Indiana’s Medical Device Advantage Was Built.
Keeping It Will Require Us to Build Faster.

Indiana did not become a leader in medical devices by accident. Its position was built over decades through manufacturing expertise, scientific discovery, entrepreneurship, workforce development, and a willingness to solve difficult problems.

But leadership is not permanent.

At BioCrossroads’ August FrameWORX program in Bloomington, more than 160 leaders from industry, academia, healthcare, workforce development, and economic development came together to consider what Indiana must do to ignite its next wave of medical device growth.

The day began with tours of Cook Medical, Simtra BioPharma Solutions, and Singota Solutions before moving to Ivy Tech Bloomington for a series of conversations spanning diagnostics, minimally invasive technologies, implantables, orthopedics, advanced manufacturing, talent, and regional growth.

Together, those conversations pointed to a clear conclusion: Indiana has the assets to lead, but its future position will depend on how quickly and intentionally it puts them to work.

Starting from a position of strength

Indiana’s medical device sector employs more than 18,000 people, with jobs concentrated at approximately twice the national rate. The state has distinct strengths across three major areas of the industry: diagnostics, minimally invasive technologies, and implantable devices, including orthopedics.

Global companies such as Roche Diagnostics, Cook Medical, Boston Scientific, and Zimmer Biomet operate alongside emerging companies, research institutions, healthcare systems, and specialized manufacturing partners. Indiana is also home to nationally recognized biomedical engineering, biotechnology, and workforce-training programs.

Recent investments demonstrate what can happen when those assets are connected.

The newly awarded National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine focused on musculoskeletal health brings together more than 170 partners from industry, research, clinical care, and higher education. The initiative will receive an initial $15 million, with the potential for as much as $160 million over 10 years.

It is a significant opportunity to extend Indiana’s orthopedic expertise beyond any single company or community and build a more connected statewide innovation ecosystem.

Still, the data also underscores the urgency of the work ahead. From 2018 to 2022, medical device employment in Indiana declined by approximately 6 percent. From 2010 to 2020, Indiana recorded the lowest medical device GDP growth among the 50 states.

Other states and countries are moving quickly to attract the same companies, investment, innovation, and talent.

Indiana cannot rely on the strength of its history to secure its future. 

In his keynote address, Cook Group and Cook Medical President Pete Yonkman challenged attendees to consider whether institutions, companies, and communities have become too accustomed to studying opportunities instead of acting on them.

He described this pattern as “drift,” a gradual movement away from building and toward waiting, planning, and avoiding risk.

Yonkman illustrated the idea through a recent conversation with Cook Medical interns. When asked how they felt about artificial intelligence, most expressed concern. They worried about jobs, their career paths, and the wider effects of the technology. At the same time, every intern acknowledged using AI.

Their perspective began to change when the conversation moved away from what AI might do to them and toward what they could build with it.

Cook Medical is already using AI to evaluate device designs, monitor manufacturing processes, reduce the potential for quality problems, and accelerate product development. When the interns saw how the technology could help them solve meaningful problems, fear gave way to curiosity.

The lesson extends well beyond AI.

People become more confident with unfamiliar tools when they have an opportunity to use them, learn from mistakes, and see how their work contributes to a larger purpose. Companies and communities develop the ability to build by building.

Yonkman left the audience with a question that carried through the remainder of the program: What would it take for Indiana to become the fastest-learning and fastest-building life sciences ecosystem in the country?

Innovation requires more than an idea

Across four panel discussions, industry and ecosystem leaders explored how that challenge is playing out throughout the medical device sector.

In diagnostics, advances in precision medicine, biomarker discovery, automation, and data are making it possible to identify diseases earlier and connect patients with treatment more quickly. Capturing that opportunity requires closer relationships among researchers, entrepreneurs, diagnostic companies, healthcare providers, investors, and regulatory experts.

For minimally invasive devices, innovation increasingly depends on the ability to combine disciplines. Smaller and more precise devices are being developed alongside advances in imaging, robotics, artificial intelligence, materials science, and advanced manufacturing.

The opportunity is significant, but moving a product from an early concept to patient care remains expensive and complex. Entrepreneurs need access to experienced mentors, clinical partners, capital, manufacturing capabilities, and leaders who understand how to navigate regulatory and commercialization pathways.

Indiana has many of those resources. The greater challenge is making them easier to find and connect.

The discussion of implantables and orthopedics offered a tangible example of what that connection can produce. Indiana’s emerging musculoskeletal innovation engine is creating a structure through which researchers, manufacturers, clinicians, entrepreneurs, and workforce partners can pursue opportunities together.

That model reflects a theme heard throughout the day: Indiana is strongest when it operates as an ecosystem rather than a collection of individual assets.

Growth also depends on place

The program concluded by focusing on the Indiana Uplands, an 11-county region where life sciences account for approximately 16 percent of total employment.

The region has an unusual concentration of assets, including major life sciences employers, Indiana University, Ivy Tech Community College, Naval Surface Warfare Center Crane, entrepreneurship resources, and experienced workforce and economic development organizations.

But companies cannot grow where people cannot build lives.

Housing, infrastructure, education, quality of place, and access to career opportunities are all part of a competitive life sciences strategy. The Uplands conversation reinforced that industry growth and community growth cannot be treated as separate priorities.

Indiana must create places where companies can expand, entrepreneurs can build, and people can see a future for themselves and their families.

The next advantage will be built together

Indiana already possesses many of the capabilities needed to lead the next generation of medical devices. It can invent new technologies, make them at scale, and move them to patients around the world.

The question is whether the state can connect those capabilities and move with the speed the moment requires.

That means giving people the tools to experiment and learn. It means helping promising ideas cross the distance between research and commercialization. It means strengthening the communities that support companies and workers. And it means replacing institutional drift with a shared willingness to build.

Indiana’s medical device advantage was built by people who saw what was possible and acted.

Its next wave of growth will be built the same way.

See the Agenda
Watch the Recap
Meet the Speakers

2026 FrameWorx series

A Platform for Progress

Each FrameWORX event brings Indiana’s life sciences community together around the critical topics that require shared expertise, new partnerships, and coordinated action. Through focused discussion and meaningful connection, FrameWORX helps turn shared expertise into new ideas, partnerships, and progress.

AXIS: Mentor & Mentee Q&A

Launched by BioCrossroads in 2025, AXIS mentoring program is helping Indiana life sciences startups kickstart their ideas and bring them closer to reality. Through strategic team-based mentoring with the best and brightest from across the state, startups are getting essential guidance and advice. AXIS has already supported two cohorts that have pitched their ideas and have been paired with mentors.  

Below is a Q&A with mentor Kevin Donnelly, PhD and mentee Daniel Flaherty.

Kevin B. Donnelly, DVM, PhD, DABT, AXIS Mentor 


What’s your professional experience and where are you at today?  

I am a veterinary pathologist and toxicologist.  I have spent my 30 year career to date in the human pharmaceutical sector as a scientist contributing to the comparative biomedicine between animals and humans in biomedical research.  I have been part of teams discovering and developing new medicines and I have developed deep expertise in the scientific and regulatory process involved. I have worked at a small biotech company, a contract research company, and now more than 20 years at Eli Lilly and Company in Indianapolis. 
   
