Consortium of Indiana Stakeholders now Designated a Federal Technology and Innovation Hub Eligible to Compete for $75 million in Funding for U.S. Biotech Supply Chain Innovation

 

The Applied Research Institute, Inc. (“ARI”) announced today that the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic Development Administration has designated Heartland BioWorks as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub. Heartland BioWorks will now compete against other designated hubs for implementation grants of up to $75 million each later this year.

The Regional Tech Hub designation, and the funding that follows, will support the acceleration of workforce development and help dismantle barriers to success for entrepreneurs and small business owners with new biotech products.

Led by the Applied Research Institute, Heartland BioWorks is a consortium of Indiana stakeholders driven by strong collaborative innovation practices to ensure that bioproducts invented in America are also produced domestically. Indiana’s Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson metropolitan statistical area features the unmatched collection of resources and capabilities necessary to become the world-leading force that secures our nation’s biomanufacturing future. The region is home to landmark industry leaders that span the bioecosystem; R1 institutions focused on biotechnology and manufacturing innovations; coordinated state-regional-local prioritization of life sciences to advance economic opportunities; a rapidly growing venture ecosystem; and significant biotech investment momentum.

“The Economic Development Administration, with this designation, confirms what we here in Indiana have known for a long time—that the Hoosier state is a global pioneer in biotech production,” said Applied Research Institute Chief Executive Officer Dave Roberts. “Heartland BioWorks is securing America’s biotech future, and this Hub will provide biotech startups with access to manufacturing facilities and expertise, implement the workforce training future biotech innovations require, and focus on engaging innovators in historically underserved communities.”

“When I authored the Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs program, my goal was to spur more innovation in technologies of the future in places like Indiana, rather than just Silicon Valley and a few coastal cities,” said Indiana Senator Todd Young. “Today’s announcement to designate Heartland Bioworks as a Tech Hub is a recognition of Indiana’s leadership in biotechnology and synthetic biology research and manufacturing, and another major win for Hoosiers. This designation could lead to millions in federal investment and will open the floodgates for more private capital in biotech R&D across the state.”

“This is just the news we hoped to receive. The EDA’s designation of Heartland BioWorks as a Regional Tech Hub is a recognition of Indiana’s rich tradition of innovation and leadership in both the manufacturing and life science sectors,” said Indiana Governor Eric J. Holcomb. “We‘ll continue to strongly support the Hub and look forward to moving forward in the process.”

“This new Tech Hub designation is yet another win for Indiana as we work to foster and cultivate the industries of tomorrow,” said Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg. “Heartland BioWorks’ multifaceted approach to advancing biotechnology and biomanufacturing will nurture industry-specific startups, investments and R&D, driving life-changing products and life-saving solutions leveraged across the world. This will also create profound opportunities for our state’s brightest minds to innovate and collaborate, while cementing the U.S. and Indiana as the leading hub for biotech manufacturing.”

“Today’s announcement is another step toward Central Indiana leading the country in innovation and unlocking the opportunity to bring millions of dollars in Federal funding to achieve those goals,” said Central Indiana Regional Development Authority executive director Jennifer Messer. “CIRDA’s collaboration with and support of ARI to secure this designation will impact the Central Indiana region for decades to come.”

“As Fishers grows its foothold in the life science industry, it’s critical that we tap into every resource available to reinvest in key sectors, workforce, and innovation,” remarked Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness. “Today’s announcement opens up the possibilities we’ve been working toward and we look forward to collaborating with ARI and our collaboration partners to execute on this opportunity.”

“As the birthplace of the historic, world pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly & Co., and as the recipient of more than $1.5 billion in new biotech investment in under a decade, Indianapolis has an attractive portfolio in this field,” said Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett. “That was why the City of Indianapolis was proud to join and advocate on behalf of Heartland BioWorks. The news of the Regional Tech Hub designation represents enormous potential for employability and prosperity in Indianapolis.”

Indiana stakeholders have described the need for more dedicated manufacturing operations and innovation space. The Regional Tech Hubs program will catalyze further production, which will foster innovation and encourage more businesses to start and grow in Indiana.

