Batesville Tool & Die to Sponsor Purdue Design & Innovation Studio at Kids Discovery Factory
- kidsdiscoveryfactory
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Kids Discovery Factory (KDF) is proud to announce a $100,000 gift from Batesville Tool & Die (BTD) to sponsor the Purdue IN-MaC Design & Innovation Studio, a flagship exhibit and educational studio within the all-new 10,000-square-foot children’s museum opening in 2026. This contribution marks a major milestone in KDF’s mission to ignite curiosity, creativity, and confidence in the next generation of innovators, makers, and problem-solvers across southeastern Indiana.
Batesville Tool & Die has long been recognized as a cornerstone of precision manufacturing and a leader in advancing opportunities for local students and families. Their generous $100,000 sponsorship reflects a deep commitment not only to world-class craftsmanship, but also to strengthening the workforce pipeline that fuels our region.
“BTD has always believed that the future of our company—and our community—depends on empowering young people with opportunities to imagine, design, and build,” said Ronda Green, Batesville Tool & Die Board Member. “Kids Discovery Factory is creating a space where children can discover their own potential in manufacturing, engineering, and technology. Supporting the Design & Innovation Studio aligns perfectly with our priorities for workforce development and the long-term vitality of this region.”
For years, Batesville Tool & Die has invested in workforce development initiatives, apprenticeship pathways, and career-focused partnerships. Their support of the Purdue IN MaC Design and Innovation Studio strengthens this commitment by helping children begin to see themselves as future engineers, manufacturers, designers, and innovators.
The Design & Innovation Studio, developed by Purdue University’s Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC), is designed specifically for K–12 learning. The studio brings together state-of-the-art technology and hands-on exploration, allowing children to engage in: 3D modeling and printing, laser cutting and engraving, robotics and coding challenges, prototyping tools and engineering workstations, collaborative design challenges that mirror real industry practices.
Kids Discovery Factory will become the first children’s museum in the nation to house one of these studios, setting a new precedent for experiential STEM learning for young audiences. This groundbreaking partnership will introduce thousands of children each year to advanced manufacturing technologies and the design-thinking process practiced by leading industries right here in Indiana.
Southeastern Indiana is home to globally competitive manufacturers—yet many young people are unaware of the innovative and high-tech career pathways in their own backyard. The Purdue Design & Innovation Studio directly addresses this gap by building early interest in engineering and manufacturing.
Kids Discovery Factory will integrate programs for school field trips, summer camps, after-school enrichment, and family engagement—ensuring consistent, long-term exposure to STEM experiences that build confidence and spark future career aspirations.
“We are deeply grateful for Batesville Tool & Die’s leadership and their belief in the power of hands-on learning,” said Emili Uden, KDF Executive Director. “Their investment will ensure that children across our rural region have access to the same world-class innovation tools found in major cities and advanced industry settings. Together, we are building a brighter future for southeastern Indiana.”
For more information about Kids Discovery Factory and the ongoing construction of the new museum, please visit www.kidsdiscoveryfactory.org.
About Purdue IN-MaC: The Indiana Manufacturing Competitiveness Center (IN-MaC) at Purdue University enhances the talent and capabilities of Indiana’s current and future workforce. Through partnerships with schools, employers, and community organizations, IN-MaC connects students to high-skill, high-wage careers that strengthen local economies and individual lives.
Learn more at polytechnic.purdue.edu/in-mac