Why did you join AXIS and how did you hear about it?  

I was recruited by other Lilly colleagues who had become AXIS volunteer mentors.  I joined to help build the infrastructure around the growing biotechnology community in Indiana.   

What makes Indiana a great choice for a startup, particularly in life sciences?  

Excellent universities in Indiana are producing bright academic researchers, and graduating students with high quality degrees to enter the workforce. There already exists a strong base for pharmaceutical and medical device companies here. I have also been impressed with multiple nonprofit organizations here that promote success in biotechnology. 

Why did you choose to pair with Dan Flaherty?  

I generally look for mentees with some mutuality in my area of experience (drug development, such as in Dan’s case) but since the main objective of AXIS is to help develop the professional pathway for the mentee innovator, their subject matter is not very important to my success as a mentor. Indeed, I have signed on to mentee with medical devices, and health care computer app development. 

What are you doing to support them? Any pieces of advice or lessons that you think are applicable to other startups?  

The mentor program helps innovators make big picture decisions to guide the progress of their initiative or start-up. Having the conversation as mentors regarding the multiple facets involved seems to very much help the mentees and is gratifying to the mentors. It helps that we mentors are independent volunteers with no direct stake or bias in the start-up enterprise. 

 

Daniel P. Flaherty, AXIS Mentee 

Tell us about your startup.
Carbonix, Inc is a precision antibiotics biotech company that specifically targets Enterococcus species with relevance to infectious disease and microbiome-related disorders. 

What has your path to this looked like—personally and professionally?

Professionally, this path started with my academic lab at Purdue and technology developed during the course of two R01 awards. When I started my lab I was only interested in publishing quality science and making it to promotion and tenure. Now, our lab has developed high-quality molecules that we believe fill a large unmet need in the current medical landscape. The idea of starting a company has been on my mind for close to two years. I spent time reflecting and realized if I don’t push this technology forward then likely no one will. I do not believe it should sit on the shelf. At that point, I took the step to form Carbonix. 

Personally, this has been a large lift for myself and my family. I still have my primary appointment as a faculty member at Purdue with a lot of responsibilities including teaching, research, mentoring, and committee work. In addition, I have a family with four children who are all very involved in many activities. So, this past summer, there was a lot of personal schedule juggling and sacrifices to provide me with every second I could squeeze out of a day to push the new company forward. 

What impact do you hope your startup will have?

I envision that Carbonix will not be the traditional antibiotic biotech focused on broad-spectrum antibiotics or on difficult to treat Gram-negative pathogens. Carbonix is explicitly narrow spectrum, targeting only Enterococcus species. This is somewhat of a shift from the past of antibiotic drug discovery as more research is published supporting the role of a healthy gut microbiome on many seemingly unrelated disease pathways. This provides a new opportunity for narrow-spectrum agents to be valued in the clinic while preserving patient microbiomes from being disrupted that can how downstream consequences. I believe we will be at the forefront of not only treating Enterococcus infections but in preserving and treating microbiome related disorders. 

Why did you choose to participate in the AXIS program? 

I have considered starting a company for two years, but I needed a spark and some outside accountability. I always had the excuse that I did not have time. But I knew I needed to have mentors that would essentially listen to me and provide feedback with expectations that needed to be achieved. This pushed me to prioritize the steps necessary to take the leap. 

What has been the most important thing you’ve learned from Kevin?

With Kevin in particular, I have very much valued having him as a sounding board. Often, even though I believe in the mission and technology, I can often still question if it is really that exciting or potentially impactful. So having someone not associated with the technology at all there to listen and provide advice and feedback, as well as ask questions that I have not thought about, has been extremely important to me. 

 

 

INCAP Apprenticeship Showcase Event to Bring Careers Opportunities to Life for Students

The Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) provides a new model that empowers high school students with real-world, paid work experiences and classroom training aligned to industry needs. Students graduate with skills, credentials, and career momentum.

On Nov. 12 and 13, 2026, the Indy Chamber will host the LENS INCAP Apprenticeship Showcase at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. LENS – which stands for Learn, Explore, Navigate, Succeed – will bring together more than 2,000 ninth- and tenth-graders from across Central Indiana to learn more about the industries participating in INCAP and available apprenticeship occupations starting in 2027. BioCrossroads is leading INCAP’s Healthcare Industry Talent Association, which brings together employers in the industry to build INCAP education and training programs.

At LENS, we are looking forward to introducing students to the wide range of careers available throughout healthcare. We will have a 5,000-square-foot exhibit that will feature immersive, hands-on activities that allow students to explore clinical care, imaging, rehabilitation, pharmacy, surgical services, public health, emergency medical services, and healthcare technology. Students will interact with healthcare professionals, practice introductory skills using simulation equipment, and learn about the healthcare assistant apprenticeship pathway.

Event Details

Organizations are invited to help bring this event to life by providing:

Organizations may sponsor an activity that aligns with their workforce needs, clinical services, community priorities, or philanthropic interests. Opportunities for sponsor recognition and employee participation can be discussed based on the activity and level of support.

For general questions or to discuss sponsorship opportunities, please contact:

Jessica Reynolds
[email protected]

Download the event handout for more information.

If you’re interested in volunteering or providing equipment and/or materials, please fill out this form.

 

Explore the activities below and how you can support

Code Blue Compression Challenge
Description

A patient has suddenly collapsed and is unresponsive. Students respond
to a simulated cardiac emergency by completing one cycle of chest
compressions on a feedback-enabled mannequin. They use real-time
feedback to improve their hand placement, compression depth, rate,
and consistency while learning about high-quality CPR and the role
healthcare professionals play during life-threatening emergencies.

Staffing
  • 1 healthcare professional preferred, or 1 trained volunteer
Supplies


Include all accessories, attachments, adapters, chargers, batteries,
replacement components, and other supplies required to safely operate
the selected equipment.

Equipment
  • Adult feedback-enabled CPR mannequins (2–3)
  • CPR feedback sensors, if separate from the mannequins (2–3)
  • Floor mats or kneeling pads (2–3)
Technology
  • Technology or equipment required to operate the feedback-enabled
    mannequins
Consumables

Quantities should support approximately 750 students.

  • Replacement mannequin face shields or lungs, if required by the
    selected mannequin model
Electrical Needs
  • Charging cables or power adapters, if required
  • Tablet, monitor, or mobile device for the feedback display, if required
    by the mannequin model
Optional Enhancements
  • Hospital bed in place of floor mats for a more realistic simulation
  • Trained healthcare professional uses a bag-valve mask/Ambu bag to
    demonstrate or provide simulated breaths after the student completes
    30 compressions
  • Larger screen displaying real-time CPR feedback
  • Simulated cardiac monitor displaying a patient rhythm
  • Audible metronome to demonstrate the recommended compression rate

Vital Signs Faceoff
Description

A patient is not feeling well and needs an assessment. Students step
into the role of a healthcare professional by obtaining vital signs
from a volunteer using common patient-monitoring equipment. Students
then receive a set of patient vital signs connected to a scenario and
use a reference chart to determine whether the patient is stable,
needs follow-up, or needs immediate medical attention. The activity
introduces students to patient assessment and demonstrates how
healthcare professionals use vital signs to identify changes in a
patient’s condition.

