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.

Get Started with AXIS

Watch a recap of the AXIS Launch event.

National designation reinforces Indiana’s global leadership in radiopharmaceutical innovation, manufacturing, and supply chain infrastructure.

It’s official: Indiana is the Radiopharmaceutical Capital of the World®. 

This designation is not just branding, it’s the culmination of years of strategic growth, investment, academic leadership, and private-sector collaboration. Fueled by cutting-edge innovation, world-class logistics, and robust partnerships across higher education and industry, Indiana is defining the global future of radiopharmaceuticals.

Radiopharmaceuticals are precision-targeted therapies that pair diagnostic imaging with therapeutic treatment—transforming how cancer and other diseases are diagnosed and treated. These medicines require advanced infrastructure, tight regulatory oversight, highly skilled personnel, and a distribution network capable of delivering time-sensitive doses across the country in hours. Indiana checks every box:

• Location and logistics: With the second-largest FedEx hub in the world, Indiana is a day’s drive from 80% of the U.S. population. This is mission-critical for drugs with short half-lives—some of which decay within hours.
• Specialized infrastructure: Indiana is home to multiple integrated clean rooms, cyclotrons, and specialized isotope production facilities that support both clinical and commercial-scale manufacturing.
• Global reach: The state now leads the U.S. in pharmaceutical exports, having overtaken California in 2024 as the #1 state for life sciences exports—a testament to the scale and capability of its ecosystem.

At the heart of Indiana’s radiopharmaceutical future is Purdue, a national leader in nuclear pharmacy education. In 2025, Purdue announced the first-of-its-kind Master’s in Radiopharmaceutical Manufacturing, which will launched in Indianapolis in spring 2026. The program was developed with industry partner SpectronRx and will feature hybrid coursework with hands-on training at a dedicated, co-located facility at SpectronRx’s headquarters.

“This program reflects Purdue’s commitment to aligning academic innovation with industry demand,” said Dr. David Umulis, Senior Vice Provost for Purdue University in Indianapolis. “By equipping the next generation of radiopharmaceutical professionals, we’re helping Indiana strengthen its position as a global leader in precision medicine.”

Purdue also boasts one of the only nuclear pharmacy programs in the U.S., producing highly trained pharmacists, engineers, and quality-control experts vital to this sector.

Another critical partner in supporting and growing the ecosystem is the Indiana University (IU) School of Medicine. IU contributes world-class expertise through its top-ranked, NIH-funded radiology research, bridging basic science with clinical applications and translational therapies. IU also partners with Purdue and other institutions to expand specialized training and residency programs in radiology, nuclear medicine, and imaging science. Together, these institutions form a talent pipeline that supports a fast-growing, innovation-driven workforce.

Indiana is home to some of the biggest companies in the radiopharmaceutical world, representing more than $200 million in new facility investment in just the last few years. These companies represent a wide range of applications, from diagnostics and imaging agents to full-scale radiotherapeutics, solidifying Indiana’s leadership across the radiopharmaceutical value chain.

The success of Indiana’s radiopharmaceutical industry is due in large part to seamless collaboration between universities, manufacturers, workforce agencies, and state partners.
“Indiana’s life sciences sector continues to accelerate because of our commitment to innovation, collaboration, and execution,” said Dan Peterson, Chair of the BioCrossroads Board of Directors and Vice President of Industry and Government Affairs at Cook Group.

Indiana employs more than 70,000 life sciences professionals statewide. Average industry wages top $100,000/year, with thousands of new roles expected in R&D, quality, cleanroom operations, and logistics. The U.S. radiopharmaceutical market—estimated at $6B in 2024—is projected to triple by 2035. Indiana is well-positioned to lead that growth, particularly in theranostics and targeted alpha therapy. As the only U.S. supplier of four critical radioisotopes and the home of multiple FDA-approved products and clinical-stage therapies, Indiana has proven its capability not just to compete, but to lead on the world stage.

“Indiana’s designation as the Radiopharmaceutical Capital of the World™ is a testament to the strength of our life sciences ecosystem, the innovation of our researchers, and the collaborative spirit that drives us forward,” said Vince Wong, President and CEO of BioCrossroads.

