The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced that small businesses across America’s food supply chain are now eligible for an enhanced “Grocery Guarantee” through the SBA International Trade Loan (ITL) Program. The loans, which come with a 90% federal guarantee, will be available to a broad range of producers in the agriculture and logistics industries, to expand food production and supply – with the aim of reducing grocery costs for consumers.

They also announced that small manufacturers across the country will soon be eligible for enhanced support through the SBA’s International Trade Loan (ITL) Program. The loans, which come with a 90% federal guarantee, will help manufacturers expand facilities, hire workers, and increase production – as part of the Trump Administration’s broader effort to rebuild America’s industrial dominance and strength. In addition, the SBA recently expanded ITL eligibility to include small businesses across the food supply chain, including those in the agriculture, production, and logistics industries.

About the ITL Program

The ITL Program unlocks long-term, affordable financing to support American producers – offering borrowers additional flexibility through an increased SBA guarantee of 90% compared to the standard 75% guarantee for the agency’s popular 7(a) Loan Program. The Grocery Guarantee will give local lenders greater confidence to deploy capital into the food supply chain, supporting investments in production capacity, processing, and distribution to increase the supply of domestic food products and lower grocery prices.

On May 1st, small businesses in the following NAICS Groups and National Industry Codes will become eligible for the expanded ITL Loan program:

Starting May 1st, manufacturers across NAICS Sectors 31–33 will become eligible for the expanded ITL Program. Eligible businesses may use the funds to:

The enhanced SBA funding builds on the Trump Administration’s broader commitment to reshoring American industry and domestic supply chains; also supporting American farmers, ranchers, and producers – and bringing lower prices to American consumers. By reducing barriers to capital and empowering lenders to invest in American agriculture, SBA is ensuring that small businesses remain at the center of our nation’s food security and economic strength. In 2025, the Trump SBA deployed over $7 billion in capital to rural communities out of a total of $45 billion in lending across 85,000 small businesses.

Lenders and small businesses interested in the updated International Trade Loan program can contact SBA’s national team of Finance Managers for more information. SBA’s Finance Manager team not only supports the ITL program but also serves as the agency’s working capital specialists and can help lenders and borrowers understand how ITL can be paired with SBA’s expanding suite of working capital solutions – including the MARC and Working Capital Pilot.

Partnership with CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) Will Reach 1 Million Hoosiers and Engage Thousands of Employers in AI Adoption

INDIANAPOLIS (April 28, 2026) – Governor Mike Braun today announced IN AI, a new statewide initiative focused on helping businesses grow, create jobs, and increase wages through the practical application of human-centered artificial intelligence.

The initiative will be executed by the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) and will work directly with employers across the state to accelerate AI adoption in ways that strengthen businesses and expand opportunity for Hoosiers.

“Our goal is clear: grow wages, create more high-quality jobs, and position Indiana for long-term economic growth by making it the most AI-ready state in the nation,” Gov. Braun said. “IN AI is about making sure all of our businesses – from Main Street to large organizations — have the tools and talent they need to compete and succeed in a changing economy.”

IN AI is designed to meet businesses where they are, with a focus on practical application rather than theory. The program will provide a single, coordinated entry point for employers to:

The initiative will prioritize main street businesses in all corners of the state, while also supporting large companies seeking to scale AI across their operations.

“AI is only as powerful as how it is applied inside a business,” said Secretary of Commerce David Adams. “Our focus is human-centered; using AI to increase productivity, strengthen companies, and give workers better tools to do higher-value work. When businesses operate more efficiently and grow, that translates directly into higher wages, more opportunity, and long-term economic strength for Indiana.”

“IN AI brings together the work already happening across Indiana into a shared strategy focused on one of the most consequential opportunities of our time,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of the Indiana Corporate Partnership. “It aligns the state, our initiatives, and partners to accelerate AI adoption across Indiana. Through IN AI, we are working with employers across sectors to turn interest into action and ensure that adoption leads to real growth.”