Heartland BioWorks will initially focus on three integrated activities that address “biotechnology, medical technology, genomics, and synthetic biology” gaps identified by the Economic Development Administration in both the region and nation:

BioTrain

BioWorks Training Institute: BioWorks will establish an institute to provide training and industry work experiences to prepare trainees for high-paying jobs that support the growing biomanufacturing sector. The institute will be established at the 16 Tech Innovation District, located in a historically vibrant, now underserved, neighborhood in downtown Indianapolis, and leverage the nation’s largest community college system, Ivy Tech.

BioLaunch

BioWorks Bioproduct Launch Network: Small biotechs and startups are often forced to offshore their production because they lack the resources and scale needed to work with U.S. contract development and manufacturing organizations or justify development of their own production facility. BioLaunch will coordinate and implement mechanisms to access the region’s contract manufacturers and distributors, addressing lab-to-launch gaps, while keeping innovations, intellectual property, and jobs in the US.

BioMake

BioWorks Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Network: The White House, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, and the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology, all recognize that America’s biopharma manufacturing sector must continue to modernize to remain competitive and deliver value to patients. BioMake will provide resources, funding, and coordinated access to a partner facility dedicated to testing and demonstrating next generation biomanufacturing technologies (e.g., high-intensity processing, continuous manufacturing, advanced automation, on-line analytics, intelligent sensors, modular production, AI/ML) to improve the efficiency, capability, and cost of operations.

This is the third federal hub designation secured by Applied Research Institute led and supported coalitions in the past month, including the Department of Defense Microelectronics Commons technology hub designation of Silicon Crossroads and the Department of Energy Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs designations of the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen (MachH2). This will potentially lead to hundreds of million in investments secured by the Applied Research Institute for the State of Indiana in the coming months.

Additional information about the Heartland Bioworks Regional Technology Hub can be found at: https://theari.us/work-with-us/heartland-bioworks-hub/

Statements from Heartland BioWorks Partners and Supporters

David A. Ricks, Eli Lilly and Company Chair and Chief Executive Officer: “We at Lilly are happy to hear the news today about Indiana being selected as a regional bio tech hub as part of Phase 1. We firmly believe in the mission and vision set forth by Heartland BioWorks to become the world leader in life science talent development, start-up creation, reshoring, and supply chain resilience and look forward to working on Phase 2.”

Fred Cartwright, President and Chief Executive Officer of Conexus Indiana: “Conexus Indiana looks forward to continuing its role to grow and advance Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors. With over 130 industry, academic, community and public sector partners, Conexus ensures Indiana remains a global leader in making and moving products that impact the world. We are excited to engage our network to accomplish Heartland BioWorks’ goals in all three critical areas of talent (BioTrain), start-ups (BioLaunch) and advancements in manufacturing (BioMake).”

Pamela Whitten, Indiana University President and Member of the Applied Research Institute Board of Directors: “The designation of Heartland BioWorks as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub is a crucial step that will continue the growing strength of Indiana’s biotech ecosystem,” said Pamela Whitten, president of Indiana University. “We look forward to our continued collaboration with ARI as we advance life-changing research, workforce development and entrepreneurship across Indiana’s life sciences sector.”

Mung Chiang, Purdue University President and Member of the Applied Research Institute Board of Directors: “Regional Tech Hubs from the U.S. Department of Commerce is a crucial competition for the tech driven economy in our country, and a key element of the CHIPS and Science Act championed by Senator Young. This is a pivotal win for our state and our university,” said Purdue University President Mung Chiang. “Purdue is excited to work with ARI, and through Governor Holcomb’s support, to win 3 out of 3 national competitions this season: in semiconductors from Department of Defense, in hydrogen innovation from Department of Energy, and now in biotech manufacturing from Department of Commerce. Each is a 10% success rate opportunity and hitting all three is yet another reflection of our excellence at scale.”

Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C., President of the University of Notre Dame: “The University of Notre Dame is proud to partner with our fellow Indiana research universities and institutions to support life sciences job creation and economic development across the state. Notre Dame’s research ecosystem has long supported forward-thinking, interdisciplinary collaboration between bioengineering and data science, setting the stage for the next generation of biomanufacturing technology. We look forward to contributing that experience to the Heartland BioWorks Hub and specifically, BioMake.”

José Padilla, Valparaiso University’s President: “This designation of the Heartland BioWorks Regional Technology and Innovation Hub can elevate Northwest Indiana, a region on the cusp of a much needed economic renaissance. This Hub has the potential to foster innovation and create high-quality jobs while addressing national biotech gaps. Valparaiso University is called to exercise its faith by applying its expertise to the broader community, expertise that will empower our neighbors with skills to rise above economic swings and therefore last a lifetime. The faculty, staff and students of Valpo look forward to working alongside ARI and the Heartland BioWorks team as we compete for the implementation grants that will spark economic growth in the Region,” states President José Padilla of Valparaiso University.

Alan D. Palkowitz, President and CEO of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI): “We are very proud to be a partner with Indiana corporations and research institutions in reaching this key milestone for the state, and all who will benefit from the Heartland BioWorks vision. At the IBRI, we are committed to becoming a key contributor to delivering on the vast potential of Indiana life sciences research to impact patients, and to catalyze the growth of a thriving entrepreneurial community. This will become a key component of the tech hub’s signature for Indiana that links breakthrough life sciences research with biomanufacturing innovation.”

Congresswoman Erin Houchin (Indiana-09): “Indiana has long been a place for technological innovation. We welcome this recognition and hope it will lead to further expansion of our state’s regional—and increasingly national impact. I am particularly proud to see so many Southern Indiana players contribute to this effort. I commend Heartland BioWorks and the Applied Research Institute for their hard work in promoting Indiana’s biotechnology assets and look forward to continuing our progress together,” said Congresswoman Erin Houchin.

Whitney Ertel, Governor’s Workforce Cabinet Executive Director: “The Governor’s Workforce Cabinet applauds the EDA’s decision to designate Heartland BioWorks as a Regional Innovation and Technology Hub, as Indiana has long been home to an unmatched biotech and manufacturing ecosystem. This initiative is a game-changer for the U.S., Indiana and the Hoosiers whose lives will be impacted by accelerated workforce development, the creation of good-paying jobs and expanded economic opportunities. Chairman Ryan Kitchell, Cabinet members and I champion the leadership and efforts of the Heartland BioWorks collaborative as it works to advance America’s biotech future and thank Senator Todd Young for his leadership in making the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022 possible.”

Emily Krueger, 16 Tech Community Corporation President and Chief Executive Officer: “The Regional Tech Hub designation recognizes the current strength and future potential of the Indiana’s biomanufacturing ecosystem. As the most centrally located access point to the state’s innovation ecosystem, 16 Tech is excited to be a part of Heartland Bio Works Consortium and to collaborate on key resources to support the future of this critical sector.”

Christopher Day, Elevate Ventures Chief Executive Officer: “We are extremely excited to support Heartland BioWorks. Indiana is quickly becoming the Innovation Capital of the World and working with all the disparate stakeholders to make this a reality is an honor. As the #1 most active seed and early-stage investor in the Great Lakes region and top twenty in the world, we are excited to support the innovation that will no doubt be born from this cross collaboration.”

Nitesh Chawla, the Frank M. Freimann Professor of Computer Science and Engineering, Director of Lucy Family Institute for Data & Society, and the University of Notre Dame’s Lead on the BioWorks Hub Collaboration: “We are thrilled to be a part of the BioWorks effort, which has significant potential to transform the national biotech sector and the regional economy. Notre Dame houses multiple assets that support biotechnology and next-gen data science, and incorporating these capabilities into the BioWorks ecosystem will help accelerate manufacturing capabilities statewide.”

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Innovations in seed holds tremendous promise – from improving yield to resilience and profitability – and has transformed significantly over the last few decades. Today we are joined by Beck’s Hybrids President, Scott Beck, to talk about the iconic family-owned brand, being a third-generation leader in the business and watching a small operation grow to the massive brand it is today. 