Indiana is redefining the radiopharmaceutical revolution. With deep talent, powerful logistics, and relentless innovation, the state is writing the next chapter in the history of medicine, one precise, patient-targeted dose at a time.

Learn More about Indiana's Radiopharmaceutical Sector
Funds for Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway support regional implementation, Industry Talent Associations, and employer and student engagement

 

INDIANAPOLIS, July 9, 2025 – The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation has awarded nearly $13 million in funding to eight Indiana organizations working to develop a new pathway for high school and adult students to learn about and train for in-demand careers and help Indiana businesses find and train employees.

The first cohort of high school students will begin apprenticeship programs in the new Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) in the fall of 2026. They will split their time between the workplace and the classroom, with at least 50% of their training taking place on the job to help ensure they are gaining in-demand skills and employers are realizing a return on investment. The students will be paid by their employers and work year-round. Programs for adults will be available in later years.
 
The Fairbanks Foundation is funding the creation and launch of INCAP, while CEMETS iLab Indiana – a coalition of more than 300 Hoosier leaders from various industries, K-12 schools, higher education, nonprofits, government, and philanthropic organizations – is leading the effort. Since 2016, the Fairbanks Foundation has awarded nearly $25 million in grants for youth apprenticeship pilot programs and the new education and training pathway now known as INCAP.
 
The new funding will facilitate the development of new statewide employer groups, known as Industry Talent Associations, or ITAs; support existing ITAs; help build an infrastructure that uses regionally located intermediaries as liaisons between employers, ITAs, schools, and students; and drive employer and student engagement.
 
Eight Indiana organizations have received grant funding to implement INCAP:
 
Grant recipient Grant amount Implementing organization and their responsibilities
Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation $9.6 million Ascend Indiana will support Industry Talent Associations, launch the regional infrastructure, manage CEMETS iLab Indiana, and coordinate INCAP marketing efforts.
Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation $380,000 Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation will launch the Construction Industry Talent Association.
Indiana Chamber Foundation $160,000 Indiana Chamber will incubate the IT Industry Talent Association.
Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation $180,000 BioCrossroads will continue to lead the Healthcare Industry Talent Association and the Life Sciences Industry Talent Association.
Central Indiana Corporate Partnership Foundation $130,000 Conexus Indiana will continue to lead the Advanced Manufacturing and Logistics Industry Talent Association.
Indiana Bankers Association Foundation $130,000 Indiana Bankers Association will continue to lead the Banking Industry Talent Association.
Indy Chamber Foundation $1.7 million Indy Chamber will engage Central Indiana students and employers in various ways, including via career fairs.
EmployIndy $430,000 EmployIndy will support existing Modern Apprenticeship Program cohorts and share learnings with Industry Talent Associations.
“Developing a new model for Hoosier students and a stronger talent pipeline for Indiana employers is a huge undertaking; that is why we’re bringing in more organizations with specific expertise and built-in stakeholders to make it work,” said David Becker, CEMETS iLab Indiana co-chair and chairman and CEO of First Internet Bank.
 
Modeled on a successful system that has prepared Swiss youth and adults for careers since the 1970s, INCAP will equip students and adults with the skills they need to succeed in the 21st century workplace and provide employers in key industries with the workers they need to compete on a global scale. iLab leaders have set an ambitious goal for the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway: to provide education and training to 50,000 Hoosier students by 2034.
 
“INCAP serves as a vehicle for employers and educators to collaborate in a process that serves both students and industry,” said Claire Fiddian-Green, president & CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation and co-chair of CEMETS iLab Indiana. “It promises to revolutionize the way Indiana equips people for careers and, as a result, prepare Indiana for long-term economic growth.”
 
$9.6 million for Ascend Indiana to implement INCAP priorities
Ascend Indiana, an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), will use funding awarded to the CICP Foundation to deliver support to INCAP’s Industry Talent Associations, launch the regional infrastructure for INCAP implementation, continue managing the operations of CEMETS iLab Indiana, and implement marketing and communications efforts to increase INCAP awareness and engagement.
 
As part of the five-year grant, Ascend Indiana also will regrant $1.2 million to regionally based “intermediaries” that will serve as bridges between ITAs and participating schools and students, helping schools recruit students for INCAP, supporting student success, and providing other assistance. Ascend Indiana is managing a Request for Proposals process to identify intermediaries, and Letters of Intent from interested organizations are due Friday, July 25.
 
