Event News – BioCrossroads

Winners highlight the people, companies and partnerships driving Indiana’s tech growth

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

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

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

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

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

The 2026 Mira Award winners are:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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About TechPoint: TechPoint is the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership’s branded initiative for Indiana’s tech-powered ecosystem driving the digital economy through talent, innovation and community with the overall goal of making Indiana a leader in digital adoption. TechPoint works with public, private, and industry partners to strengthen the tech talent pipeline, enhance resource connectivity for enterprise organizations and startups alike, and elevate the industry by activating the community and amplifying stories of success. For more information, visit techpoint.org. Media contact: Lara Beck, [email protected]

U.S. Senator Todd Young Recognized as 2025 Watanabe Life Sciences Champion for Leadership in Biotechnology, Advanced Manufacturing, and Innovation Policy Strengthening Indiana’s National Role in the Life Sciences.

INDIANAPOLIS (December 2025) —BioCrossroads has named U.S. Senator Todd Young as the recipient of the 2025 August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award, recognizing his visionary leadership in advancing innovation, collaboration, and U.S. competitiveness across the life sciences.

Senator Young was recognized for his leadership in advancing federal policies that directly reinforce Indiana’s strengths in biotechnology, biomanufacturing, and One Health innovation. Through his work on the CHIPS and Science Act, his role as chair of the National Security Commission on Emerging Biotechnology, and his support for initiatives such as the Heartland BioWorks Tech Hub and workforce development partnerships, he has helped align national innovation and security priorities with opportunities for Indiana’s research institutions, companies, and talent pipeline. This record reflects the type of long-term, ecosystem-wide impact that the August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award was created to recognize.

The award was established in honor of BioCrossroads’ late chairman, Dr. August “Gus” M. Watanabe, an esteemed and transformative figure in Indiana’s life sciences community, and celebrates those who have significantly advanced the development, education, and promotion of Indiana’s life sciences and healthcare sector; personify the emerging face of the industry; and drive innovative developments that have both local and global impacts. Past distinguished honorees have come from diverse backgrounds, including entrepreneurial ventures, research, corporate leadership, medical practice, academia, and philanthropy.

Dr. Watanabe’s passion and impact on Indiana’s life sciences community were transformative and enduring. Beyond his professional accomplishments, his caring and nurturing spirit continues to inspire the many people he touched throughout his career. Each recipient of this award embodies Dr. Watanabe’s legacy, contributing profoundly to the state’s growth in life sciences through their dedication and cumulative efforts.

Past Watanabe Life Science Champion of the Year Recipients

Submission period opens Sept. 2, closes Oct. 15. The 2026 Mira Awards take place April 24, 2026.

INDIANAPOLIS (Sept. 2, 2025) — TechPoint, the industry-led growth initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy, announced today it is now accepting nominations for its 27th Annual Mira Awards gala. The award submission period will close on Oct. 15, 2025.

Companies, organizations and individuals are encouraged to submit for the awards quickly, as each category will accept a maximum of 25 submissions. The nominee submission process, which debuted last year, will include a section on why nominees deserve the award alongside categories to highlight years of service and operation.

As part of the award selection process, TechPoint staff will review and forward submissions that meet the required criteria for live interviews with a panel of distinguished industry leaders, carefully chosen to reflect a wide range of expertise and perspectives. These judges will evaluate the finalists during live judging on December 3 and 4, with finalist announcements on December 10, 2025.

Tech and tech-enabled organizations innovating in communities throughout Indiana are encouraged to participate. In 2025, Mira Award winners hailed from Gary (IronWorkz), South Bend (rScan), Evansville (Anu), Muncie (Accutech), and Bloomington (Kevin Celisca, Integrate School).

Click here for the full list.

“Technology is no longer a standalone sector. It is the driving force behind every advanced industry in Indiana,” said Ting Gootee, president and CEO of TechPoint. “With Indiana emerging as one of the nation’s most AI-ready economies, the Mira Awards celebrate this impact with categories that mirror our collective priorities, whether it’s groundbreaking research, tech-enabled entrepreneurship, digital adoption in our industries, or talent pathways that prepare the next generation.”

