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

Industry News, Press Releases

BioCrossroads Announces Additions and Changes to the Board of Directors

May 15, 2025

Event News

IBJ Life Sciences Power Breakfast

April 25, 2025

Workforce

Over $1 Million in Grants to Start Building New Apprenticeship Pathways

April 14, 2025

Event News, FrameWORX News

Indiana’s Ecosystem: From Discovery to Commercialization

March 25, 2025

Industry News, Press Releases

BioCrossroads Joins GEC 2025

March 4, 2025

Event News, Industry News

Celebrating Innovation: GeniPhys Wins the Inaugural Life Sciences Innovation Team of the Year Award at the 2025 Mira Awards

February 28, 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.

 

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 2 – 2:45 p.m.
Register here
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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INDIANAPOLIS (December 2024) – The Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), alongside its branded initiatives BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana and TechPoint, announces the appointment of three senior leaders who will play pivotal roles in shaping the future of Indiana’s life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics and technology sectors.

Douglas Kiehl, Patrick “PJ” McGrew and Casey Osterkamp joined BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana and TechPoint, respectively, in senior leadership roles on December 10.

“As we ensure the strength of Indiana’s advanced industries, these strategic hires underscore our commitment to building a thriving, innovative economy,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. “Doug, PJ and Casey each bring a depth of expertise that will help us tackle workforce challenges, advance technological adoption and foster cross-sector collaboration. Together, they will elevate our efforts to position Indiana as a global leader in innovation and talent development.”

BioCrossroads adds SVP of Workforce Development and Chief Technology Strategist
Douglas Kiehl, BioCrossroads’ new senior vice president of Workforce Development and Chief Technology Strategist brings over three decades of experience at Eli Lilly and Company, serving most recently as senior director leading the Disruptive/Transformative Technologies Team (DT3) and the Digital Twin Center of Excellence. His work focused on digital transformation, automation, extractables/leachables and next-generation bioprocessing.

In his new role, Kiehl will leverage his experience driving multi-stakeholder initiatives to lead BioCrossroads’ workforce development initiatives and contribute to its 10-year strategy to build a skilled talent pool for Indiana’s life sciences and healthcare industries.

“Doug’s extensive experience and passion for forging the adoption of next-generation technologies makes him a tremendous addition to our team,” said Vince Wong, CEO of BioCrossroads. “His leadership will be key in driving our strategic efforts to enhance Indiana’s life sciences and healthcare sectors. By cultivating a skilled workforce and championing adoption of new technologies, Doug will help prepare our workforce for the future and ensure that BioCrossroads continues to support the growth and success of Indiana’s life sciences and healthcare communities.”

Conexus Indiana names SVP of Talent Strategy and Programming
Patrick “PJ” McGrew joins Conexus Indiana as senior vice president of Talent Strategy and Programming. McGrew brings nearly a decade of state government experience, including serving as the inaugural executive director of the Governor’s Workforce Cabinet, where he gained national recognition for his efforts to bridge the education-to-workforce pipeline. His career also includes ten years as a high school teacher in diverse educational settings, with a passion for fostering economic mobility and career exploration for students.

In his new role, McGrew will focus on developing innovative workforce solutions to meet the evolving needs of Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors, further positioning the state as a leader in these industries.

“PJ’s wealth of experience in education and workforce development will be instrumental in addressing the talent challenges facing Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics sectors,” said Fred Cartwright, president and CEO of Conexus Indiana. “His proven ability to bridge the gap between education and industry makes him a great fit for Conexus and we’re excited to have his leadership as we continue to develop forward-thinking talent strategies for our state.”

TechPoint appoints SVP and COO
Casey Osterkamp joins TechPoint as senior vice president and Chief Operating Officer (COO) with a wealth of experience in organizational leadership and talent strategy, most recently as a project consultant at 17a, COO at Herron Classical Schools and concurrently as vice president of Operations at Herron High School.

She is experienced in talent consulting and organizational leadership. In the past, she was the Director of Personnel for the State of Missouri and Director at the Assessment Resource Center. She’s also held consulting positions with IBM and the Harvard Kennedy School of Government. Osterkamp also served as a Surface Warfare Officer in the U.S. Navy.

Osterkamp will work closely with TechPoint’s CEO to lead overall people and operations, to drive more intentional cross-initiative collaborations, and to ensure quality delivery of TechPoint programs and partner enablement strategies.

“We are thrilled to have Casey join our team,” said TechPoint CEO Ting Gootee. “She has a depth of experience that will support TechPoint’s goals and vision to champion and strengthen Indiana’s tech sector.”

These new leaders reflect the CICP’s commitment to fostering innovation, collaboration and workforce development across Indiana’s key economic sectors.

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About 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, and technology. To learn more about CICP, visit www.cicpindiana.com.

About BioCrossroads

Established as a catalyst to advance, grow, and invest in Indiana’s life sciences sector, BioCrossroads is a branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. 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.

About Conexus Indiana
Conexus Indiana, a branded initiative of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, is dedicated to advancing the Hoosier State’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Working closely with industry, academia, and government partners, Conexus Indiana drives workforce development, economic growth, and innovation across the state. For more information, please visit ConexusIndiana.com.

About TechPoint
TechPoint is the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership’s industry-led growth initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy and overall tech ecosystem. The 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.

A Glimpse into the Future of Nuclear Medicine

Our FrameWORX series this year has been a fascinating journey through the pillars of our strategic life sciences plan for Indiana. Our final event of the year – held earlier this month at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute – can feel like a big gulp of science. But no area captures Indiana’s life sciences growth like nuclear medicine and radiopharmaceuticals.