$1.2 million to launch two new Industry Talent Associations and support four existing ITAs
Each industry’s ITA unites employers to identify talent needs, choose occupations for INCAP programs, define required knowledge and skills, and collaborate with educators to develop education and training materials. The organizations selected to run ITAs were chosen by CEMETS iLab Indiana due to their industry expertise, employer relationships, and existing approach to education and training.
$540,000 in grants have been awarded to launch two new ITAs:
  • Construction – The Indiana Construction Roundtable Foundation received a two-year, $380,000 grant to launch the Construction Industry Talent Association.
  • IT – The Indiana Chamber Foundation received a one-year, $160,000 grant to serve as an incubator for an IT Industry Talent Association and prepare the ITA to operate as a separate entity by 2026.
The remaining $620,000 in grants have been awarded to the organizations supporting the existing four ITAs, which launched in 2024 with the help of $900,000 in funding from the Fairbanks Foundation:
$1.7 million for the Indy Chamber to engage students and employers
With this three-year grant to the Indy Chamber Foundation, the Indy Chamber will boost awareness of career opportunities in Indiana and promote INCAP as an option for Central Indiana students to prepare for in-demand careers and for employers to strengthen their talent pipelines. This work will include the development of a playbook to help other regions in Indiana implement similar efforts.
 
$430,000 to EmployIndy for current Modern Apprenticeship Program cohorts
This one-year grant will help fund the three cohorts operating under the current Modern Apprenticeship Program and help facilitate the transition to INCAP.
 
Read more about INCAP and CEMETS iLab Indiana at iLabIndiana.org.
 
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About the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation
Since 1986, the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation has strived to advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the well-being of its people by addressing the city’s most significant challenges and opportunities. Through strategic grantmaking, research and evaluation, and cross-sector collaborations, the Foundation aims to improve outcomes across its three focus areas: Education, Health, and the Vitality of Indianapolis. Learn more at RMFF.org.

New master’s program emphasizes manufacturing expertise to meet growing demand in fast-evolving field of targeted cancer diagnostics, therapies


WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Responding to the growing demand in Indiana and across the country for skilled workers in the burgeoning field of theranostics — the use of diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical drug products for the treatment of various types of cancer — Purdue University will soon launch the nation’s first graduate degree directly focused on radiopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Underscoring that commitment, Purdue will partner with Indianapolis-based pharmaceutical manufacturing leader SpectronRx to build a dedicated radiopharmaceutical manufacturing training facility at company headquarters, in close proximity to several leading radiopharmaceutical manufacturers who have established production facilities in the Indianapolis area.  This facility will be used to train students across various educational levels and disciplines, providing a facility for hands-on instruction for a broad spectrum of future training programs.

Purdue’s new Master of Science in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing will be offered, starting in the spring 2026 semester, in a hybrid format with most courses completed online. Students will be required to complete an in-person capstone course in a radiopharmaceutical manufacturing setting to complete the degree and will be able to choose one of several hands-on lab courses that are being developed for the new facility as elective opportunities.

“Purdue has a long history in the nuclear pharmacy space, having programs in existence through the College of Pharmacy since 1959,” said Eric Barker, Purdue’s vice president for health affairs and the Jeannie and Jim Chaney Dean of Pharmacy. “With this projected growth in the radiopharmaceutical industry, Purdue is well positioned — both academically and geographically — to strengthen the workforce pipeline by training future professionals and advancing the education of those already working in the field.”

Purdue has the nation’s largest nuclear pharmacy program, and currently offers six elective courses in that field, while also serving as the sole provider of continuing education activities that can be used by Board Certified Nuclear Pharmacists to maintain certification. The program is expanding to meet an increasing workforce demand in nuclear pharmacy as well as radiopharmaceutical manufacturing.

Indiana is home to 15 nuclear medicine companies in various stages of growth and development, primarily in the Indianapolis area. The rapidly growing nuclear medicine market is already a $6 billion industry in the U.S. and is projected to more than triple over the next seven years.

