Career Pathways Panel + Networking

Who Should Attend:

First- and second-year IU Indy students exploring paid, work-based learning and career paths in the life sciences and allied industries.

Meet leaders from Indiana’s life sciences and innovation ecosystem, learn about paid work-based learning (including Lilly’s new Co-Op), and stay after the panel for informal networking.

  • Discover high-demand career paths across life sciences, agbiosciences, advanced manufacturing, logistics, technology, and talent/workforce development, and the skills employers value most.
  • Learn how the Lilly Co-Op Program gives IU Indy undergrads paid, hands-on experience and mentorship, starting as early as sophomore year.
  • Network with leaders from CICP affiliates (BioCrossroads, Conexus, AgriNovus, TechPoint) and partners who help connect students to internships, apprenticeships, and early-career roles.
Event Details:

Thursday, September 25, 2025
12:00–1:30 PM 
IU Indianapolis, Campus Center CE 002

 

This event is supported by CICP and affiliates including BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana, AgriNovus, and TechPoint, alongside Lilly and IU Indianapolis.

 

Lilly Co-Op Program

A hands-on, paid training experience created by Lilly with IU Indianapolis for undergraduates—beginning sophomore year—with leadership training, mentorship, and pathways to future opportunities.

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INForm Series: NIH Submission Process and Scoring

Join ARI for the upcoming INForm Series webinar with Kris Parmalee as she provides an introduction to the NIH submission process and scoring. This session will help demystify how proposals move through the NIH review system, outlining the key steps from application submission to peer review. Attendees will gain a clear understanding of how scoring works, what reviewers look for, and how to strengthen their proposals for success. Whether you are new to NIH funding or looking to refine your approach, this webinar will offer valuable insights to help you navigate the process with confidence.

Event Details
Tuesday, September 16, 2025
Webinar
11:00 AM – 12:30 PM
Register Here

INForm Series Powered by ARI

INForm is designed to bring awareness to new and existing resources to catalyze collaborative partnerships in the state’s emerging innovation ecosystem, this series will host collision events to bring partners and thought leaders together to share information, develop programming and resource ideas, and foster a sense of investment into each other and the greater Indiana ecosystem. 
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Celebrate the launch of the Plug and Play Indianapolis LifeTech Program in partnership with IU LAB and BioCrossroads.

Join us for a day of innovation and networking as we officially open our new Indianapolis office and select the first batch of startups for our accelerator.

What to expect:

Welcome Remarks & Keynote: Hear from Plug and Play CEO Saeed Amidi, Indiana University President Pam Whitten and other industry leaders.
Panel Discussion: “Powering Indiana’s LifeTech Future,” with a focus on collaboration between Industry, Academia, and Venture Capital
Networking Lunch: A chance to connect with the life sciences community.
Startup Pitches: Get a front-row seat as our top startups pitch for a spot in the accelerator.

This event is for entrepreneurs, corporate executives, university leaders, government officials, VCs, and anyone passionate about the future of biotechnology and life sciences. There is no cost to attend. Click the link below to register. 
 
Event Details

Tuesday, September 30th
9 AM – Doors open
10 AM – Program
The Heirloom at N.K. Hurst, Indianapolis, IN

Register Here

IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences
(IU LAB)

Driving bioscience innovation, commercialization and talent development in Indiana

The Launch Accelerator for Biosciences (IU LAB) is a first-of-its kind academic-industry initiative that will position Indiana as a national leader in bioscience discovery.

Supported by a $138 million Lilly Endowment Inc. grant, IU LAB will harness Indiana’s extensive resources in bioscience discovery, leading to significant advancements in human health.

IU LAB is expected to open in the 16 Tech Innovation District in 2027.

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2025-26 IN Life Sciences Collaboration Conference Series 

The Indiana University Kelley School of Business Center for the Business of Life Sciences is proud to present the upcoming IN Life Sciences Collaboration Conference Series.  CBLS brings together key players from industry, academia, government, and economic development communities to share ideas and expertise.

Upcoming conferences focus on issues that may broadly impact the health of Hoosiers and beyond. Read the conference descriptions below and join us in advancing business solutions in the life sciences field.

Impact of a New Administration

Now that the new administration has been in place almost a year, its strategies for healthcare and the life sciences industry are emerging. New leaders at HHS, CMS and the FDA are making their influence felt at their respective organizations. Speakers and panelists will “connect the dots” as to changes in areas like new product approval processes, drug pricing and importation, and healthcare coverage and reimbursement.

Event Details: 

December 5, 2025
OneAmerica Tower, Indianapolis, IN 46204
Room: 1st Floor Conference Center
11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Register Here

On The Hunt for What’s Next: Sources of Innovation

As the industry becomes more and more competitive, in addition to their own operations, firms are also looking outside to help grow sales or find the next big new product. This can take various forms like deals with private equity owned or venture capital funded firms, deeper collaborations with universities, partnerships with compounding centers, and new sales channels aimed directly at consumers. Close observers and “those in the trenches” will provide their latest thinking and discuss how even within a segment of the industry the approach to innovate may vary.