Winners will be announced during the Mira Awards Gala on Friday, April 24, 2026, at the Palladium in Carmel.

Award Categories for the 2026 Mira Awards are:

AgriNovus AgBioscience Innovation Award
AI Adoption Award (previously Digital Transformation Award)
Ascend Talent Innovation Award
BioCrossroads Life Sciences Innovation Award
Community Impact
Conexus Manufacturing Innovation Award
Deal of the Year
Emerging Tech Leader (previously Tech25)
Innovation of the Year
Innovation Service Partner of the Year
Nextech Computer Science Teacher of the Year (K-12)
Resilience Award
Rising Entrepreneur of the Year
Startup of the Year
Tech Company of the Year
TechPoint Tech Innovation of the Year
Trailblazer Award

For 2026, the Innovation of the Year Award will highlight one of the five Central Indiana Corporate Partnership initiatives, with the recipient selected by a separate executive committee.

The Deal of the Year Award will not include a submission or judging process and will be determined directly by the TechPoint Executive Committee. The Trailblazer Award will also be selected by the executive committee, though nominees must complete the standard submission process.

Since 1999, the Mira Awards have been pivotal in promoting and celebrating the state’s top technology innovators, disruptors, business leaders and game-changers. The awards are a testament to the incredible technological achievements coming out of multiple industries, as well as the spirit of innovation that characterizes the digital innovation landscape in Indiana. Only 369 Mira Awards have been presented in the past 26 years, amongst thousands of nominations.

To learn more about the Mira Awards and stay up-to-date on the 2026 awards submission process here.

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About TechPoint: TechPoint is the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership’s branded initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy and overall tech ecosystem. The industry-led team is focused on working with public, private and industry partners to expand tech talent pipeline, enhance resource connectivity for enterprise organizations and startups alike, and elevate the industry by activating the community and amplifying stories of success. For more information, please visit www.techpoint.org.

BioCrossroads is proud to be part of the annual TechPoint Mira Awards, presenting the annual Life Sciences Innovation Award. This honor celebrates exceptional innovations in the life sciences sector, including groundbreaking advancements in research, development, and application that ultimately benefits patients.

Meet the 2025 BioCrossroads' Mira Award Winner: GeniPhys

Presented for the first time at Indiana’s premier technology and innovation awards event in 2025, this new category honored life sciences teams in Indiana that have demonstrated groundbreaking advancements in research, development, and application to improve patient outcomes.

All Roads Led to Warsaw:
BioCrossroads FrameWORX Highlights Indiana’s Orthopedic Leadership

Known globally as the Orthopedic Capital of the World®, the region welcomed more than 200 scientists, researchers, business leaders, and students for BioCrossroads’ quarterly FrameWORX event: The Future of Musculoskeletal Health: Innovations in Orthopedic Medicine and Indiana’s Leadership Opportunity. Held at Grace College in Winona Lake, Indiana the event placed Indiana’s orthopedic strength in the spotlight by bringing national voices together to discuss the science, industry, and impact of musculoskeletal health.

Orthopedics is one of the most important sectors in global health, providing implants, devices, and treatments that restore mobility, reduce pain, and extend quality of life for millions of patients. Warsaw has long been at the center of that mission. It is home to global leaders like Zimmer Biomet and J&J MedTech, alongside a thriving community of mid-sized companies, startups, suppliers, and innovators who design and manufacture orthopedic technologies that are used worldwide. Tens of thousands of Hoosiers work in this industry, making Indiana one of the largest concentrations of musculoskeletal expertise and production on the planet.