The program is expected to reach more than 1 million Hoosiers and engage thousands of employers statewide, supporting business-led AI adoption that drives measurable economic impact.

Indiana companies are already beginning to apply AI in ways that support both business performance and workforce growth.

“We started with a simple question: how can we use AI to work smarter and solve real problems inside our business,” said Chad Harter, Chief Information Officer of Jasper Group in the Indiana Uplands region. “By applying it to a complex engineering challenge, we’ve turned manual work into a more efficient, scalable process—showing how starting with a real need can drive meaningful results.”

“A statewide initiative like IN AI is critical for businesses like ours. It helps move companies from understanding AI to actually applying it, ensuring traditional industries are not left behind,” said Joe Hyndman, owner of Hyndman Industrial Products in Fort Wayne, in the Northeast Indiana region. “The key is to start with your workflow, build the solution around your business, and put it to work.”

Reaching Out Across the State

IN AI will roll out in phases, beginning with employer engagement and initial projects, followed by expansion across industries and regions. CICP will lead a coordinated statewide effort to meet businesses where they are through roadshows, virtual sessions, and direct outreach via regional partners, industry networks, and economic development organizations.

In addition to events, businesses will be engaged through a centralized digital platform, targeted communications, and partnerships with universities and workforce intermediaries providing clear pathways to explore AI, connect with experts, and launch real-world projects. Starting today, business leaders can access the IN AI platform to learn practical applications, hear peer success stories, and tap into resources and talent to implement AI in their operations.

For more information, including event dates and locations, visit www.inaiready.com.

INDIANAPOLIS (April 24, 2026) — TechPoint, the industry-led growth initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy, tonight announced the winners of the 2026 Mira Awards, known as the “Oscars of Indiana Tech.”

TechPoint presented 17 awards at tonight’s celebration, selecting winners from a slate of 106 finalists. A team of independent judges evaluated each finalist following live presentations. In total, TechPoint received 231 submissions for this year’s awards. The Indiana Economic Development Corporation and Google are the presenting sponsors of the Mira Awards.

“The 2026 Mira Award winners directly reflect the key role that technology now plays across every sector of Indiana’s economy,” said Eric Christopher, president and CEO of TechPoint. “From startups to established companies, their innovation, collaboration and true grit are driving productivity, supporting entrepreneurs, and strengthening communities statewide, while setting the pace for what comes next.”

Since 1999, the Mira Awards have celebrated Indiana’s top technology innovators, disruptors, business leaders, and game-changers. The awards showcase the state’s most advanced achievements across multiple industries and highlight the spirit of innovation that defines Indiana’s digital economy. With tonight’s awards, only 386 Mira Awards have been presented, selected from thousands of nominations.

“The achievements of this year’s winners reflect how central technology has become to Indiana’s economic growth and prosperity,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership. “The alignment of talent, industry, and innovation is strengthening key industries, expanding opportunity in every region of our state, and building momentum for the future.”

The 2026 Mira Award winners are:

 

AgriNovus Indiana AgBioscience Innovation Award: FiberX (Merrillville)

FiberX earned top recognition for its breakthrough approach to replacing traditional polymers and forever chemicals with high-performance, plant-based alternatives. The company transforms agricultural byproducts into sustainable fiber materials designed for use across industries, including packaging, textiles, and consumer goods. Judges praised the company’s strong research partnerships, deep industry traction, and meaningful environmental impact, reducing agricultural waste while maintaining quality and cost competitiveness. With the potential to transform multiple markets, FiberX stands out as a powerful example of Indiana-rooted innovation shaping the future of sustainable materials.