Staffing
  • 2 volunteers, healthcare professionals preferred
Supplies


Include all accessories, attachments, adapters, chargers, batteries,
replacement components, and other supplies required to safely operate
the selected equipment.

Equipment
  • Dynamap monitors (2)
  • Digital thermometers, if not integrated into the Dynamap monitors (2)
  • Blood pressure cuffs compatible with the monitors
    (2 of each required size)
  • Pulse oximeters, if not integrated into the Dynamap monitors (2)
  • All equipment-specific accessories and operating supplies required
    by the selected models
Consumables

Quantities should support approximately 750 students.

  • Disposable thermometer probe covers, if required (approximately 750)
  • Disposable equipment-specific supplies required by the selected
    monitors or thermometers
Electrical Needs
  • Dynamap charging cables or power cords
  • Charging cables or adapters for all additional equipment
  • Replacement batteries, if required by the selected equipment
Optional Enhancements
  • Hospital bed or exam table
  • Digital display explaining what each vital sign measures

Trauma Team Rescue
Description

A patient has been injured and needs immediate care. Students respond
to a simulated emergency by reviewing an injury scenario, selecting
appropriate treatment supplies, and completing one basic intervention.
Depending on the scenario, students may control simulated bleeding,
apply a splint or sling, wrap an injury, or practice basic wound closure
on a silicone suture pad. The activity introduces students to how
healthcare professionals assess injuries, select appropriate
interventions, and provide safe, effective emergency care.

Staffing
  • 1 healthcare professional preferred, or volunteer
  • A second volunteer may be helpful during periods of high student
    traffic
Supplies


Include all accessories, attachments, replacement components,
cleaning products, and other supplies required to safely operate or
use the selected equipment.

Equipment
  • Reusable silicone suture practice pads (2)
    • Pads should provide enough usable space for approximately
      75–100 students
    • Assuming each student completes approximately 4–6 needle passes,
      the pads should collectively support at least 450–600 needle
      passes
  • Reusable basic suture practice kits with blunt practice needles (2)
  • Reusable training arms (1–2)
  • Reusable training legs (1–2)
  • Reusable SAM splints (2)
  • Training tourniquets (2)
  • Reusable arm slings (2)
  • All equipment-specific accessories and replacement components required
    for the selected training equipment
Materials
  • Small supply bins or baskets for organizing intervention materials
Consumables


Quantities should support approximately 750 students. Most intervention
materials should be reusable whenever they can be safely cleaned and
reset.

  • Reusable elastic/ACE wraps (8–12)
  • Reusable triangular bandages (6–8)
  • Roller gauze for demonstration and practice
  • Gauze pads
  • Self-adherent wrap
  • Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
  • Practice sutures with blunt training needles
    (approximately 75–100 if suturing is limited to a small portion
    of participants)
  • Replacement silicone pads if required based on the manufacturer’s
    expected number of uses
  • Alcohol prep pads (approximately 100–150)
  • Disposable gloves in multiple sizes
  • Simulated blood or reusable bleeding-control materials, if used
Optional Enhancements
  • Hospital stretcher or exam table
  • Reusable bleeding-control training limb

Suit Up Showdown
Description

A patient may have an infectious disease, and healthcare professionals
must protect themselves, their patients, and others. Students review a
patient scenario, determine which personal protective equipment is
appropriate, and practice putting on and removing the selected PPE
safely. Some items at the station are not necessary for the scenario,
encouraging students to think about the appropriate level of protection
rather than selecting every available item. The activity introduces
infection prevention, transmission-based precautions, and the proper
use of PPE in healthcare settings.

Staffing
  • 1 healthcare professional preferred, or volunteer
  • A second volunteer may be helpful during periods of high student
    traffic
Supplies


Include all accessories, replacement components, storage products,
cleaning products, and other supplies required for the selected PPE
and display equipment.

Equipment
  • PPE display rack or shelving unit (1)
  • Full-length mirror (1, optional)
  • Reusable PPE organizers, hooks, or tabletop display stands
  • All equipment-specific components required for the selected display
    or storage system
Consumables


Quantities should support approximately 750 students. Final quantities
will depend on how frequently each scenario is used and whether
students put on a complete set of PPE or only selected items.

  • Nonsterile disposable gloves in multiple sizes
    (approximately 700 pairs if every student practices with gloves)
  • Isolation gowns (approximately 250–300)
  • Surgical masks (approximately 250–300)
  • Training-only N95 respirators (approximately 150–175)
  • Face shields (10–20 reusable training face shields preferred)
  • Safety glasses or goggles (10–20 reusable pairs preferred)
  • Reusable (30) or disposable isolation (300) gowns
  • Sterile gloves in multiple sizes for display and comparison only
  • Bouffant caps for display and comparison only
  • Shoe covers for display and comparison only


Expired PPE donated by healthcare organizations may be used if it is
safe to handle, clearly labeled and stored separately from PPE intended
for clinical use.

Furniture
  • Storage bins for organizing PPE
  • Optional hamper or bin for reusable gowns awaiting cleaning

Phlebotomy Challenge
Description

A healthcare provider has ordered laboratory testing, and students step
into the role of the professional responsible for collecting the specimen
safely and accurately. Students review a laboratory order, identify the
correct patient, select the appropriate collection tubes, and complete a
simulated specimen-collection process. Depending on the available
equipment and staffing, students may perform a supervised venipuncture
on a training arm or complete the process without inserting a needle.
The activity introduces patient identification, collection-tube
selection, specimen labeling, and the important role phlebotomy and
laboratory professionals play in diagnosis and treatment.

Staffing
  • 2 healthcare professionals preferred if operating two venipuncture
    stations
  • 1 volunteer may staff a needle-free simulation
  • One volunteer should directly supervise each station where training
    needles are used
Supplies


Include all accessories, attachments, replacement components,
simulated fluids, cleaning products, and other supplies required to
safely operate the selected training equipment.

Equipment
  • Training arms (2), suitable for venipuncture simulation
  • Phlebotomy arm stands or positioning supports (2, if required)
  • Reusable training tourniquets (4)
  • Vacutainer-style holders compatible with the selected training
    equipment (4)
  • Training safety needles or needle-free collection devices compatible
    with the selected simulation model
  • Sharps containers (2)
  • Simulated blood and replacement reservoirs or tubing, if required
  • Equipment-specific replacement skins, veins, tubing, connectors,
    clamps, accessories, and replacement components required for the
    selected training arms
Shared Equipment
  • Pillows or positioning supports for the training arms (2)
  • Reusable tube racks (2)
  • Supply trays (2)
Consumables

Quantities should support approximately 750 students.