Article content — *J&J MedTech was one of many partners represented at the FrameWORX event at Grace College.*

The state’s academic and research institutions are also pushing the field forward. Purdue University is applying artificial intelligence to orthopedic product development, while the IU School of Medicine continues to make groundbreaking discoveries through the Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health. Under the leadership of Dr. Melissa Kacena, the Center is working to secure a 10-year National Science Foundation award that could transform the state’s innovation economy. Indiana is a semifinalist for a grant that would expand STEM education for thousands of students, train nearly 2,000 people, launch dozens of new companies, bring new products to market, file hundreds of patents, create thousands of jobs, and generate more than half a billion dollars in economic impact. Just last year, Indiana continued its orthopedic momentum by approving a $30 million investment in the Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative, a targeted effort to strengthen infrastructure, support workforce programs, and secure the long-term competitiveness of the region’s orthopedic sector.

The FrameWORX event reflected this momentum. Attendees heard from orthopedic oncologist and cancer survivor Dr. Kurt Weiss, who shared both clinical expertise and personal perspective on why advances in orthopedic medicine matter so profoundly. Dr. Weiss facilitated a panel with orthopedic patients whose voices offered a moving reminder of how these innovations change lives in real time. Industry and academic leaders from Zimmer Biomet, Purdue University, and IU Indianapolis spoke about how robotics, precision engineering, and data-driven research are reshaping orthopedic care. Leaders in manufacturing and workforce development discussed how Indiana is building the infrastructure and training the talent needed to sustain this global industry well into the future.

The program also featured perspectives from beyond Indiana. Dr. Hicham Drissi, professor and vice chair of research at Emory University School of Medicine and President-Elect of the Orthopaedic Research Society, praised Indiana’s collaborative spirit, remarking that “it takes two hands to clap” and that Warsaw’s energy and talent make it an ideal incubator for global growth.

Brandon Noll, Director of Plug & Play Indiana, underscored the state’s unique identity when he told the audience, “We’re not looking to be the Silicon Valley of Med Tech. We’re looking to be Med Tech Valley.”

Though Warsaw may be tucked away in northeast Indiana, far from major media hubs, its orthopedic impact resonates worldwide. Every day, thousands of professionals here are innovating, manufacturing, and delivering devices that improve lives across every continent. On August 20, the FrameWORX event showcased this global significance, while also pointing to even greater opportunities ahead.

“The musculoskeletal health sector is one of Indiana’s strongest global assets,” said Vince Wong, President and CEO of BioCrossroads. “This event underscored the extraordinary innovation happening here, the collaboration that drives it, and the opportunity for Indiana to continue leading the world in orthopedic medicine.”

Winners of the poster content held in conjunction with the FrameWorx event. — *Keynote speaker Dr. Kurt Weiss delivered moving remarks about his personal journey* *and*

Photos from FrameWORX

Thank you to our sponsors

Watch the full FrameWORX recap.

BioCrossroads' AXIS Mentorship Program Kicks Off at IBRI

July 2025 marked an exciting milestone for Indiana’s life sciences community with the official launch of AXIS, a revived statewide mentoring program from BioCrossroads. Held at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI), the event brought together innovators, mentors, academic and industry leaders, and rising entrepreneurs—all committed to supporting the next generation of life sciences talent in Indiana.

The AXIS Mentoring Program is designed to provide structured, team-based, and conflict-free mentorship to early-stage life sciences entrepreneurs. Drawing from the proven model of MIT’s Venture Mentoring Service (VMS), the program builds a strong support system for individuals navigating the challenges of scientific innovation, commercialization, and startup growth.

Emily Atkinson, Senior Director of Innovation at BioCrossroads, emphasized the importance of the moment.

“The launch of AXIS marks a new chapter for Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem. By bringing together world-class mentors and passionate entrepreneurs from every corner of the state, we’re building a network rooted in trust, collaboration, and real-world experience. Last week’s event was more than a kickoff—it was a celebration of the future we’re shaping together.”

The launch event itself reflected the energy and potential of the program. Emerging startups pitched their ideas to an engaged audience of experienced professionals. Mentees were introduced to the pool of mentors, of whom will form their first mentor teams, setting the tone for a collaborative journey ahead. Conversations flowed as industry veterans and first-time founders exchanged ideas, offered advice, and began forming relationships that could shape new companies—and careers.