 

AnalytiXIN AI Transformation Award:  Indiana University (Bloomington)

Indiana University earned the AI Transformation Award for its institution-wide, strategic rollout of generative AI, which includes one of the largest ChatGPT implementations in higher education, impacting more than 120,000 students, faculty, and staff. Judges highlighted IU’s clear governance framework, its GenAI 101 microcredential that teaches 20 practical AI skills and reaches tens of thousands of learners, as well as a forward-looking roadmap that embeds AI into teaching, research, and operations in a responsible, scalable way. By pairing broad access to tools with structured training and real-world application, IU is building a model for how higher education can integrate AI at scale.

 

Ascend Indiana Talent Innovation Award:  Eli Lilly and Company (Indianapolis), Ivy Tech Community College (Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Lafayette Campuses), Purdue University (West Lafayette and Indianapolis)

This cross-institutional partnership earned top recognition for its thoughtful, employer-driven approach to expanding Indiana’s tech talent pipeline at scale. Building on initiatives such as the Lilly Scholars program and workforce-aligned training across Ivy Tech, Purdue University, and Indiana University, the collaboration creates a more connected pathway from education to employment. Judges noted the program’s seamless coordination across major institutions, its ability to extend existing models into new regions and disciplines, and its clear alignment with real workforce needs. With strong funding, strategic design, and a direct pathway from training to employment, the initiative demonstrates a powerful, statewide blueprint for talent innovation.

 

BioCrossroads Life Sciences Innovation Award:  Syra Health Corp. (Carmel)

Syra Health stood out for its thoughtful and scalable approach to innovation in mental and behavioral health, combining validated clinical tools with AI-driven support for patients and providers. The company delivers technology-enabled solutions across behavioral health, population health, and healthcare workforce services, helping organizations improve access, care coordination, and outcomes in real time. Their platform bridges critical gaps in access, care coordination, and language inclusivity, with early clinical validation and strong adoption indicators. With a growing team, multi-state expansion plans, and publicly traded momentum, Syra Health is well positioned to drive meaningful life sciences impact across Indiana and beyond.

 

Community Impact Award:  P30 (Indianapolis)

P30 delivered one of the clearest and most compelling community-impact cases in this year’s field, demonstrating measurable and deeply rooted support for underserved entrepreneurs on Indianapolis’s far Eastside. Based in a repurposed community space, P30 provides coworking, business programming, mentorship, and access to capital, moving individuals from idea to execution with the tools and support they need to grow. P30 also creates on-ramps into the tech ecosystem, connecting entrepreneurs to digital resources, innovation networks, and other opportunities that are often out of reach. Judges consistently highlighted P30’s visible outcomes, commitment to equity, and the meaningful pathways they are building for the far Eastside and beyond.

 

Conexus Indiana Manufacturing Innovation Award:  MSP Manufacturing (Bloomington)

MSP Manufacturing was selected for its deep, multilayered integration of Industry 4.0 technologies, including advanced machining, robotics, AI-driven programming, digital twin initiatives, and next-generation ERP systems, all implemented largely in-house by a small but highly skilled team. The company, which has been manufacturing precision components for aerospace, defense, and aviation industries for more than 80 years, blends legacy craftsmanship with modern automation to deliver complex, mission-critical parts with speed and precision. Judges highlighted MSP’s willingness to take risks, upskill its workforce, and reinvest in people, resulting in increased wages, expanded capacity, and major diversification into new sectors. With deep collaboration across Indiana partners and a bold vision for future growth, MSP demonstrates what transformative, future-focused manufacturing looks like in the state.

 

Deal of the Year:  BiomEdit’s $18.6M Series B

BiomEdit’s $18.6M Series B was selected as Deal of the Year for its strategic significance and strong signal of industry validation. The company is developing microbiome-based solutions using synthetic biology, including engineered probiotics designed to prevent disease in livestock without relying on antibiotics. Elanco Animal Health’s leadership in the round highlights both the commercial relevance of BiomEdit’s platform and a clear pathway to market through one of the industry’s leading animal health companies. Judges noted the scale of the investment, the caliber of participating investors, and the deal’s potential to drive long-term growth and economic impact within the state.