  • Training safety needles (800)
  • Blood-collection tubes (1,400)
    • Lavender-top EDTA tubes — 300
      • Commonly used for hematology testing, including a Complete
        Blood Count.
    • Gold-top or tiger-top serum separator tubes — 300
      • Commonly used for chemistry testing, including a Basic
        Metabolic Panel or Comprehensive Metabolic Panel.
    • Light-blue-top sodium citrate tubes — 200
      • Commonly used for coagulation testing, including PT/INR
        and PTT.
    • Green-top or light-green-top heparin tubes — 200
      • Commonly used for plasma chemistry tests and certain STAT
        tests.
    • Gray-top fluoride/oxalate tubes — 200
      • Commonly used for glucose, glucose-tolerance, or lactate
        testing.
    • Pink-top EDTA tubes — 200
      • Commonly used for blood-bank testing, including type and
        screen.
  • Practice specimen labels (approximately 1,500)
  • Alcohol prep pads (approximately 800)
  • Gauze pads (approximately 800)
  • Adhesive bandages (approximately 800)
  • Disposable gloves in multiple sizes (approximately 800 pairs)
  • Simulated blood and replacement fluid required for the selected
    training arms
  • Replacement training-arm skins, veins, tubing, or reservoirs based
    on the manufacturer’s expected number of uses
  • Any additional disposable supplies required for the selected training
    arms and collection devices
Furniture
  • Storage tote (1)
  • Storage bins for organizing supplies
Optional Enhancements
  • Barcode specimen labels and scanner demonstration
  • Electronic laboratory order display
  • Visual display showing how specimens move from collection to the
    laboratory
  • Centrifuge demonstration using a nonoperational or enclosed training
    display

X-Ray Detectives
Description

A patient has arrived with an injury or illness, and medical imaging can
help the healthcare team understand what may be happening. Students
review fictional patient information and an X-ray image to identify the
body part being examined and look for normal findings, fractures,
dislocations, or other visible abnormalities. The activity introduces
students to diagnostic imaging and demonstrates how Radiologic
Technologists acquire quality images that Radiologists and other
providers use to support diagnosis and treatment decisions.

Staffing
  • 1 healthcare professional preferred, or volunteer
Supplies


Include all chargers, adapters, software, mounting equipment,
protective cases, and other supplies required for the selected
technology.

Technology
  • Laptops or tablets (2)
  • Protective laptop or tablet cases (2, if applicable)
  • Laptop or tablet chargers (2)
  • Device stands (2, optional)
  • Wireless mice (2, optional)
  • X-ray image library containing 5–6 cases/scenarios
  • Presentation or image-viewing software installed on both devices
  • Large monitor or television (1, optional)
  • Monitor stand or secure mounting equipment (1, if required)
  • Monitor power cord (1)
  • HDMI cable (1)
  • HDMI adapters compatible with the selected devices (1–2)
  • All equipment-specific chargers, cables, adapters, and replacement
    components required for the selected devices
Consumables

Quantities should support approximately 750 students.

  • Screen-cleaning wipes approved for the selected devices
    (approximately 100–150)
Electrical Needs
  • Charging cables or power cords for both devices (2)
  • Monitor power cord, if a monitor is used (1)
  • HDMI cable and required adapters (1–2)
Optional Enhancements
  • Large monitor or television
  • Illuminated X-ray viewing panel
  • Lead apron displayed for educational purposes

MRI Escape
Description

A patient is ready for an MRI, but dangerous objects must be removed
before entering the MRI suite. Students step into the role of an MRI
Technologist by reviewing magnetized picture cards and sorting items
into “SAFE” and “UNSAFE” categories. The activity introduces MRI safety
and demonstrates how powerful magnetic fields can affect patients,
healthcare professionals, visitors, medical equipment, and everyday
objects.

Staffing
  • 1 healthcare professional preferred, or volunteer
Supplies


Include all mounting materials, replacement magnets, labels, cleaning
products, and other supplies required for the selected display
equipment.

Equipment
  • Magnetic sorting boards (2)
  • Tabletop board stands (2, if required)
  • Complete sets of magnetized picture cards (2 identical sets)
  • “SAFE” magnetic category labels (2)
  • “UNSAFE” magnetic category labels (2)
  • Picture-card storage containers (2)
  • All equipment-specific mounting hardware, replacement magnets, and
    display components required for the selected boards
Magnetized Picture Cards

Provide two identical sets so two students can participate
simultaneously. Each set should contain approximately 12–16 cards.

Suggested picture cards include:

  • Cell phone (2)
  • Keys (2)
  • Stethoscope (2)
  • Metal scissors (2)
  • Plastic scissors (2)
  • Oxygen tank (2)
  • Standard wheelchair (2)
  • MRI-safe wheelchair (2)
  • Hearing aid (2)
  • Jewelry (2)
  • Coins (2)
  • Credit card (2)
  • Hair clip or bobby pins (2)
  • Eyeglasses (2)
  • Pen (2)
  • Plastic water bottle (2)
  • Metal water bottle (2)
  • Walker (2)
  • Cane (2)
  • Backpack (2)
  • Fire extinguisher (2)
  • Watch or smartwatch (2)
  • Pocketknife picture card (2)
  • Medical implant information card (2)
  • Item with an MR Safe label (2)
  • Item with an MR Conditional label (2)
  • Item with an MR Unsafe label (2)

Rehab Relay
Description

A patient is recovering from an injury or medical condition and is
learning how to complete everyday activities safely and independently.
Students step into the role of the patient and complete one daily living
task using adaptive equipment commonly recommended by physical and
occupational therapy professionals. Through the experience, students
learn how adaptive equipment can make everyday tasks easier and how
rehabilitation professionals help patients improve function, safety,
and independence.

Staffing
  • 1 rehabilitation professional preferred, or volunteer
  • A second volunteer may be helpful during periods of high student
    traffic
Supplies


Include all replacement parts, accessories, cleaning products and
other supplies required for the selected adaptive equipment.

Equipment
Core equipment
  • Reacher or grabber tools (2)
  • Sock aids (2)
  • Dressing sticks (2)
  • Long-handled shoehorns (2)
  • Reusable arm slings (2)
  • Adaptive grip aids or built-up utensil handles (2 sets)
  • Laundry or storage baskets (2)
  • Student chairs without wheels (2)
Mobility equipment
  • Walker (1)
  • Cane (1)
Optional equipment
  • Restrictive gloves or mitts for demonstrating limited hand use
    (2 pairs)
  • Balance pad (1)
  • Small step platform (1)
  • Therapy putty or hand exercisers (2–4)


All equipment-specific accessories and replacement components
required for the selected adaptive devices.


Walkers, canes, balance pads, and step platforms should be used only
under direct supervision by a qualified rehabilitation professional.

Challenge Objects
  • Tennis balls (6)
  • Foam blocks (8–10)
  • Plastic cups (6)
  • Beanbags (6)
  • Empty medication bottles with labels removed (6)
  • Small empty household containers (6)
  • Lightweight simulated grocery items (8–10)
  • Clothing items for dressing activities (2–4)
  • Clean socks for sock-aid practice (100–150)
Optional Enhancements
  • Parallel bars displayed with direct professional supervision

Pharmacy Frenzy
Description

A provider has prescribed medication for a patient, and it is the
pharmacy team’s responsibility to prepare it safely and accurately.
Students step into the role of a Pharmacy Technician by reviewing a
prescription order, confirming the patient, selecting the correct mock
medication, counting the prescribed quantity, labeling the prescription
container, and matching it to the correct patient. The activity
demonstrates how accuracy, attention to detail, and multiple safety
checks help prevent medication errors.

Staffing
  • 1 Pharmacy Professional preferred, or volunteer
Supplies


Include all accessories, replacement components, storage materials,
and other supplies required for the selected equipment.