Scott talks all things company culture and keeping that as you grow and scale a business. He also reflects on returning to the company after graduating from Purdue in 1987 (he was the 12th employee), shifting their focus from being a seed company that has marketing to becoming a marketing company that has seed, and viewing all things through the lens of the farmer. That includes relationships with many agbioscience companies to bring diversity and value to the farmer.  

What’s ahead for Beck’s Hybrids? More of the farmer, of course. Scott talks R&D, looking into the future to help the farmer and how he sees the company innovating in the future. 

 

SHAPE (Y)OUR FUTURE SUMMIT will cover Indiana’s industries of the future, importance of talent, and civic-oriented discussions on Nov. 14, 2023

 

On Tuesday, Nov. 14, IndyHub and the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) will bring together the next generation of Hoosiers to discuss important topics related to the future of the Indy region at a new, free conference – the SHAPE (Y)OUR Future Summit presented by Ice Miller. This event designed for Millennials and Gen Z will be at The AMP at 16 Tech and will include discussions on Indiana’s talent and workforce needs, the state’s industries of the future, public transportation and mobility, sustainability and environmental issues, and more.

“SHAPE (Y)OUR FUTURE is going to be one of the best opportunities to learn about the various aspects of what makes our city and state special,” said Al Carroll, president and CEO, IndyHub. “It will also include ways for young people to ask questions and share their ideas on how to make Indianapolis a more vibrant place to live, work and plant roots. We want to ensure that they are shaping their future as well as that of our community.”

Attendees will also learn about the advanced industries that drive Indiana’s economy. CICP’s talent and industry sector initiatives, AgriNovus Indiana (agbiosciences), Ascend Indiana (talent and workforce development), BioCrossroads (life sciences), Conexus Indiana (advanced manufacturing and logistics) and TechPoint (tech) will each have sessions to go deeper into these important sectors and the jobs and opportunities in each.

“Advancing the key sectors of Indiana’s economy and developing our talent and workforce are core to the success of our community, and this event puts those two topics at the forefront of a very important audience,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. “It’s a natural fit for CICP and IndyHub to work together to help young people learn what makes this a special place to live, work, play and learn.”

In addition to the speaker and panel sessions, the day will include a networking session and the Taste of the AMP.

The event is free to attend, and all are welcome. REGISTER HERE. Learn more about the panelists/speakers at https://indyhub.org/program/summit/.

Forbes – the global business media powerhouse – named Indiana the best place to start a business in 2023. It’s one of many recent wins on the board for Indiana – a trophy case that includes everything from securing commitments for $33B in capital investment in the last six quarters to securing the rights to host the next Global Entrepreneurship Congress. It’s momentum that today’s guest seeks to continue. Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Rosenberg joins us to look into the future, poising Indiana for success and retaining young talent in state for generations to come. 

David talks about getting the economy you want versus the one that comes to you, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) becoming a strategic organization and agbioscience’s role in building our state’s future.  He also gets into Indiana’s evolving talent pipeline and creating the necessary tools for companies to fill jobs. David also talks about growing the state’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, venture’s growth and opportunities in Indiana and shaking the humble Hoosier mindset.  

With all this momentum and a little bit of time left under Governor Holcomb’s administration, what’s next for IEDC? David looks ahead at what needs to be done, the strength of their team to make it happen and his excitement for Indiana’s future.

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The agbioscience story is one worth telling in many aspects and that’s exactly what Delaney Howell-Groth has done in her career. The ag journalist turned founder of AgCulture Marketing joins us from the Rally Innovation Conference to talk about shaping the story of companies across the industry, having affinity for rural America and innovation driving the food system. Delaney also talks about unlocking emotions alongside facts, new technologies as a story and an industry that’s ripe to create excitement and vibrancy in rural communities across the country. 

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Celebrating its silver anniversary next year, TechPoint’s Mira Awards gala—known as the “Oscars of Tech in Indiana”—will be held on Friday, April 26, 2024, at the Old National Centre in Indianapolis. TechPoint and its sponsors and partners will take over the entire venue, including an awards show in the Murat Theatre followed by a community celebration and afterparty in the Egyptian Room.