What sets AXIS apart is its focus on connection without institutional boundaries. Although supported by powerful partners, like IU, Purdue, Notre Dame, 16 Tech, and IBRI, the program operates independently. This means that entrepreneurs from anywhere in Indiana, at any stage of their journey, can tap into an expansive network of mentors who are there to help them succeed without bias or agenda.

The vision for AXIS is clear: cultivate a vibrant, inclusive, and interconnected life sciences ecosystem that not only keeps Indiana talent here but also attracts innovators from across the country. The mentoring program will play a critical role in helping early-career scientists and emerging companies avoid common pitfalls, accelerate their growth, and navigate the complex regulatory, funding, and commercialization pathways unique to the life sciences sector.

Over the coming months, AXIS will continue to grow. Additional cohorts of mentors and mentees will be trained and onboarded, and the network of support will expand into more corners of the state. This initiative, rooted in collaboration and powered by experience, will help build a stronger, more resilient life sciences economy for Indiana, one relationship at a time.

For those interested in joining as a mentor or mentee, or for organizations looking to support the program, more information is available at biocrossroads.com/axis.

How You Can Get Involved

Apply as a mentee: Early-career scientists, researchers, and life sciences founders are encouraged to join the next cohort.
Become a mentor: Seasoned professionals can share expertise and make tangible impact.
Partner & support: Regional stakeholders can bolster AXIS’s reach and deepen its ecosystem influence.

The success of AXIS hinges on its collaborative spirit, mentors, mentees, partners, and supporters working together to nurture vibrant, sustainable growth in Indiana’s life sciences sector.

Watch a recap of the AXIS Launch event.

Accelerating Life Science Innovation: Building the Ecosystem for Growth

Recap from the 2025 Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis

With the right support ecosystem, lab discoveries can become thriving ventures. That was the driving theme behind a featured session curated by BioCrossroads at this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis. The panel, “Accelerating Life Science Innovation: Building the Ecosystem for Growth,” explored how Indiana’s collaborative infrastructure is shaping the future of Alzheimer’s disease research, diagnosis, and care, while offering a powerful model for life sciences innovation more broadly.

The session brought together a high-caliber lineup of leaders working at the intersection of science, clinical care, and entrepreneurship: Dr. Phyllis Barkman Ferrell (moderator), Jared Brosch (IU Health), Katie Hewitt (BioVenture Advisors), Derek Small (Monument Biosciences), and Dr. Donna Wilcock (Stark Neurosciences Research Institute). Designed for entrepreneurs, investors, researchers, and ecosystem builders, the conversation offered actionable insights and a closer look at Indiana’s distinct advantages in this space.

Addressing a Global Crisis with Local Strength
Alzheimer’s disease currently affects six million Americans. That number is projected to double by 2050, posing serious threats to families, health systems, and economies. As one panelist stated, “…if we do not get a handle on very very quickly, we are going to dramatically change not just our families but also our social systems and our financial systems.”

Historically, Alzheimer’s was difficult to diagnose until late in the disease’s progression. Now, that is changing. Indiana is at the forefront of this shift, thanks to a capital-efficient and highly connected ecosystem that brings together research universities, health systems, industry, and entrepreneurial support.

“What makes me hopeful right now is seeing that we have come to the end of the beginning,” one panelist noted. “We now have these disease modifying therapies for the first time ever.”

A New Era for Diagnosis and Care
Indiana University and IU Health exemplify a strong bench-to-bedside model where translational science, clinical care, and research are closely aligned. IU ranks among the top recipients of National Institute on Aging funding, supporting advanced tools like the Model-AD Center and Treat-AD Center. These initiatives are pushing beyond traditional amyloid targets and investing in next generation models and biomarkers, including a new focus on inflammation.

That work is already delivering results. In a major breakthrough, the first early-stage blood test for Alzheimer’s disease, developed by IU neuroscientist Dr. Jeffrey Dage at Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, was recently cleared by the FDA. The test marks a milestone in making Alzheimer’s diagnosis faster, earlier, and more actionable.