 

Emerging Tech Leader Award:  Jonathon Brack, V2X (Fishers)

Jonathon Brack was recognized for his combination of technical excellence and servant leadership, resulting in significant growth and performance in a highly complex defense and national security environment. In his role at V2X, he leads teams developing and deploying mission-critical systems, with a focus on building scalable, repeatable solutions that perform in high-stakes conditions. Judges recognized his ability to build culture, mentor and elevate those around him, while delivering results that create meaningful impact for both his organization and the people it serves.

 

Innovation of the Year:  Syra Health (Carmel)

Syra Health stood out for its technology-enabled innovation in healthcare, including HIPAA-compliant platforms and the emerging SyraBot, which judges described as potentially revolutionary for providers, patients, and system-level efficiency. The company delivers solutions across behavioral health, population health, and healthcare workforce services, with tools that support care navigation, training, and clinical operations. Their work is showing clear impact and growing adoption, particularly in high-need areas. While the broader statewide impact is still developing, the innovation’s significance to Indiana’s life sciences sector and its potential to shape a more effective and accessible healthcare ecosystem set Syra Health apart for Innovation of the Year.

 

Innovation Service Partner of the Year:  Purdue Innovates (West Lafayette)

Purdue Innovates earned recognition for building a comprehensive, end-to-end platform that helps researchers and founders turn complex, real-world problems into commercial solutions, including the addition of in-house patent attorneys to accelerate and protect intellectual property. The initiative brings together funding, mentorship, startup support, and commercialization resources, guiding innovations from early research through company formation and market launch. This model already has supported a significant number of startups and products, bringing new companies, technologies, and investment into Indiana’s innovation ecosystem. With substantial resources devoted to growing this pipeline, Purdue Innovates is well positioned to expand that impact in the years ahead.

 

Nextech Computer Science Teacher of the Year:  Carissa Domrase, Franklin Central High School (Indianapolis

Carissa Domrase was recognized for her ability to build rigorous, hands-on computer science programs that prepare students for real-world success. Students in her AP Computer Science and web development courses take on semester-long projects with an emphasis on adaptability and collaboration, working in dynamic teams that mirror professional environments. She has guided students who have excelled in internships, advanced projects, and leadership roles after graduation, reflecting a classroom that develops both technical mastery and personal growth. As a department chair, Domrase mentors other educators and works across grade levels to ensure more students, including those from underrepresented backgrounds, have the opportunity to succeed in STEM pathways.

 

Resilience Award:  Alicia Mckoy, Peak Mind (Indianapolis)

Alicia Mckoy was honored for her extraordinary courage in the face of relentless cyber harassment, identity theft, and personal attacks that threatened both her wellbeing and her startup’s survival. Rather than be deterred, she transformed adversity into purpose, continuing to build Peak Mind, an Indianapolis-based technology company that uses AI, biometrics, and immersive tools like virtual reality to help individuals and organizations better understand and manage stress in real time. Judges noted Mckoy’s ability to stabilize her company while also advocating for others navigating trauma, and to remain an active contributor to Indiana’s entrepreneurial and tech communities. Her story reflects strength, determination, and an unwavering commitment to turning hardship into hope.

 

Rising Entrepreneur of the Year:  Kyle Armstrong, RefReps (Indianapolis)

Kyle Armstrong earned top honors for delivering a best-in-class entrepreneurial performance marked by clear vision, meaningful traction, and exceptional execution. He founded RefReps to address a growing national shortage of sports officials, building a digital platform that provides standardized curriculum, interactive training, and real-world simulation tools that is used by schools and organizations across the country. Judges highlighted his ability to identify a critical market need, build an innovative training platform, and navigate obstacles with focus and discipline. His strong growth strategy and commitment to strengthening the sports officiating ecosystem set him apart as an entrepreneur with both momentum and long-term potential.