Equipment
  • Pharmacy counting trays (2)
  • Counting spatulas (2–4)
  • Pharmacy shelving or tabletop display racks (2)
  • Reusable prescription baskets or trays (2)
Materials
  • Mock medication bottles (10 per station; 20 total)
  • Reusable empty prescription containers (10 per station; 20 total)
  • Reusable child-resistant caps (20)
  • Mock prescription labels
Mock Medication


Use reusable beads, plastic pieces, or other nonedible items in
different colors, shapes, and sizes. Do not use candy because it may
melt, create a mess, raise food-allergy concerns, or be mistaken as
something students may eat.

  • Different colors or shapes of beads or plastic pieces
    (approximately 300–500 per mock medication)
  • Approximately 3,000–4,000 total reusable pieces
  • Replacement beads or plastic pieces (approximately 300–400)
  • Labeled storage containers for each mock medication (10–20)
Consumables

Quantities should support approximately 750 students.

  • Mock prescription labels (approximately 750–800)
  • Patient identification labels, if used separately
    (approximately 750–800)
Optional Enhancements
  • Simulated prescription-label printer
  • Barcode scanner demonstration
  • Automated pill-counting machine display
  • Hospital unit-dose packaging display

Surgeon Says
Description

A surgeon is preparing for a procedure, and the operating room team must
ensure the correct instruments are ready and arranged according to the
surgeon’s preference. Students step into the role of a Surgical
Technologist by reviewing a surgeon’s procedure card and briefly
studying a reference image of the required instrument setup. After the
image is removed, students select the necessary instruments and attempt
to recreate the setup from memory. The activity introduces instrument
identification, surgeon preference cards, attention to detail, and the
role Surgical Technologists play in operating-room preparation and
patient safety.

Staffing
  • 1 Surgical Services Professional preferred, or Volunteer
Supplies


Include all storage materials, protective equipment, cleaning
products, and other supplies required for the selected training
instruments.

Equipment
  • Surgical instrument training sets (2)
  • Instrument trays (2)
  • Reusable sterile-field drapes (4 — 2 active and 2 spare)
  • Instrument mats or tray liners (2)


All instruments must be dull, training-quality, or decommissioned and
approved for educational use. Do not include scalpel blades, needles,
sharp scissors, or instruments capable of puncturing or cutting skin.

Optional Enhancements
  • Back table for a more realistic setup
  • Surgical lights for display only
  • Surgical attire for Volunteers

Community Care Challenge
Description

A patient needs more than medical care to stay healthy. Students step
into the role of a Community Health Worker or Care Coordinator by
identifying a barrier affecting a patient’s health and connecting the
patient with an appropriate community resource. Using a tablet, students
search community resource databases (211 and findhelp.org) for services
addressing needs such as food, housing, transportation, childcare,
financial assistance, or mental health support. The activity demonstrates
how social needs affect health and how healthcare professionals help
patients access community services.

Staffing
  • 1 Healthcare Professional preferred, or Volunteer
Supplies


Include all chargers, protective cases, adapters, software, and other
supplies required for the selected technology.

Equipment
  • Tablets (2)
  • Tablet stands (2)
  • Protective tablet cases (2)
  • Optional backup tablet (1)

Laptops are sufficient replacements for tablets.

Technology
  • Bookmarks or shortcuts to the selected resource database on each
    tablet
  • Tablet web browser
  • Optional kiosk mode to keep students on the selected website
Consumables

Quantities should support approximately 750 students.

  • Screen-safe disinfecting wipes for periodically cleaning tablets
    and stands (1 container)
Electrical Needs
  • Tablet charging cables (2)
  • Backup charging cable (1)
  • Multi-device charging station (1, optional)

Healthcare Career Lounge
Description

The Healthcare Career Lounge provides students with a relaxed, welcoming
space to meet healthcare professionals, ask questions, and learn about
different careers and education pathways. Two professionals will be
available at a time and will rotate throughout the event to provide a
variety of clinical, nonclinical, frontline, and leadership perspectives.

Staffing
  • 2 Healthcare Professionals at a time
  • Professionals scheduled together should represent different careers,
    departments, or perspectives
  • When possible, include a healthcare leader with broad knowledge of
    healthcare careers and operations

Ambulance Arrival/Entry Experience
Description

The Ambulance Arrival Zone creates excitement and curiosity as students
approach the Healthcare Career Experience. A real ambulance positioned
outside the entrance introduces students to careers in emergency
medical services. When appropriate personnel are available, the
ambulance may be opened for brief, supervised tours. If adequate
staffing is unavailable, the ambulance will remain locked and serve as
an exterior display. An EMS professional may also be available to
answer questions about the ambulance, emergency equipment, and EMT and
paramedic careers.

Staffing
If the ambulance is open for tours:
  • A minimum of 2 Volunteers is required.
  • At least 1 Volunteer should be an EMT, Paramedic, EMS Professional,
    or Ambulance Service Representative.
  • One Volunteer should supervise students inside the ambulance.
  • One Volunteer should remain outside to control entry, exit, and
    student flow.
If the ambulance is locked with no tours:
  • No dedicated Volunteer is required.
  • An EMS Professional may be available for questions, but this is
    optional.
Supplies
Equipment
  • Ambulance (1)
  • Standard ambulance equipment approved for display by the ambulance
    provider
  • Wheel chocks


Any medication, sharps, controlled substances, oxygen equipment, or
other potentially hazardous supplies must be removed, locked, or
otherwise made inaccessible to students.

 

           Event organized by                          Event made possible with support from

 

Advancing a new model for musculoskeletal innovation

Led by Indiana University and supported by more than 170 partners, the statewide initiative will connect research, industry, clinical care, data, and talent to move new technologies to patients and markets faster.

Indiana has spent decades building one of the most concentrated and globally significant musculoskeletal health sectors in the nation. Now, a major National Science Foundation investment will help the state turn that strength into the next generation of technologies, companies, and patient care.

Indiana is among the 12 regions nationwide selected for the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program. Led by Indiana University, the NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana will connect orthopedic manufacturers, research universities, health systems, clinicians, data resources, and economic development partners to accelerate musculoskeletal innovation from discovery to market.

The Engine will receive $15 million during its first two years, with the potential to receive up to $160 million from NSF over the next decade as it reaches established milestones.

A national investment in regional strengths

A recent Brookings Institution analysis places Indiana’s selection within a broader shift in how the United States invests in innovation and economic competitiveness.

Established through the CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program is designed to help regions build internationally competitive technology clusters by connecting research with private industry, talent development, entrepreneurship, and commercialization.

Rather than attempting to create innovation clusters from the ground up, these place-based investments build on regional capabilities that are already established and ready to scale. Brookings identified Indiana among the regions positioned to advance national bioscience and biomanufacturing priorities through this latest round of federal investment.

The state is home to one of the world’s most concentrated orthopedic medical device industries, leading research universities, major health systems, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and a growing network of entrepreneurs and investors. The NSF IMPACT Engine is designed to connect those assets more intentionally, creating clearer pathways from discovery to clinical validation, product development, manufacturing, and adoption.

Building upon a statewide partnership

The NSF IMPACT Engine builds on the Indiana Musculoskeletal Health Partnership for the Advancement of Care and Treatment, or IMPACT. The partnership had already convened more than 170 collaborators across Indiana before the NSF selection.