On the clinical side, the Brain Health Navigator program is bringing innovation directly to patients. This approach integrates cognitive screening into primary care, helping identify individuals with early signs of impairment and connecting them to specialists, trials, or therapies through a streamlined path. It also reduces friction within the system and supports providers in offering proactive care.

As one panelist put it, “I do not know of a single disease state where the outcomes are better if we catch it later. That is what we need to do with Alzheimer’s disease. So early impact matters. Early detection, accurate diagnosis.”

Integrated Innovation
New digital tools and blood-based biomarkers offer real promise, but the challenge lies in clinical adoption and integration into standard workflows. Physicians need training and support. Patients need clear pathways to access care. Payment systems need to be aligned with innovation.

Roles like the Brain Health Navigator, as well as translational infrastructure like the Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute, play an essential part in helping innovations reach patients more quickly. Organizations like BioCrossroads and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute are helping entrepreneurs overcome barriers to scale by connecting them to capital, lab space, and partners.

The Investment Outlook
With the arrival of the first disease modifying therapies and expanding public awareness, investor interest in neuroscience is growing. Indiana offers a compelling proposition with its collaborative ecosystem and capital efficiency. However, early-stage companies still face challenges in securing risk-tolerant funding and accessing specialized lab space.

Supporting early innovation requires patient capital, cross-sector coordination, and continued focus on reducing time from discovery to delivery.

Prevention and Empowerment
Cognitive screening is recommended by Medicare for all adults over 65, but it often goes overlooked. During the session, Jared Brosch encouraged attendees to take action by asking their own doctors for a cognitive assessment screening, a simple but powerful step toward prevention. Establishing a cognitive baseline early opens the door for better outcomes. With new diagnostic tools like the FDA-cleared blood test now on the horizon, these screenings will become even more valuable.

Panelists also highlighted the role of lifestyle in brain health. Diet, exercise, social engagement, sleep, and cardiovascular health all play a critical role. According to the Lancet Commission, lifestyle changes can reduce dementia risk by more than 40 percent.

A Shift in the Conversation
What stood out most during the session was the sense of optimism and urgency shared by the panel. Brain health is no longer a taboo topic. Families are talking about it. Clinicians are acting earlier. Investors are paying attention.

“I think that is my hope as well,” one speaker shared. “The experience with my family would have been completely different. And they had to deal with it by themselves in their kitchen, not even talking with their friends and family about it. And here we are at a global entrepreneurship conference with brain health and Alzheimer’s on the main stage.”

What Comes Next
The session made clear that Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem has reached a pivotal moment. The right people, platforms, and partnerships are in place. Progress is happening. And while challenges remain, the future is full of promise.

BioCrossroads was proud to bring this critical conversation to the Global Entrepreneurship Congress and to showcase the strength of our state’s innovation community. We remain committed to building the connections and support systems that help turn lab discoveries into real solutions for patients and families.

Click here to see a full recap of this panel session at GEC.

Discover Indiana's life sciences ecosystem

Life Sciences Face Challenges, but Indiana is Positioned to Succeed

Hundreds of Indiana’s life sciences and business leaders gathered at the IBJ Life Sciences Power Breakfast to reflect on our state’s momentum and the work still ahead. While there was plenty of good news shared about our state’s progress, we’re keeping our eyes wide open.

There was much to celebrate. Indiana is now the top state in the nation for life sciences exports, a title we also hold for pharmaceutical exports. The sector generates $99 billion in economic impact annually. And according to Plug and Play founder and longtime Silicon Valley leader Saeed Amidi, Indiana’s lack of oceans or mountains is irrelevant when you consider our ecosystem of global biotech companies, emerging startups, and world-class research institutions. Saeed said, “This can be the center of the health technology world.”

That optimism was underscored by a major announcement from the Indiana University Launch Accelerator for Biosciences (IU LAB): a $4.5 million, three-year commitment from IU Health to establish the IU Health Incubator at the 16 Tech Innovation District. The funding supports a new partnership between IU LAB, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), and global venture firm Plug and Play Tech Center to accelerate the growth of high-potential life sciences startups. As part of the broader initiative, Madison-based accelerator gener8tor will run a pre-accelerator program for early-stage companies still developing their products, while Plug and Play and CICP will lead a follow-on accelerator for startups with viable products and demonstrated market traction, preparing them for fundraising and scale.