SpectronRx joins a growing list of central Indiana companies with which Purdue has cultivated relationships to develop academic and workforce training opportunities for students. These collaborations span sectors like biosciences, tech innovation, pharmaceuticals and engineering, aligning student preparation with employer needs and underscoring a central pillar of Purdue’s strategy for Indianapolis. Rather than a single hub, Purdue is weaving into the fabric of the city’s innovation and industry corridors, expanding from downtown all the way to SpectronRx’s headquarters on the northwest side of Indianapolis.

“The radiopharmaceutical manufacturing program sets another example of integrating with Indianapolis-based industry partners to provide unique real-world experiences and advanced training,” said David Umulis, Purdue’s senior vice provost for Indianapolis. “Whether it’s through co-ops, internships or programs in location, Purdue’s growth in Indianapolis is providing the workforce to advance Indiana’s economy and high-tech ecosystem.”

SpectronRx will be one of 10 physical locations in the capital city where Purdue has established shared spaces with industry leaders. This strategic partnership that will enable faster movement from discovery to impact in a field where Indiana has emerged as a national leader, as the state was recently recognized as the Radiopharmaceutical Capital of the World® following approval from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office.

Radiopharmaceuticals can precisely detect cancer cells and provide targeted therapy by binding to cell-specific receptors on the desired cells, while sparing adjacent healthy tissue. When performing diagnostic imaging, the radioactivity travels outside of the body and interacts with a detector that creates a visual map of radioactivity localization. When using the product to treat disease, the drug molecule will carry a form of radioactivity that will irradiate the tumor cells continuously, eventually leading to cellular death.

Despite their radioactive component, these drugs are extremely safe, said Kara Weatherman, clinical professor of pharmacy practice and director of radiopharmaceutical programs at Purdue. Weatherman explains more in this video.

“We intentionally and very purposefully try to use the smallest amount of radioactive material to get the outcomes we want,” Weatherman said.

“Because radioactive materials decay quickly, radiopharmaceuticals must be produced and delivered to the patient for administration within an extremely short time frame — usually within hours of production for diagnostic agents and only three to five days for the therapeutic agents,” she said. “That tight window has given rise to this highly regulated field and workforce demand.”

The radiopharmaceutical industry spans a wide range of highly specialized and support roles. From research and production to specialized transportation and patient delivery, the radiopharmaceutical market creates a broad pipeline of career paths within a wide variety of disciplines: pharmacy, chemistry, engineering, physics, radiation protection, health care, supply chain management and regulatory compliance.

“We’re on the critical frontier of precision, patient-centric health care. Purdue gave me the educational foundation and entrepreneurial spirit to set my successful path in the radiopharmaceutical industry,” said John Zehner, CEO of SpectronRx and a Purdue alum. “This collaborative partnership with Purdue helps support the increasing workforce needs of the industry by providing innovative training on cutting-edge technology. All of which, ultimately, lead to an overall quality of life for the patients.”

The commitment to radiopharmaceutical manufacturing supports Purdue’s One Health initiative, which advances knowledge and innovation related to animal, human and plant well-being through novel interdisciplinary initiatives and industry partnerships.

BioCrossroads — the public-private partnership to advance Indiana’s life sciences sector — said the state became the nation’s No. 1 exporter of life science products in 2024, valued at $27 billion. Pharmaceuticals alone were valued at $21 billion.

“Because of the powerful confluence of its world-class specialized talent, central location and critically important transportation infrastructure that has attracted and nurtured a leading cluster of radiopharmaceutical companies, Indiana is rightfully positioned with its new title of Radiopharmaceutical Capital of the World®,” said Vince Wong, BioCrossroads president and CEO. “This position will only become further strengthened by Purdue University’s expansion of its nuclear medicine curriculum beyond pharmacy into manufacturing, helping ensure that Indiana continues to offer the talent needed to fuel the exciting growth in this industry sector that delivers precision therapies to cancer patients.”

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

About Purdue University

Purdue University is a public research university leading with excellence at scale. Ranked among top 10 public universities in the United States, Purdue discovers, disseminates and deploys knowledge with a quality and at a scale second to none. More than 107,000 students study at Purdue across multiple campuses, locations and modalities, including more than 58,000 at our main campus in West Lafayette and Indianapolis. Committed to affordability and accessibility, Purdue’s main campus has frozen tuition 14 years in a row. See how Purdue never stops in the persistent pursuit of the next giant leap — including its comprehensive urban expansion, the Mitch Daniels School of Business, Purdue Computes and the One Health initiative — at https://www.purdue.edu/president/strategic-initiatives.