 

Startup of the Year:  Ekkobar (Indianapolis)

Ekkobar, a technology company pioneering AI-driven social intelligence, was recognized for its sophisticated product, strong early traction, and a team with deep experience in the entertainment industry. The startup’s platform uses conversational and predictive AI to analyze billions of social signals, helping brands, creators, and sports and media organizations understand their audiences and respond to what’s shaping culture in real time. Judges noted the company’s clear market understanding, strong execution, and meaningful innovation in the sports media space. Ekkobar demonstrated the momentum and maturity of a startup poised for significant growth.

 

Tech Company of the Year:  V2X (Indianapolis)

V2X earned top honors for its ability to deliver mission-critical innovation in one of the most complex and demanding industries:  national defense and human safety. The company brings together advanced engineering, AI, cybersecurity, logistics, and training to support critical missions across the full lifecycle, from strategy to deployment, ensuring systems are ready in high-stakes environments. Judges recognized the company’s clear articulation of the problems it solves, its rapid concept-to-deployment execution, and its role in advancing a safer, more resilient world through technology built and deployed in Indiana. With a disciplined approach, strong purpose, and real-world impact, V2X demonstrated the leadership and momentum that define a standout tech company.

 

TechPoint Tech Innovation of the Year:  Flexware Innovation (Indianapolis)

Flexware Innovation delivers a standout solution that directly addresses complex industrial challenges with clear, measurable impact. The company specializes in automation, systems integration, and custom software solutions, working closely with manufacturers to modernize operations and connect legacy systems with new technology. Their approach combines strong technical innovation with an experienced development team and a disciplined process that ensures reliability, scalability, and real-world adoption. Flexware’s ability to pair deep engineering expertise with practical, on-the-ground execution made them the clear choice for Tech Innovation of the Year.

Beck’s, the largest family-owned retail seed company in the United States, today announced the acquisition of the Mid-State soybean processing facility in Marshall, Missouri, further expanding its commitment to farmers across the region.

The facility, located on approximately 12 acres, features state-of-the-art equipment and infrastructure designed to support efficient seed conditioning and distribution. The site is expected to process up to 1 million units annually and include more than 400,000 bushels of storage capacity. “Beck’s has a longstanding familiarity with this facility and its infrastructure having worked with Mid-State Seed to clean and package for us over the last several years”, said Jim Herr, processing/inventory/wholesale manager of Beck’s.

“Missouri will likely be our number one state in soybean growth over the 2025 and 2026 seasons,” said Scott Beck, president of Beck’s. “By investing in high-quality infrastructure and elevating our footprint in this region, we’re investing to support the significant demand for our products by farmers in Missouri, Iowa and west.”

The facility includes approximately 150,000 square feet of warehouse space and an additional 5,000 square feet of office space. Mid-State employees will have the opportunity to interview for roles with Beck’s at the facility as operations transition.

“We appreciate the contributions of the Mid-State team over the years and their role in supporting this operation. After careful evaluation, we determined that our relationships with contract seed processors deliver the best strategy for MFA to provide seed genetics that fit our customers’ needs,” said Jason Weirich, chief operating officer for MFA Incorporated. “Sale of the facility allows us to responsibly transition this operation while maintaining continuity for our customers.”

This announcement follows Beck’s continued growth efforts to expand service capabilities and provide farmers with high-quality seed, agronomic insights and practical solutions tailored to their needs.

Patents establish broad protection for core platform enabling BE-101 – a first-of-its-kind poultry biologic advancing toward USDA conditional licensure – and future pipeline products

GREENFIELD, IND. (April 21, 2026) – BiomEdit, an animal health biotechnology company, today announced the issuance of foundational patents covering its engineered probiotic delivery platform. These patents support and directly protect the company’s lead product, BE-101, a novel poultry biologic advancing toward potential conditional licensure by the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Center for Veterinary Biologics (USDA CVB).