Indiana leads the nation in conventional pharmaceutical exports, and at least 14 life sciences companies today are developing and manufacturing radiopharmaceuticals – propped by our state’s central location and logistics expertise. Decades of life sciences leadership are complemented by the logistics required to produce treatments and diagnostics that leave little room for shelf life. Radioactive materials degrade quickly, and each dose must reach the intended patient within 3 to 5 days from production. Indiana’s FedEx hub, the second largest in the world, is a major advantage – as is the fact Central Indiana is a 12-hour drive from approximately half the U.S.

Indiana is on the leading edge of a booming technology. Nuclear medicine is a $6 billion industry in the U.S. and is expected to triple in the next 7 years. Heartland BioWorks, designated a regional technology and innovation hub by the federal Economic Development Administration, has established BioTrain, an institute designed to prepare talent for entry-level biomanufacturing roles. BioTrain will be located at the 16 Tech Innovation District. And just north of Indianapolis, Purdue has the nation’s largest nuclear medicine pharmacy program in the country.

As demonstrated at our FrameWORX, radiopharmaceuticals are used in nuclear medicine imaging and procedures – particularly for prostate and other cancers. They are administered systemically, but their biomolecular properties cause them to localize in specific tissues. Years ago, doctor might use a sledgehammer approach to treatment – in other words, diagnose and treat a large swath of the body to address diseases that were challenging to pinpoint. Radiopharmaceuticals are more like using an arrow and bull’s eye. Precision leads to less invasiveness and more precise treatments for patients.

Researchers and business leaders from IU School of Medicine, Purdue, life sciences companies, and the patient advocacy world drove a robust discussion about the future of radiopharmaceuticals. Perhaps no one said it better than Geoff Towle, a vice president and senior general manager at Novartis. Geoff joined us from his New Jersey headquarters because his company has built a large radiopharmaceutical manufacturing plant in Indianapolis.

“This feels like reimagining medicine,” he said. “Nuclear medicine is incredibly effective and exquisitely targeted. Patients are waiting for this and that’s what we need to focus on.”

Thank you to our December FrameWORX Presenting Sponsor

New report highlights Indiana’s thriving bioscience sector, driving job growth, investment, and cutting-edge research

The latest report from BIO, “The U.S. Bioscience Economy: Driving Economic Growth and Opportunities in States and Regions,” presents a comprehensive analysis of the bioscience industry’s growing impact on the U.S. economy, with Indiana standing out as a significant contributor. Biosciences continue to be a key driver of innovation, contributing significantly to employment, economic growth, and quality of life improvements across the country. The report underscores how the bioscience sector, with its diverse subsectors including biotechnology research, biopharmaceuticals, and medical devices, plays an instrumental role in fostering regional economic development and competitiveness.

Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, Recognized as 2024 Watanabe Life Sciences Champion for Pioneering Leadership in Indiana’s Life Sciences Industry

INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 7, 2024) — BioCrossroads has named Dave Ricks, CEO of Eli Lilly and Company, as the recipient of the 2024 August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award. The prestigious honor was presented at the annual BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit, recognizing Ricks’ significant contributions to Indiana’s life sciences sector and his global impact on healthcare innovation.

Under Ricks’ visionary leadership, Lilly has strategically invested billions into research and development to tackle some of the most challenging diseases with high unmet need. This strategy and dogged commitment to innovation has propelled Lilly to the forefront of developing innovative treatments in areas such as obesity, diabetes, oncology, immunology, and neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and ALS. Lilly played a key role in bringing patients vital COVID-19 therapies. In 2024 alone, Lilly has committed over $9B in capital investments in Indiana, which will undoubtably have a transformative impact on the state for generations to come.

“We are thrilled to honor Dave Ricks with the August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award,” said Vince Wong, President and CEO of BioCrossroads. “His visionary leadership and strategic focus on innovation at Lilly have not only advanced the life sciences industry in Indiana but have also made a profound global impact on healthcare. Dave exemplifies the spirit of discovery and collaboration that this award represents.”

The August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award, presented by BioCrossroads, was established in honor of BioCrossroads’ late chairman, Dr. August “Gus” M. Watanabe, an esteemed and transformative figure in Indiana’s life sciences community.

The award 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.

Previous August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year award winners include:

Indiana For the Bold:
Transforming Indiana’s Life Sciences Sector with Vince Wong

BioCrossroads President and CEO Vince Wong was recently a guest on the Indiana for the Bold podcast, where he joined host Salena Scardina to share his journey and the impactful work happening in Indiana’s life sciences sector.

During the episode, Vince discusses his Indiana roots, educational background, and career trajectory, including leadership roles at Telamon Corporation and Roche Diagnostics. Now leading BioCrossroads, he dives into the organization’s focus on driving innovation, advancing manufacturing, developing the workforce, and fostering collaboration across the state.

He also highlights Indiana’s leadership in biotech patenting, securing NIH funding, and its emergence as a hub for GLP-1 obesity therapies. Additionally, Vince covers BioCrossroads’ new mentorship program, investments in biotech manufacturing, and Warsaw’s thriving medical and orthopedic manufacturing industry.

BioCrossroads advances Indiana’s signature strengths in the life sciences by connecting with corporate, academic and philanthropic partners; facilitating investments in promising start ups; building new enterprises; and educating through conferences, reports and market development knowledge.

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