About SpectronRx

SpectronRx is a diagnostic and therapeutic radiopharmaceutical developer and manufacturer with three distinct specialties: Radiopharmaceutical Contract Development (RCDMO), Radiopharmaceutical Contract Manufacturing (RCMO), and Isotope Production. The company performs all scales of development, from initial conjugations through scale-up and commercial distribution. It also has the capacity to run clinical trials. Additionally, SpectronRx’s deep industry knowledge, technical prowess and state-of-the-art facilities enable the company to significantly condense the timeline for bringing new medicines to market, which has the dual benefit of saving lives and driving greater profitability for clients.

With a large staff of radiochemists, radiopharmacists, scientists and engineers, dozens of qualified clean rooms, and over 200,000 sq. ft. of production space in Indiana, with additional facilities in Danbury, Connecticut, and in Europe, SpectronRx now supplies therapeutic and diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals to 29 countries. The company has been EMA and FDA inspected and can produce and procure any currently used radioisotopes, including actinium-225. For more information, visit SpectronRx.com, or follow the company on LinkedIn.

Radiopharmaceutical Capitol of the World®

In 2025, Indian was officially designated the Radiopharmaceutical Capitol of the World ®. Our strengths in global investment, advanced manufacturing capabilities, and strong institutional support. make Indiana well-positioned to be a central force in the future of radiopharmaceutical innovation and manufacturing.

Learn More

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.

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Click here to see a full recap of this panel session at GEC.
Discover Indiana's life sciences ecosystem
Life Sciences in Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS (May 8, 2025) – BioCrossroads, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership initiative established as a catalyst to advance, grow, and invest in Indiana’s life sciences sector, today announced two new appointments to its Board of Directors and recognized the contributions of three long-serving members whose leadership has helped shape the state’s life sciences ecosystem.

Richard Church, Chief Growth & Strategy Officer at Parkview Health, has joined the BioCrossroads Board of Directors. Since arriving at Parkview in 2022, Church has led the organization’s strategic growth initiatives, focusing on long-term innovation and access to care across the region. Prior to his current role, Church served as co-leader of the national healthcare practice group at K&L Gates, where he advised health systems on joint ventures, regulatory compliance, clinical integration, and mergers and acquisitions. His legal and regulatory expertise, paired with  his leadership of Parkview Health’s innovation initiatives , will be instrumental as BioCrossroads continues its mission to advance Indiana’s leadership in life sciences.

Also joining the Board is Dr. David Umulis, Senior Vice Provost at Purdue University in Indianapolis. A nationally recognized leader in systems biology and biomedical engineering, Dr. Umulis has led major initiatives in computational modeling, tissue development, and data science. He previously served as head of Purdue’s Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering and helped establish the university’s Integrative Data Science Initiative. His deep scientific expertise and commitment to interdisciplinary collaboration align with BioCrossroads’ focus on translational research and workforce development.

Church succeeds Dr. Michael J. Mirro, who concludes over a decade of service on the Board. A distinguished physician and researcher, Dr. Mirro has served as Chief Academic Research Officer at Parkview Health since 2014 and holds faculty appointments at the Indiana University School of Medicine and IU’s bioinformatics program. He has authored more than 50 peer-reviewed publications and serves on the editorial board of the Cardiovascular Digital Health Journal. The Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation—named in his honor—stands as a testament to his impact on medical research and innovation. Most recently, he helped launch the MedTech Global Gateway, connecting international med-tech companies with Indiana’s clinical and economic development resources. BioCrossroads extends its sincere gratitude for Dr. Mirro’s lasting contributions to the state’s innovation infrastructure.