The message was clear: Indiana is an increasingly exciting home for the life sciences. But even in Indiana, with our love of racing, there’s no such thing as a finish line. We must do a better job of tightly branding who we are and what we offer, helping us to directly compete with the Bay Area, San Diego, Boston, and Research Triangle Park in North Carolina. U.S. cities everywhere are working to attract life sciences organizations because they understand the direct line between economic development and the sector. And yet, the environment is increasingly choppy: tariffs could impose undue pressure on our exports, and grants from the National Institutes of Health – pivotal to helping our research organizations succeed – could be cut drastically by the federal government. There are plenty of land mines to navigate.

Our progress has been meaningful, and our top priority is ensuring Indiana organizations continue to succeed. Fortunately, we are working from a position of strength. We will continue to leverage our assets to build talent and incentives across a vibrant Hoosier State.

FrameWORX: Translating Research into Marketable Solutions

Collaboration often is the key to success in business. And when it comes to life sciences, you can double down. Numerous functions and areas of expertise are needed to transform an idea into reality, and we learned more about Indiana’s ability to partner our way to life sciences leadership at our latest FrameWORX on March 13.

First, some context: Indiana has been a life sciences leader for decades. Eli Lilly and Company was founded in 1876 and for decades ushered through innovations that address diabetes, depression, schizophrenia, Alzheimer’s, obesity, and other challenging conditions.

Today, Indiana leads the U.S. in pharmaceutical exports and we’re No. 2 in life sciences exports. Our life sciences industry contributes $95 billion toward the Hoosier State’s economy and Indiana ranks among the top 5 states in life sciences employment.

Unleashing innovation is leading to strong growth – and commercializing scientific opportunities is paramount to achieving next-generation success. But going it alone – regardless of your size, strength, or location – is rarely optimal in the life sciences. Leaders from academia and industry alike talked about leveraging the newest opportunities before a capacity FrameWORX crowd at 16 Tech.

Critical to Indiana’s growth opportunities are organizations and resources that facilitate success. BioCrossroads has been around for more than two decades and has supported much of Indiana’s recent growth by facilitating funding and collaboration that fuel our state’s work.

We kicked off the event with a candid conversation about innovation and entrepreneurship in Indiana’s life sciences sector. Moderated by BioCrossroads’ Chief Innovation Officer Mike Bolinder, the panel featured Diana Caldwell of Amplified Sciences, Richard Church of Parkview Health, and Derek Small of Luson Bioventures. Each brought a unique perspective—startup founder, health system leader, and investor—but all emphasized the same truth: bringing a breakthrough to market takes more than a good idea. It takes a strong network, trusted partnerships, and an ecosystem that understands both the science and the business behind innovation. From early lessons learned to the value of local collaborations, the discussion offered a powerful reminder of why Indiana continues to be a launchpad for life sciences success.

Key leaders coming from academia joined the conversation including David Rosenberg, president and CEO of IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences or IU LAB, David Umulis, senior vice provost for Purdue University in Indianapolis and director of the EMBRIO Institute, and Paul Bohn, director of the Bioengineering and Life Sciences (BELS) Initiative at the University of Notre Dame. We also heard from Alan Palkowitz, president and CEO of the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, who underscored the importance of moving quickly in today’s competitive environment.

“We need to invest and move quickly,” he said “We need to move forward with detail, with robust data, and reveal gaps that need to be filled. We also need to ask ourselves: what is the best quality product to move forward?”

Hoosier companies and innovators have important resources at their fingertips. Collectively, we find ways to turn ideas into innovation … and turn innovation into commercial success. We’ll be talking more about these organizations and how they support Hoosier innovators in the months ahead.

BioCrossroads is proud to announce that GeniPhys has been named the recipient of the inaugural BioCrossroads Life Sciences Innovation Team of the Year Award at the 2025 TechPoint Mira Awards, held this evening at the Palladium in Carmel.