With the event attracting sold-out crowds over the past 10 years, this new location enables doubling attendance at the gala from 1,200 to 2,400 people. Extra seating capacity is also important as the organization recognizes digital innovation statewide across all industries. Additionally, TechPoint will reduce the general admission ticket price by at least $100 to make it more affordable for startup teams and traditionally underrepresented groups in tech.

“Digital innovation is the key to keeping our companies, our workforce and our economy competitive across all industries,” said TechPoint president and CEO Ting Gootee. “For 25 years, the Mira Awards program has lifted up the ‘Best of Tech in Indiana.’ This will continue next year with the added dimension of celebrating the most impactful technological achievements in software, analytics and AI, of course, as well as in tech applications like agtech, edtech, fintech, hardtech, healthtech, sportstech and others.”

Gootee said TechPoint will focus on bringing in award entries from all parts of the state, and she highlighted a regional partnership with the University of Notre Dame in South Bend-Elkhart. A portion of the school’s 2024 IDEA Week innovation festival will be held in Indianapolis in conjunction with TechPoint’s Mira Awards gala.

“We’re excited at the early interest from like-minded organizations to join our efforts to celebrate and raise awareness of the exciting advances being made in all areas of Indiana’s tech economy,” Gootee said. “This is a highly inclusive process with many opportunities for participation including nominating, entering, competing, judging and volunteering throughout the six-month awards season.”

Entries for the 25th annual Mira Awards will be accepted beginning November 7, 2023, and tickets will go on sale the same day.  Visit the 2024 Mira Awards Prospectus to learn more.

About 25% of U.S. farm products by value are exported annually. That global market fuels demand for producers and the companies that serve them across the Midwest. Ben Forsythe, Director of Sustainability and Value Creation with the Indiana Corn Marketing Council and Indiana Soybean Alliance, is just back from a global trip to visit some of those foreign markets and joins us today to share new perspective on the markets and the opportunities they create for innovation.  

From his travels to The Netherlands to Indonesia, he gets into the unique challenges each country faces, how Indiana farmers can help solve those challenges to meet the needs of the world’s markets. He also talks about gleaning inspiration from other countries that could validate and improve the great work we already do here. No matter where they’re at in this world, farmers speak a universal language; so what did their shared communication look like on the trip? Ben talks common themes and conversations taking place in agriculture across the world. 

 

 

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Elanco CEO, Jeff Simmons, joins organization’s executive committee

AgriNovus Indiana announced today additions and changes to its executive committee and board of directors.

The board unanimously approved the addition of Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco, to its executive committee as well as JoAnn Brouillette, operating partner at Lewis and Clark Agrifood, to its board of directors. Additionally, approval for the following seat changes to replace outgoing directors include:

“Indiana’s agbioscience economy continues to experience record growth and strength thanks to the direction and support of the AgriNovus board of directors,” said Mitch Frazier, president and CEO of AgriNovus Indiana. “The addition of these experts to our Board brings even more leadership and industry context to our team as we work together to build the agbioscience economy of the future.”

Simmons serves as president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health (NYSE: ELAN), an independent, global animal health leader with the ability to reach the world’s animals. The Elanco team has established a unique innovation engine grounded in a higher purpose: Food and Companionship Enriching Life. Elanco’s Pet Health business is innovating effective products and therapeutic solutions for veterinarians helping pets live longer, healthier, more active lives. Elanco’s Farm Animal business focuses on helping farmers and veterinarians raise healthy livestock to make food safer. Elanco is also a pioneer within livestock sustainability and is developing and delivering a portfolio of new products and solutions designed to make a tangible, positive impact on reducing climate warming. As an advocate for animal agriculture, Simmons is active with HealthforAnimals (H4A) and FFA at the national levels. His board roles reflect his passions for food security with HATCH for Hunger, enabling leaders to thrive with Edge Mentoring and the human-animal bond with IU Health.

Brouillette has a long history in agriculture most recently serving as managing partner of Demeter Lp, a third generation, family owned agribusiness firm with grain facilities located throughout the Midwest.  Brouillette currently serves as operating partner for Lewis and Clark Agrifood, a late stage, growth equity fund focused in the agriculture and food technology sectors.  She was appointed by President George W. Bush to the Advisory Committee for Trade Policy and Negotiation for two terms and is the past chair of the National Grain and Feed Association and the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.  Brouillette currently serves on the Board of Trustees at Purdue University and Kokomo Grain Company. 

Engel is the Glenn W. Sample dean of agriculture at Purdue University after previously serving as senior associate dean in the college. He was also department head of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. Engel has received numerous recognitions from the American Society of Agricultural and Biological Engineering (ASABE) over the course of his career, including: Outstanding Young Researcher Award, 1999; ASABE Fellow, 2014; Gilley Academic Leadership Award, 2016; and the Hancor Soil and Water Conservation Engineering Award, 2019. He was also honored as the Purdue College of Agriculture’s Outstanding Researcher and Outstanding Graduate Educator, University Scholar and received Engineering’s Best Teacher Award. 

Gardner is the vice president of marketing and communications at Wabash Valley Power Alliance, leading the department while serving as a member of the Executive Team. She previously served as director of strategic communications for Hirons, where she developed comprehensive and cross-disciplinary plans to meet clients’ strategic objectives. Gardner was also director of communications for the city of Westfield and corporate communications manager for Cummins, and she was a reporter and news anchor for several television and radio stations throughout the Midwest.

The AgriNovus Indiana board of directors is comprised of leaders from industry, academia and government. All members are listed online at www.AgriNovusIndiana.com/Board.

Elevate Ventures Announces Five Winners of Elevate Nexus Pitch Competitions, Totaling $6.46M in Investments Since 2019

 

Elevate Ventures, a leader in U.S. venture capital, today announced that five Indiana-based startups have been awarded a total of $320,000 in investments as winners of the 2023 Elevate Nexus Statewide Pitch Competition.

Each of the five winners received a $100,000 seed or $40,000 pre-seed investment to propel them as they create high-growth businesses across the state. Representing a range of industries and Indiana communities, the winning companies also join Elevate’s venture development portfolio.

Winners of a $100,000 Seed Investment:

Winners of a $40,000 Pre-Seed Investment:

(Quotes from the five winners appear below.)

“Elevate is proud to congratulate these five outstanding founders, and we’re excited to watch them pursue their next big milestones,” said Landon Young, who leads the Elevate Nexus program and is the Executive Director of Entrepreneurial Programming at Elevate Ventures.

Applications for the 2023 statewide competition were open to companies that had won an Elevate Nexus competition at the regional level. Twelve regional winners competed in the statewide competition, held on August 29, 2023, during Rally, a cross-sector innovation conference in Indianapolis.

Since 2019, Elevate Nexus Pitch Competitions have awarded $6.46M to 138 Indiana companies, with 14 receiving follow-on investments.

Elevate Nexus is funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the Indiana 21st Century Research and Technology Fund (21 Fund). Several grant and investment programs managed by Elevate Ventures, including Elevate Nexus, are supported by the 21 Fund under the Indiana Economic Development Corp.

“Our team was very excited to participate in the Elevate Nexus Statewide Competition along with other great Indiana Startups.  Winning the regional and then statewide awards allows us to expand our runway and product development. Additionally, other investors are very impressed that Elevate has made such a substantial investment.” — Jim Donahue, CEO, ReproHealth Technologies

 

From chocolate to food innovation, True Essence Foods has taken a disciplined approach to making food ingredients taste better. This week, founder and CEO, Matt Rubin, joins us from the Rally Innovation Conference to talk about what the food supply chain of tomorrow looks like and the technology helping them pave the way.  

Matt also gets into sustainability, balancing flavor and water to create delicious, shelf-stable food at commercial scale, and the growing list of partners in collaboration with True Essence Foods. As the company recently announced a $27.6M growth investment from AFM Capital Partners, what do they plan to do next? Matt talks all things expansion – both in terms of equipment and talent – in order to grow and scale the business. 

 

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