Dr. Umulis succeeds Dan Hasler, Chief Operating Officer of Purdue University in Indianapolis, who has brought invaluable cross-sector insight to the Board. Hasler previously served as President of the Purdue Research Foundation, guiding commercialization and entrepreneurial strategy for Purdue’s intellectual property portfolio. He also held the role of Indiana’s Secretary of Commerce, where he helped attract a record number of companies to the state, and spent more than 30 years at Eli Lilly and Company. Hasler’s career has spanned business, government, and higher education, making him a key voice in shaping BioCrossroads’ vision for growth. The organization is deeply appreciative of his contributions.

In addition to these changes, BioCrossroads also recognizes the extraordinary service of Dr. Craig Brater, who concludes his tenure on the Board of Directors after two decades of service. As a founding Board member since 2004, Dr. Brater brought a visionary perspective to BioCrossroads’ mission to grow and strengthen Indiana’s life sciences sector. His distinguished career as Dean of the Indiana University School of Medicine and Vice President for Life Sciences at Indiana University positioned him as a driving force behind initiatives that fostered research, collaboration, and innovation across the state. Dr. Brater’s contributions have had a profound and lasting impact on BioCrossroads and the broader life sciences ecosystem, and we are deeply grateful for his steadfast leadership, partnership, and commitment over the years.

“These Board transitions reflect the strength and depth of Indiana’s life sciences leadership,” said Vince Wong, President and CEO of BioCrossroads. “We are proud to welcome Richard and David, whose expertise and perspectives will help guide our strategic direction. At the same time, we are deeply grateful to Michael,  Dan, and Craig for their years of service and for the impact they’ve made not only on BioCrossroads, but on the broader innovation ecosystem we all work to grow.”

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About BioCrossroads

Established as a catalyst to advance, grow, and invest in Indiana’s life sciences sector, BioCrossroads is an initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). It supports the region’s existing enterprises and encourages new business development. 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. Committed to supporting the growth of capital investments and talent development, BioCrossroads provides support to both existing and new life sciences enterprises, including the Indiana Health Information Exchange, OrthoWorx, and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute. BioCrossroads champions the advancement of cutting-edge research and development, plays a crucial role in building and nurturing a robust talent pipeline, and is dedicated to establishing Indiana as a thriving hub for life sciences manufacturing. To learn more about BioCrossroads, visit biocrossroads.com.

News from BioCrossroads

Event News, FrameWORX News

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

August 27, 2025

Event News, Industry News

BioCrossroads Launches AXIS Mentoring Program, Designed to Strengthen Indiana’s Life Sciences Future

July 21, 2025

Industry News, Press Releases

Indiana Officially Designated as the Radiopharmaceutical Capital of the World®

July 21, 2025

Industry News, Workforce

Nearly $13 million awarded for statewide career apprenticeship initiative

July 9, 2025

Industry News, Press Releases

Purdue launches cutting-edge graduate degree in radiopharmaceutical manufacturing in Indianapolis through industry partnership

July 8, 2025

FrameWORX News, Resource Access

Hoosier Life Sciences & Healthcare Workforce Resources

June 11, 2025

 

Grants from the Fairbanks Foundation to fund formation of industry “talent associations” as critical step for new pathway’s goal of welcoming students as early as 2025-2026 school year

 

INDIANAPOLIS – A new professional education and training pathway for Hoosiers rooted in a youth apprenticeship experience starting in high school is one step closer to reality. Today, the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation announced over $1 million in grants to fund the next steps of the CEMETS iLab Indiana strategic plan to build a new path that could welcome students in at least one occupation as early as the 2025-2026 school year.

The Fairbanks Foundation is awarding grants to two Indiana organizations to launch industry “talent associations,” which are organizations that enable employers within their industry to speak with one voice when it comes to their talent needs. The talent associations will work with employers to select occupations, identify the required knowledge, skills, and competencies, and collaborate with educators to develop education and training content.

CEMETS iLab Indiana, a coalition of more than 200 leaders representing a variety of sectors including business, K-12 education, higher education, and government, identified the creation of talent associations as the most critical priority of their strategic plan to build the new professional education and training pathway. The new pathways created by the talent associations will serve thousands of Hoosiers – including those who otherwise may not have opted to attend college or pursue training after high school – while also creating a new talent pipeline for employers.