Presented for the first time at Indiana’s premier technology and innovation awards event, this new category honors life sciences teams in Indiana that have demonstrated groundbreaking advancements in research, development, and application to improve patient outcomes.

GeniPhys, based in Indianapolis, was recognized for its innovative work in developing biomaterials that enhance tissue regeneration and wound healing. Their dedication to pushing the boundaries of life sciences exemplifies the spirit of innovation that strengthens Indiana’s leadership in the health, biotechnology, medical device, and pharmaceutical sectors.

“BioCrossroads is thrilled to recognize GeniPhys with our inaugural innovation award,” said Vince Wong, BioCrossroads’ President & CEO. “The exceptional quality of the finalists highlights the depth of talent and innovation in Indiana’s life sciences sector. GeniPhys’ novel collagen-based biomaterial platform has great potential to address a critical unmet need in regenerative medicine, so we are pleased to highlight their promising innovation.”

We also extend our congratulations to all our finalists:

Adipo Therapeutics (Indianapolis)
Amplified Sciences (West Lafayette)
Grannus Therapeutics (Indianapolis)
Relate XR (Indianapolis)
ResperCare (Indianapolis)

Each of these organizations represents the ingenuity, collaboration, and forward-thinking spirit that make Indiana a global leader in life sciences.

As an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), BioCrossroads is dedicated to advancing Indiana’s life sciences sector by supporting the innovators, organizations, and collaborations that drive growth, discovery, and improved patient outcomes.

Learn more about the Mira Awards and other 2025 winners here.

2025 FrameWORX Series: Driving Indiana’s Life Sciences Forward

For more than two decades, BioCrossroads has brought together Indiana’s life sciences community—fueling collaboration, innovation, and industry growth. This year, we’re excited to unveil the 2025 FrameWORX series: a platform to ignite dialogue and discover solutions for the next generation of life sciences. From accelerating research commercialization to supporting specialized areas like orthopedics and nuclear medicine, FrameWORX is designed to bring diverse stakeholders—entrepreneurs, researchers, educators, and policymakers—into the same room to tackle emerging challenges and opportunities head-on.

March 13: Innovation and Industry Growth – Translating Research into Marketable Solutions

Great science is only the first step. Converting groundbreaking discoveries into practical applications requires strong networks, targeted resources, and a supportive ecosystem. This session will explore how to effectively move ideas from the lab to the marketplace—highlighting the role Indiana plays in fostering entrepreneurship and industry growth.

June 12: Workforce Resilience in Life Sciences – Retaining Top Talent in a Competitive Market

A skilled and adaptable workforce is essential to maintaining Indiana’s leadership in life sciences. This discussion will focus on workforce development efforts, innovative training models, and strategies for attracting and retaining top talent. In an increasingly competitive environment, resilient and well-prepared professionals are more important than ever.

August 20: Warsaw/Orthopedic Capital of the World

Indiana’s orthopedic sector is a global leader in musculoskeletal innovation and medical device manufacturing. Hosted in Warsaw—often referred to as the “Orthopedic Capital of the World”—this session will showcase advancements in orthopedics, while examining how continued investment, cutting-edge research, and strategic collaboration are shaping the future of this vital sector.

Registration will open soon for August FrameWORX

December 4: Nuclear Medicine Manufacturing and Our Growing Opportunities

As nuclear medicine continues to advance, Indiana has an opportunity to further establish itself as a leader in this high-growth sector. This session will delve into the state’s expanding role in manufacturing, research, and workforce development to meet the growing demand for radiopharmaceuticals and nuclear medicine technologies.

As we look ahead to 2025, we invite you to make your voice heard. FrameWORX is more than a series of events; it’s an open forum where ideas turn into plans and plans turn into action.

Join us throughout the year for these dynamic sessions, connect with peers, and help shape the future of Indiana’s life sciences sector.

We can’t wait to see you there!

Winners highlight the people, companies and partnerships driving Indiana’s tech growth

The 2026 Mira Award winners are: