, Notre Dame, South Bend and the state of Indiana have invested millions into the development of the state’s first two-site certified technology park, comprised of Innovation Park at Notre Dame and Ignition Park. While Innovation Park will facilitate commercialization for many forms of research, Ignition Park will concentrate on nanotechnology commercialization of MIND-inspired concepts, and on other high-potential technologies and ventures as they emerge.

A key incentive for data-intensive commerce is South Bend’s St. Joe Valley Metronet. This lightning-fast loop of fiber-optic cable is more than 50 miles long – and growing. A high-speed data network with virtually limitless bandwidth, the Metronet unites local businesses, education and government. It provides affordable access to a large number of national carriers and Internet service providers.