The coalition includes partners from industry, healthcare, higher education, research, workforce development, and government. Eli Lilly and Company, Zimmer Biomet, OrthoWorx, IU Health, Regenstrief Institute, Purdue University, the University of Notre Dame, and BioCrossroads are among the organizations involved.

OrthoWorx brings deep connections to the orthopedic industry in Warsaw and Kosciusko County. Its ongoing work in talent development, talent attraction, and innovation will help connect the statewide initiative with one of the world’s most concentrated orthopedic manufacturing communities.

Moving from designation to implementation

Nearly half of Americans live with a chronic musculoskeletal disorder, including conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis. Musculoskeletal injuries and conditions can affect a person’s mobility, ability to work, independence, and overall quality of life.

The NSF IMPACT Engine will bring clinicians, engineers, researchers, and industry partners together to address these challenges. Its work will include artificial intelligence and machine learning applications, biosensors, digital twin technology, clinical validation, commercialization support, and workforce development.

The coalition also plans to develop what is intended to become the world’s largest integrated musculoskeletal dataset. That resource could support the development of new therapies, smarter implants, and faster diagnostic tools.

Over the longer term, the coalition aims to train more than 1,900 workers, launch more than 85 startups, bring at least 30 innovations to market, and generate more than $535 million in economic impact for Indiana. These are stated goals for the initiative, with continued NSF funding dependent on its progress during the first two years.

As a partner in the NSF IMPACT Engine, BioCrossroads will work alongside Indiana University, OrthoWorx, industry leaders, research institutions, health systems, and organizations across the state to support its implementation.

The award gives Indiana an opportunity to build on an industry it already leads, strengthen connections across the state, and bring more musculoskeletal innovations from research to the people who need them.

Learn More

ARCS Foundation Expands National Scholar Award Program to Indiana

Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem is built around a rare combination of strengths: global companies, research universities, innovation districts, manufacturing scale, logistics infrastructure, and a statewide network of partners working across human health, animal health, and plant science.

Now, a national scholarship program focused on advancing scientific talent is expanding into that ecosystem.

ARCS Foundation will host the ARCS National Scholar Award Inaugural Ceremony on September 2, 2026, at the Purdue University Memorial Union in West Lafayette, to introduce Indiana leaders to the ARCS National Scholar Award Program and its new partnership with Purdue University. The event will also give ARCS Foundation an opportunity to learn more about Indiana’s life sciences economy and the industry partners whose work is helping shape the future of health, research, technology, and manufacturing.

The Purdue partnership marks the first expansion of the ARCS National Scholar Award Program into Indiana. Through the agreement, ARCS will provide ongoing private, unrestricted funding for Purdue doctoral students conducting research in high impact and emerging technology fields. Initial support will focus on biomedical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and mechanical engineering.

That connection matters for Indiana.

Across the state, life sciences companies and research institutions are advancing work in pharmaceuticals, medical technology, diagnostics, animal health, plant science, manufacturing, logistics, data, and next generation technologies. Purdue’s role in the ARCS National Scholar Award Program adds another point of connection between graduate research, industry need, and long-term talent development.

ARCS Foundation has supported scientific talent for more than 65 years by providing financial awards to academically outstanding U.S. citizens pursuing graduate degrees in science, engineering, math, technology, and medical research. The National Scholar Award Program was created to expand ARCS support into regions not currently served by ARCS chapters and to invest in scientific fields important to U.S. competitiveness.

For Indiana, the opportunity is both immediate and long term.

The event will introduce industry leaders to a national model for supporting doctoral scholars while giving ARCS Foundation a closer look at the companies, institutions, and innovation assets that make Indiana a leading life sciences state. It is also a chance to begin building the relationships needed to grow scholarship support in Indiana over time.

Private, unrestricted support gives scholars the flexibility to stay focused on research, pursue promising ideas, and continue work that may one day contribute to new discoveries, technologies, companies, and solutions. For industry partners, that kind of investment strengthens the research and talent pipeline that helps Indiana compete.

As ARCS Foundation begins its work in Indiana, BioCrossroads encourages life sciences leaders, employers, investors, and philanthropic partners to attend, learn more, and help connect the program to the broader ecosystem.

Indiana has the industry base. Purdue brings world-class research strength. ARCS brings a national model for investing in scientific talent. Together, they create a new opportunity to support the next generation of researchers whose work can help move Indiana’s life sciences economy forward.

Register Here
Support scientific talent in Indiana

Companies and philanthropic partners interested in supporting ARCS scholars in Indiana can learn more at the event and begin exploring how private support can help strengthen Indiana’s research, innovation, and life sciences talent pipeline.

Contact: 

Nancy Chambers
ARCS Foundation National Board of Directors
Chair, ARCS National Scholar Program 
nchambers@arcsfoundation.org
404.593.4474

Attend the ARCS Foundation event

Industry leaders, employers, investors, academic partners, and philanthropic organizations are invited to attend the ARCS National Scholar Award Inaugural Ceremony to learn more about ARCS Foundation, the National Scholar Award Program, and the program’s first Indiana partnership with Purdue University.

Event: ARCS National Scholar Award Inaugural Ceremony
Date: September 2, 2026
Time: 3:00-5:00 p.m. 
Location: Purdue University Memorial Union
Hosted by: ARCS Foundation
Registration: Scan the QR code to the right or click the button below.

 

Register Here

bio international convention 2026

Highlights from the Indiana Pavilion

Indiana returned to BIO International with a coordinated statewide presence for the first time in six years, bringing together companies, universities, innovation districts and industry partners inside the Indiana Pavilion.

Across four days at Booth 3143, BioCrossroads helped lead conversations focused on the full arc of Indiana’s bioscience economy. Partners discussed how innovation districts are creating places for collaboration, how research institutions and industry anchors are moving discoveries toward commercial impact, and how Indiana’s manufacturing, logistics, and workforce assets support companies building and scaling in the state.

The week also marked the national introduction of BioHeartland Indiana, giving partners a shared platform to tell a more unified story about the state’s strengths across human health, animal health and plant science.

Explore the photo gallery, partner highlights, and on-site interviews from BIO International 2026.

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Photo Album

Partners at BIO 2026

Indiana’s presence at BIO International 2026 was shaped by partners working across the full bioscience economy, from research and commercialization to innovation districts, manufacturing, logistics, workforce development and business growth. At Booth 3143, that meant more than representing individual organizations. Together, Indiana Pavilion partners showed how the state’s bioscience ecosystem works in practice.

BioCrossroads is grateful to each partner who helped bring Indiana’s bioscience story to BIO International and helped introduce BioHeartland Indiana to a national audience.

Discover
BioHeartland Indiana

BioHeartland Indiana is the shared identity for Indiana’s statewide bioscience ecosystem, connecting strengths across human health, animal health and plant science.

See how companies, universities, research institutions, innovation districts and industry partners are connected across the state.

Learn More

New regional identity unites a more than $100 billion bioscience ecosystem and positions Indiana among the world's leading innovation hubs.

INDIANAPOLIS, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Today at BIO International Convention in San Diego, the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership announced the bioscience sector across Indiana will now be known as “BioHeartland Indiana.”

For more than a century, Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem has been inventing, making and moving bioscience solutions at global scale across human health, animal health and plant science. The state’s leading role in the GLP-1 revolution is a tangible example of what’s possible when discovery, research, development, manufacturing and distribution exist within a single connected ecosystem.