“The need for this new way to access professional education and training is clear. By 2031, 72% of U.S. jobs will require education beyond high school, but only 39% of Indiana adults 25 or older have an associate degree or higher,” said Claire Fiddian-Green, president & CEO of the Fairbanks Foundation and co-chair of CEMETS iLab Indiana. “The Fairbanks Foundation is proud to fund critical next steps in building an approach that prepares students for careers and addresses Indiana’s workforce shortages.”

The first set of talent associations are within industries facing projected talent shortfalls that also have the strong support of industry executives. To fund the creation of talent associations in healthcare, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing and logistics, the Fairbanks Foundation has awarded two-year grants of up to $250,000 to the organizations identified by iLab members as best positioned to readily assume the talent association function:

  • BioCrossroads: Healthcare talent association – $200,000
  • BioCrossroads: Life sciences talent association – $200,000
  • Conexus Indiana: Advanced manufacturing and logistics talent association – $250,000

The grants are contingent upon each organization’s ability to secure matching funds for the talent associations from employers within their industries.

“While there is no one solution, the Indiana Apprenticeship Pathway can help open the doors for everyone to achieve their individual economic and career dreams,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) and member of the iLab’s Governing Committee. “With their deep connections and understanding of the manufacturing, healthcare, and life sciences industries in Indiana, BioCrossroads and Conexus Indiana are a natural choice to serve as the talent associations to ensure the right occupations and skills are initially targeted for this initiative to be a success. They will work alongside Ascend Indiana, CICP’s talent initiative and iLab project partner, and many other partners across the state to address the persisting skills gap and talent availability.”

Alongside talent associations in healthcare, life sciences, and advanced manufacturing and logistics, plans are underway for a talent association in the banking industry to be operated by the Indiana Bankers Association. The Fairbanks Foundation expects to award a similar grant to IBA in early 2025.

“For years, our bankers have been going into schools to teach financial literacy to Hoosier children. We couldn’t be more excited to take those efforts to the next level with an immersive apprenticeship model for Indiana’s high school students, setting them up for a lifetime of success,” said Amber Van Til, president & CEO of the Indiana Bankers Association and member of the iLab’s Governing Committee.

In addition to the talent association grants, the Fairbanks Foundation has also awarded a two-year, $425,000 grant to the Center on the Economics and Management of Education and Training Systems (CEMETS) at the Chair of Education Systems, ETH Zurich, for continued consulting and technical assistance, both in the U.S. and in Switzerland.

Work is underway to implement the other three priorities of the CEMETS iLab Indiana strategic plan, with the goal of welcoming students in at least one occupation as soon as the 2025-2026 school year. Read more at ilabindianastrategicplan.org.

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About the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation

Since 1986, the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation has strived to advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the well-being of its people by addressing the city’s most significant challenges and opportunities. Through strategic grantmaking, research and evaluation, and cross-sector collaborations, the Foundation aims to improve outcomes across its three focus areas: Education, Health, and the Vitality of Indianapolis. Learn more at RMFF.org.

 

Register here
Accelerating Life Science Innovation: Building the Ecosystem for Growth

With the right support ecosystem, lab discoveries can become thriving ventures. Designed for entrepreneurs, investors, ecosystem builders, and researchers, this panel offers actionable insights and valuable connections for those looking to navigate the commercialization journey and accelerate life sciences innovation.

Join us to explore:

  • an inside look at real-world success stories to discover how scientific breakthroughs are transformed into market-ready solutions.
  • emerging trends and opportunities in life sciences innovation.
  • how to develop an innovation ecosystem by leveraging local areas of strength.
  • Indiana’s life sciences innovation ecosystem – including how the state’s world-class universities, funding mechanisms, and entrepreneurial support networks help companies scale and succeed.

BioCrossroads is thrilled to be joining the Global Entrepreneurship Congress in Indianapolis from June 2-5, 2025.

This global event attracts entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders, and with the event being held in the U.S. for only the second time, this is a unique opportunity to showcase how Indiana’s research institutions, funding networks, and startup ecosystem are driving breakthroughs in life sciences.

We will be joining the Investor Track at GEC 2025. Here’s a look at what you can expect:

 

Strengthen your back office with curated programming, connections, and hands-on experiences for investors at all stages of the funding pipeline.

  • Make quality connections with other investors and policy leaders from around the world – joining a global network that extends beyond the conference itself.
  • Explore new strategies for fundraising, operating and managing sustainable funds.
  • Explore the nuances of dozens of investor ecosystems from around the world – from one central location.
  • Explore trends in the investor ecosystem, what they mean for you, and how to respond.
Join us June 4 from 11:15 a.m. – 12 noon
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:

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.



AnalytiXIN creates new Indiana healthcare-based consortium to advance data-driven clinical research and improve health outcomes

New shared platform will use consented health data to facilitate life sciences research, advance healthcare, and to engage patients via precision medicine

INDIANAPOLIS (January 21, 2025) – AnalytiXIN today announced the launch of a new consortium to help healthcare organizations across Indiana better identify and access comprehensive, consented clinical and genomic health data. It is a continued investment to improve patient outcomes and drive efficiencies to accelerate clinical research. Access to these diverse datasets will allow researchers to quickly develop and conduct more accurate and personalized studies, enabling more effective healthcare interventions, further establishing Indiana as a leader in health sciences data analytics.

Several leading Indiana-based healthcare companies, including Eli Lilly and Company (“Lilly”), Indiana University (IU) Health, IU School of Medicine, and the Indiana Health Information Exchange (IHIE) have pledged unprecedented commitment to this collaboration.

“We’re excited to work with our AnalytiXIN consortium partners to harness the power of data analytics, with the aim of advancing scientific research and improving health outcomes,” said David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO. “Accurate, comprehensive data will provide our researchers with important new insights that will enhance clinical trial design and enrollment and accelerate the development of innovative new medicines for people here in Indiana and around the world.”

The consortium will serve a broad range of stakeholders, including life sciences researchers, healthcare providers, and data scientists, fostering collaboration to accelerate data-driven clinical research. By bringing together experts in precision medicine, genomics, and data analytics, the consortium will drive innovative research efforts. It will prioritize improving health outcomes, with a focus on cardio-metabolic diseases, neurodegenerative conditions, and other critical health challenges impacting Hoosiers.

“The AnalytiXIN consortium’s success depends on Hoosiers joining the Indiana Biobank. Their involvement, along with our partners’ expertise, helps us understand treatments tailored to each person’s genetics,” said Dennis Murphy, president and CEO of IU Health. “With over 60,000 Hoosiers already participating, more people joining will help us prevent and treat diseases, making Indiana one of the healthiest states in the nation.”

“The AnalytiXIN consortium is an exciting opportunity to harness the vast resources held within the Indiana Biobank here at the IU School of Medicine, coupled with the depth of data contained in IU Health’s electronic medical records, to help accelerate the discovery of new therapies,” said Jay L. Hess, MD, PhD, MHSA, dean of the IU School of Medicine and IU’s executive vice president for university clinical affairs. “The impact that this collaboration could have on the health of Hoosiers across the state is immeasurable. The School of Medicine is thrilled to be a partner in this groundbreaking effort.”

AnalytiXIN is a strategic program run by the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) and is designed to bolster the economic vitality and drive sustained innovation in Indiana by advancing the integration of strategic technologies—artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data analytics—in the life sciences and manufacturing industries, both significant drivers of the state’s economic, social and physical wellbeing. It is funded with support from Lilly Endowment Inc.

“By leveraging this unique life sciences health data asset, we’re empowering our partners like Lilly, IU Health, and the IU School of Medicine to accelerate innovation and drive breakthroughs faster and more effectively than ever,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. “We invite life sciences industry leaders, health systems, and universities to join us in harnessing this asset to further advance Indiana’s leadership in healthcare and life sciences.”

About AnalytiXIN

AnalytiXIN was established through a Lilly Endowment Inc. grant to the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership to develop a digital community, including a place-focused collaboration hub in Indianapolis that will strengthen connections and encourage engagement of academic data science R&D talent with their industry peers to drive sustained innovation within Indiana. The project is intended to grow and enable the digital ecosystem and drive sustained innovation within the State. The emphasis is on life sciences and manufacturing – two of Indiana’s most important and prolific economic drivers. To learn more, visit www.analytixindiana.com.

About Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP)

The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) was formed in 1999 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 mission, 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, advanced energy technology and transportation and technology. To learn more, visit www.cicpindiana.com.

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