 
Event Details: 

February 27, 2026
Indiana Biosciences Research Center
Room: 1st Floor Conference Center
11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Register Here

An Update on U.S. Regulatory Affairs

Besides the new FDA commissioner, within the past year, there have been significant changes in senior leadership at the agency. These leaders bring new perspectives across a wide range of topics including clinical trials, new product approvals, off-label usage, the role of AI, domestic and international site inspections, etc. Experienced industry professionals will share their opinions as to the opportunities and challenges represented by them and their thoughts as to how things could continue to evolve.

 
 
Event Details: 

May 1, 2026
Cook Medical World Headquarters
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Register Here
Seven weeks of hustle, mentorship, and bold ideas have led to this moment—our very first IU Health Incubator at IU LAB Pre-Accelerator cohort is ready to shine!
 
Don’t miss the Inaugural Showcase as we celebrate their amazing progress!
 

Location
Enclave at The AMP
(Northeast Corner, Adjacent to Restrooms)
1220 Waterway Blvd, Indianapolis, IN 46202

Agenda: 

5:30 PM       Doors Open
6:15 PM       Networking
6:30 PM       Pitches Begin
7:30 PM       Event Conclusion 

Refreshments and heavy hors d’oeuvres will be provided, as well as an open bar. We hope to see you there. 
 
Register Here

AXIS Mentorship Program Kickoff Event

 
Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Indiana Biosciences Research Institute 

9:00 AM – Noon

Click the link below to reserve your spot. Spaces are limited. 

 

AXIS is a statewide mentorship program designed to strengthen Indiana’s life sciences talent pipeline by connecting early-career scientists, researchers, and founders with experienced industry professionals.

Built on the proven MIT Venture Mentoring Service (MIT-VMS) model, AXIS offers confidential, team-based mentoring to help innovators navigate challenges, accelerate commercialization, and grow professionally.

Whether you’re a mentor, a potential mentee, or simply curious about how AXIS works, this is a perfect way to get involved.

 
Click the link below to reserve your spot. Spaces are limited. 
 
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Integrated Innovation: Designing the Future of Drug Delivery

The PDA Miniverse: Medical Devices, Combination Products, and Connected Health Conference brings together leaders from across the medical device, pharmaceutical, and digital health sectors to explore the future of integrated healthcare solutions. The conference focuses on accelerating innovation in combination products and connected health, with sessions addressing regulatory strategy, device design, human factors, manufacturing scale-up, and patient-centered development.

BioCrossroads proudly supports this national event taking place in Indianapolis—one of the country’s fastest-growing hubs for life sciences and medical technology.

Dr. Emily Atkinson, Senior Director of Innovation at BioCrossroads, will present welcome remarks, highlighting Indiana’s strengths in advanced manufacturing, cross-sector collaboration, and talent development, underscoring how the state’s robust infrastructure and innovation ecosystem continue to attract investment and drive progress in connected health and combination product development.

The conference showcases the importance of regional partnerships in shaping the future of healthcare delivery, and reinforces Indiana’s role as a national leader in the life sciences.

Click the link to learn more about the event and full agenda.

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BioCrossroads is a proud sponsor of the 2025 PDA Miniverse Conference in Indianapolis. 

Indy BioBridge Spring Event

 

Mark your calendars for May 7th!

Indy BioBridge is hosting our spring event at INCOG BioPharma Services, one of Indiana’s “Best Places to Work” – you’ll see why when you get there.

This is a great chance to connect with peers from across the life sciences industry. We’ll be talking shop, sharing insights on the latest trends and challenges, and it’s a great opportunity to build your network and forge some new relationships. Basically, it’s a fun, laid-back hangout with other smart people!

Plus, you’ll get a sneak peek at INCOG’s building construction, meet some key members of their leadership team, and hear about their growth plans for 2025 and beyond.

Here are the essentials:
Date: Wednesday, May 7th
Time: 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM
Location: INCOG BioPharma Services, 12050 Exit 5 Pkwy, Fishers, IN 46037
Food: Complimentary appetizers – think quality, not just quantity.
Drinks: Two drink tickets provided, with a cash bar available afterward.

Whether you’re working in drug development, research, consulting, or anything in between, come join us for some quality conversations, food, and drinks in a friendly, casual setting.

 
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AI in Healthcare

The potential impacts of artificial intelligence on healthcare are just beginning to be envisioned. These may take the form of potential new drugs, new devices and procedures, or new treatment approaches and regimens. Among those “leading the charge” are several Indiana firms, universities, and healthcare providers. This conference will provide an update as to the latest with this emerging technology.

May 2, 2025: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
IU Kelley School of Business
Conrad Prebys Career Services Center
1309 E. 10th Street
Bloomington, IN 47405

Register Here

Fuel the Cycle of Innovation

 
Thursday, May 15 – Friday, May 16, 2025
 

The IU Founders and Funders Network exists to develop and activate IU’s global venture network. It is a passionate, supportive membership network of IU affiliated entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and others who are interested in advancing the virtuous circle that nurturing new ventures brings with it.

This exclusive IU community brings like-minded people together. Innovators and entrepreneurs find the industry experts and resources they need to push their businesses forward. Entrepreneurs, innovators and investors get access to the best of IU’s startup community.

The Venture Summit will provide attendees the opportunity to connect, build, and learn from others in IU’s global venture ecosystem. 

See the Agenda