With Eli Lilly, Elanco Animal Health, and Corteva, the region is home to global leaders in human health, animal health, and plant science. The state’s four R1 universities, the nation’s largest medical school, and the Indiana Bioscience Research Institute, combined with the industry researchers, serve to generate 3x the national average for issued patents. The biosciences sector contributes over $100B of economic activity to the state.

“Indiana is a powerhouse in human, animal and plant biosciences, but our story has not been told with the clarity, consistency or urgency it deserves,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership. “What makes this region different is not just that we make bioscience solutions, we are also a hotbed of invention and discovery, with the manufacturing strength, logistics infrastructure and collaborative spirit to move innovations into the world. BioHeartland gives us a shared identity to help investors, companies and talent understand the full value of what Indiana offers.”

The announcement follows Governor Mike Braun’s $1 billion commitment to help Indiana’s life sciences companies accelerate growth over the next ten years.

“People will hear the words ‘BioHeartland Indiana’ and automatically think, “that’s a place open for science and innovation where industry professionals across the entire value chain deliver solutions in a practical, collaborative way, enabling companies to move with speed from lab to market,” said Vince Wong, president and CEO of BioCrossroads, a non-profit organization that grows, advances, and invests in Indiana’s life sciences and healthcare sectors. “When it comes to biosciences, people will think of Indiana the same as Boston, the Research Triangle of North Carolina, or even international locations like Zurich and Basel.”

Indiana’s bioscience industry currently generates more than $125 billion in annual economic impact and leads the nation in both life sciences and pharmaceutical exports.

BIO International Convention

Fifteen BioHeartland Indiana partners are attending BIO International including: Eli Lily and Company, Elanco Animal Health, 16 Tech Innovation District, One Health Innovation District, Genezen, Heartland BioWorks Tech Hub powered by the Applied Research Institute, Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Indiana Economic Development Corporation, IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences, Indiana Life Sciences Association, Indy Partnership, Langham Logistics and Purdue University. BioCrossroads is leading BioHeartland Indiana’s presence at BIO International Convention.

BioHeartland Indiana is located at Booth 3134 and will host a series of in-booth conversations designed to give BIO attendees a closer look at the people, places and capabilities behind Indiana’s life sciences momentum. A schedule of events and details about BioHeartland’s presence at BIO International can be found on the organization’s website.

About BioHeartland Indiana
BioHeartland Indiana is a shared identity led by the CEOs of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), in collaboration with its branded initiatives, BioCrossroads and AgriNovus Indiana, and in partnership with the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (CIRDA). It exists to amplify Indiana’s bioscience strengths, while elevating the innovation districts, companies and research centers inventing, making and moving a rare concentration of life-changing innovation across human, animal and plant health at global scale. Learn more at INBioHeartland.com.

About CICP
The CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) was formed in 1999 (under its legal name, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership) to bring together the chief executives of the region’s prominent corporations, foundations and universities in a strategic and collaborative effort dedicated to Indiana’s continued prosperity and growth. To advance this objective, CICP sponsors five key talent and industry sector initiatives, AgriNovus Indiana, Ascend Indiana, BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana, and TechPoint, each of which addresses challenges and opportunities unique to its respective area: agbiosciences, talent and workforce development, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, and technology. To learn more about CICP, visit cicpindiana.com.

About AgriNovus Indiana
AgriNovus Indiana, a branded initiative of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), is a nonprofit organization focused on advancing the agbioscience sector by connecting and convening stakeholders to deliver innovative ways to inspire and attract agbiosciences talent, companies and innovation to the state. Learn more at www.AgriNovusIndiana.com.

About BioCrossroads
An initiative of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), BioCrossroads is a catalyst for Indiana’s life sciences sector, advancing the state’s position as a global leader in research, development, manufacturing, and healthcare innovation. Through strategic initiatives, industry partnerships, and ecosystem development, BioCrossroads supports the growth of life sciences companies, talent, and investment, as well as existing enterprises and new business development across Indiana. The initiative fosters public-private collaboration by uniting a diverse range of academic, industry, and philanthropic stakeholders, all collectively focused on advancing Indiana’s life sciences sector. To learn more about BioCrossroads, visit biocrossroads.com.

Media Contact:
Joe Morgan
Sōvyn
[email protected]

SOURCE BioHeartland Indiana

IBJ BioFutures 2026 spotlights Indiana’s life sciences momentum

Indiana’s life sciences story is one of discovery, production, talent, investment, and impact. The 2026 edition of IBJ BioFutures offers a closer look at that story and the people, companies, institutions, and ideas helping shape what comes next.

Published by the Indianapolis Business Journal, BioFutures highlights the breadth of Indiana’s life sciences sector and the role it plays in advancing health, strengthening the economy, and positioning the state for continued growth. This year’s issue explores themes that are central to Indiana’s life sciences leadership, from pediatric innovation and national health security to the sector’s broader contribution to jobs, investment, and well-being.

For BioCrossroads, the publication reflects the story we see across the ecosystem every day: Indiana is a place where research, manufacturing, logistics, workforce development, and industry collaboration come together in ways that create real opportunity. The state’s life sciences sector is not defined by a single company, campus, or region. It is a connected statewide ecosystem with global companies, emerging startups, research universities, innovation districts, hospitals, service providers, and workforce partners all contributing to its strength.

That connection is what makes Indiana’s life sciences sector distinctive. Ideas can move from the lab to commercialization. Products can be made, scaled, and shipped. Talent can find pathways into high-impact careers. Companies can grow in an environment built around collaboration, infrastructure, and long-term sector focus.

BioFutures also arrives at an important moment for Indiana. As the state continues to elevate its life sciences identity through BioHeartland, the publication helps bring visibility to the industries and institutions driving progress across human health, animal health and plant science. It gives readers a clear view of why Indiana matters in the global life sciences economy and why the work happening here has an impact far beyond the state’s borders.


Read BioFutures

BioHeartland at BIO International 2026

As Indiana’s biosciences ecosystem continues to expand and become more connected across research, commercialization, manufacturing, logistics, and talent, BioCrossroads will lead a coordinated state presence at BIO International 2026 to show how that momentum is taking shape across BioHeartland.

Indiana sits at the intersection of human health, animal health, and plant science. The state is home to a rare concentration of expertise where breakthrough science creates real-world impact. Over the past six years, that foundation has evolved from a series of individual assets into a connected, statewide bioscience ecosystem now unified under a single identity, BioHeartland.

Today, Indiana’s bioscience industry generates more than $125 billion in direct economic impact statewide and since 2024, has been leading the nation in both life sciences and pharmaceutical exports.

Innovation districts are bringing companies, universities, researchers, and entrepreneurs into the same orbit. Research institutions have put more focus behind commercialization. Companies have expanded across discovery, manufacturing, and logistics. Talent programs have grown to meet the needs of an industry scaling quickly.

From June 22-25, BioCrossroads will lead a statewide presence at BIO International 2026 that shows how that momentum is taking shape across BioHeartland.

The Indiana Pavilion will bring together the bioscience companies, universities, innovation districts, and ecosystem partners that reflect the full strength of BioHeartland, from discovery and commercialization to advanced manufacturing, specialized logistics, talent, and global industry leadership.