The newly issued patents, including “Genetically Modified Lactobacillus and Uses Thereof” (U.S. Patent 12,599,637) and “Probiotic Compositions Comprising Lactobacillus reuteri Strains and Methods of Use” (U.S. Patent 12,427,174), establish protection for engineered Lactobacillus reuteri strains, including composition of matter and methods of use, and systems used to deliver biologically active molecules directly within the host.

The patents cover:

Together, these patents secure the core technology underlying BiomEdit’s probiotic vectored delivery platform and establish a foundation for the development of a new class of precision biologics delivered through well-characterized microbial strains.

The patent portfolio directly supports BiomEdit’s lead program, BE-101. The therapy is a first-of-its-kind probiotic vectored antibody (pvAb™) biologic designed to neutralize Clostridium perfringens toxins, a primary driver of necrotic enteritis (NE) in broiler chickens. By delivering targeted biomolecules directly within the gastrointestinal tract, BE-101 represents a novel, non-antibiotic approach to disease prevention and production improvement.

BE-101 is currently progressing through field studies and regulatory review. BiomEdit anticipates conditional licensure in Q3 2026, subject to standard regulatory review timelines, with commercial readiness aligned to Q4, 2026

Beyond BE-101, the platform enables a range of applications, including disease prevention, performance enhancement and therapeutic approaches across animal health, with potential extension into human health. BiomEdit’s approach integrates strain engineering, payload design and scalable oral delivery, positioning the company to advance microbiome-enabled biologics as alternatives to traditional therapeutics.

About BiomEdit

BiomEdit is an animal health biotechnology company leveraging the power of the microbiome and synthetic biology to develop next-generation solutions for livestock and pet health. Founded in 2022, BiomEdit is backed by leading investors including Anterra Capital, Viking Global, Nutreco, AgriZeroNZ, Elevate and Betagro Ventures among others. For more information, visit www.biomedit.com.

Mangrove Systems announced that it has acquired select operating assets from Grain Ecosystem, a digital biochar project development platform focused on the North American market.

As part of the acquisition, Mangrove is taking over Grain’s customer base of biochar operators, bringing them over to its compliance and monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) platform.

With this move, Mangrove is acting on its commitment and continued investment in the biochar carbon dioxide removal (CDR) sector.

This acquisition is also an important strategic action through which Mangrove will be operating a combined customer base that represents a significant share of the active global biochar market today.

Grain played a foundational role in building the North American biochar market. By gaining ownership of its portfolio of operators, Mangrove is strengthening its position as the compliance platform of choice for CDR operators at scale.

Founded in 2022, Grain Ecosystem is a technology platform designed to accelerate climate progress through waste-to-value infrastructure. The company specializes in supporting operators and developers with software and workflows for project development, CO2 compliance, and operations.

Mangrove Systems, on the other hand, provides digital MRV solutions for CDR and carbon capture & storage projects and low-carbon fuels.

Through the acquisition, Grain’s operator accounts will now join Mangrove’s existing biochar customer base, accessing the full spectrum of Mangrove’s platform capabilities.

These functionalities include automated data ingestion, AI-assisted carbon accounting, end-to-end audit-ready reporting, and expert certification support aligned with leading compliance and voluntary programs.

Ryan J. Letourneau, Co-Founder & CEO of Grain Ecosystem, stated, “Grain has built a strong platform and market presence in the biochar sector, and we believe Mangrove is well positioned to carry that work forward. This transaction provides continuity for customers and reflects a strong fit between what Grain built and Mangrove’s long-term platform.”

Annie Nichols, General Manager of Biochar at Mangrove Systems, added, “Biochar is one of the most promising and fastest-growing segments of the carbon removal market, and this acquisition deepens our commitment to it. We’re proud to welcome Grain’s operators onto our platform and to support them with the MRV infrastructure they need to scale their revenue and impact.”

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