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.