Together, these partners show how Indiana’s bioscience ecosystem works in practice, connecting the people, places, and capabilities that help companies discover, develop, manufacture, and deliver what comes next across human health, animal health, and plant science.

Meet the partners bringing the BioHeartland to BIO

16 Tech Innovation District
16 Tech is one of Indiana’s key innovation districts, bringing together companies, researchers, entrepreneurs, and partners in a place designed to make collaboration easier and more productive.

Elanco and One Health Innovation District
Elanco’s global headquarters anchors the One Health Innovation District, a platform for collaboration across human, animal, plant, and environmental health.

Eli Lilly and Company
Headquartered in Indianapolis, Lilly brings global life sciences leadership and a long-standing Indiana presence across discovery, development, and manufacturing.

Genezen
Based in Fishers, Genezen supports viral vector development and manufacturing for cell and gene therapy companies, representing Indiana’s growing strength in advanced therapies.

Heartland BioWorks Tech Hub Powered by the Applied Research Institute
Heartland BioWorks is strengthening Indiana’s biomanufacturing ecosystem by connecting industry, research institutions and government partners around next-generation biotechnology, workforce development, and pathways that help prepare talent for highly technical roles..

Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI)
IBRI connects academic, clinical, and industry partners around major health challenges, with research focused on areas including metabolic disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and pediatric rare diseases.

Indiana Economic Development Corporation
IEDC supports Indiana’s statewide economic development strategy, helping companies understand the opportunities, resources, and partnerships available to grow in the state.

IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences (IU LAB)
Established by Indiana University and under development at 16 Tech Innovation District, IU LAB is focused on advancing biosciences entrepreneurship, industry partnerships, talent development, and university-connected commercialization.

Indiana Life Sciences Association
Indiana Life Sciences Association is the state’s life sciences trade association, connecting, promoting and advocating for organizations across Indiana’s life sciences industry and helping companies access the relationships, resources and policy support needed to grow.

Indy Partnership
Indy Partnership supports business growth and attraction across the Indianapolis region, helping connect companies with the regional assets, partners, and opportunities that support life sciences growth.

Langham Logistics
Langham Logistics brings specialized supply chain and cold-chain expertise to the pavilion, including a major pharmaceutical cold-chain facility in Plainfield.

Purdue University
Purdue brings deep research and commercialization strengths across human health, animal health, plant science, agriculture, engineering, and entrepreneurship.


Conversations at the Indiana Pavilion

Throughout the week, BioCrossroads will host a series of in booth conversations designed to give BIO attendees a closer look at the people, places, and capabilities behind Indiana’s life sciences momentum.

Monday, June 22

“Indiana’s Innovation Districts: Meet the Life Sciences Hubs”

Featuring leaders from One Health Innovation District, 16 Tech Innovation District, and BioHeartland. The conversation will explore how Indiana’s innovation districts are connecting researchers, companies, manufacturers and investors to build one of the country’s most dynamic life sciences ecosystems.

Tuesday, June 23

“From Discovery to Market: Indiana’s Innovation Story” 

Bringing together leaders from the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Purdue University, and Lilly to discuss how Indiana’s research institutions are turning scientific strength into commercial impact. The conversation will focus on what makes Indiana one of the most productive innovation ecosystems in the country and what is coming next.

Wednesday, June 24

“#1 in Pharma Exports: Indiana’s Manufacturing Advantage” 

Spotlighting Genezen, Heartland BioWorks, and Langham Logistics, three organizations working on the front lines of Indiana’s manufacturing, workforce and supply chain capabilities. The discussion will go behind the numbers to explore what Indiana’s manufacturing ecosystem looks like on the ground and what it means for companies looking to build and scale in Indiana.

 Connect with Indiana at BIO

For those attending BIO International, the Indiana Pavillion will offer a direct look at the companies, institutions, and partners helping shape one of the country’s most active bioscience economies.

Inside Booth 3143, attendees will find partners working across the full life sciences value chain, from research and commercialization to innovation districts, advanced manufacturing, specialized logistics, workforce development, and business growth. Together, they reflect how Indiana’s strengths are becoming more connected and how the state is supporting life sciences companies at every stage of growth.

BioCrossroads will help bring that story forward in San Diego, connecting companies, investors, researchers, and partners with the people and places shaping what comes next for Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem.

Visit BioCrossroads and Indiana’s bioscience ecosystem partners at Booth 3143 at BIO International 2026 in San Diego.

Learn more at INBioHeartland.com.

AXIS Mentee Wins Big at MIRA Awards

Last month, at the 2026 MIRA Awards, Alicia Mckoy took home the Resilience Award for her Indianapolis-based tech company, Peak Mind. Mckoy’s company uses AI, biometrics, and immersive tools like virtual reality to help individuals and organizations better understand and manage stress in real time. Judges at MIRA noted Mckoy’s ability to advocate for others navigating trauma while remaining an active contributor to Indiana’s entrepreneurial and tech communities. Her story reflects strength, determination, and an unwavering commitment to turning hardship into hope. Mckoy is also an alumna of BioCrossroads’ AXIS Mentoring Program and says the program was crucial in getting the company established.

Tell me about Peak Mind and the problem you are trying to solve.

Peak Mind is focused on one of the most expensive and least measured risks in the workforce. Chronic stress. Most organizations measure productivity and safety in real time, but stress is often detected only after performance declines or health conditions develop. Our work centers on identifying biological and behavioral signals early, so individuals and employers can take action before stress becomes an illness. The objective is prevention, stability, and sustained performance.

What motivated you to start this company?

The motivation came from repeated observation of high-performing professionals who were succeeding externally while their health and well-being was quietly deteriorating. Traditional wellness programs were not designed to detect that strain early. Over time, it became clear that stress needed to be treated as a measurable health condition rather than a temporary feeling. That realization led to years of research focused on building practical tools that help people recognize and manage stress before it becomes a long-term and more expensive problem.

When did you join AXIS, and why did you sign up? How has the program helped your company?

We joined the AXIS mentoring program through BioCrossroads when the company was transitioning from research into commercialization. The program provides us with structured guidance from experienced leaders who understand regulatory pathways, reimbursement models, and scaling health technology. That support is strengthening our strategic planning, market entry decisions, and expanding our network across the life sciences community.

How does it feel to win the Resilience Award at MIRA?

Receiving the Resilience Award from TechPoint is both humbling and energizing. The recognition reflects the significance of the challenges that I have faced and the persistence to continue to build solutions that improve human health for those that use our innovation. It also signals to the broader technology community that resilience is not just about endurance but about continuing to show up during difficult periods. It felt great being able to say to the 1,200+ attendees to take care of their own well-being. That is the core of my mission, and I am honored I was given the stage to do so.

What’s next for Peak Mind?

The next phase of Peak Mind focuses on the products we are spinning out into commercialization. Products that we have seen great success in early pilots and clinical testing such as our biometric indicators integration to support daily preventive care. The long-term goal is to make stress measurement as routine as monitoring blood pressure for those who are worried about its impact on their quality of life. When users can see risk earlier, they can protect health, stabilize performance, and reduce long-term costs.

Find Your Life Sciences Path with the New CareerTrax.
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