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
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.
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.
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:
Leonard Betley, retired chairman, president and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation
Dr. Richard DiMarchi, Standiford H. Cox professor of Chemistry and the Linda & Jack Gill chair in Biomolecular Sciences at Indiana University. Co-founder of Ambrx, Inc., Marcadia Biotech, Calibrium and MB2.
Dane A. Miller, founder of Biomet
Bill Cook, founder of Cook Group
Lilly Endowment, under the leadership of Chairman Thomas Lofton
Dr. Phillip Low, Ralph C. Corley distinguished professor of Chemistry and director of the Purdue Center for Drug Discovery—Biochemistry, co-founder of Endocyte and On Target Laboratories
Bill Eason, founder of Bio-Dynamics, predecessor to Roche Diagnostics
Dr. John Lechleiter, former chairman, president and CEO of Eli Lilly and Company
John Swisher, founder of JBS United
Dr. Virginia Caine, director of the Marion County Department of Public Health
Dr. Anantha Shekhar, former executive associate dean for research affairs at the IU School of Medicine
Dr. Clem McDonald, chief health data standards officer of the National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health
Dr. Harvey Feigenbaum, “Father of Echocardiography” (Echo), distinguished professor, Indiana University School of Medicine
Dr. Pete Kissinger, founder of Inotiv
Nora Doherty, former executive vice president of strategy and managing director of the Indiana Seed Funds
Dr. Bruce Lamb, executive director of the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine and co-director of the Neurosciences Institute
BioCrossroads Announces Additions and Changes to the Board of Directors
INDIANAPOLIS (September 3, 2024) – BioCrossroads, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership initiative established as a catalyst to advance, grow, and invest in Indiana’s life sciences sector, is pleased to announce seven new appointments to its Board of Directors and key elevations within its current Board members to the Executive Committee.
These strategic additions and transitions are closely aligned with BioCrossroads’ efforts to advance the ambitious statewide 10-year industry strategy it released in January, aimed at advancing research and innovation, manufacturing ecosystems, and workforce development within Indiana’s life sciences sector.
In furtherance of these strategic focus areas, BioCrossroads is pleased to announce the elevation of Cathy Langham, President and CEO of Langham Logistics, and Alan Palkowitz, PhD, President and CEO of the Indiana Bioscience Research Institute, to the Executive Committee. Langham, a Board member since April 2023, is a Sagamore of the Wabash recipient, a CICP board member, Indiana University Trustee, and community leader, bringing extensive entrepreneurship experience and community connectivity to her new role. Palkowitz, who joined the Board in 2021, brings over three decades of expertise in drug discovery and development, with extensive leadership experience at IBRI, Indiana University School of Medicine, and Eli Lilly and Company. Their elevated leadership roles will be crucial in steering BioCrossroads toward new initiatives and further strengthening Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem.
“These leadership changes are not only a reflection of our commitment to fostering growth and innovation within Indiana’s life sciences sector, but also help ensure we have the right vision and expertise as we work to fulfill our ambitious 10-year plan,” said BioCrossroads’ Board Chair Dan Peterson, VP of Industry and Government Affairs at Cook Medical. “Elevating seasoned leaders like Cathy Langham and Alan Palkowitz to our Executive Committee reinforces our capacity to drive forward initiatives that will solidify Indiana’s position as a global life sciences leader.”
In addition to these leadership elevations, BioCrossroads welcomes seven new members to its Board of Directors:
Ryan Baehl, Global Head of Operations for Labcorp Central Lab, replaces Stacey Yount on the Board. With nearly 20 years of experience in clinical research and laboratory operations, Baehl’s expertise will be crucial as BioCrossroads works toward fueling innovation within Indiana’s life sciences sector.
Dr. Matt Connell, Vice President of Healthcare at Ivy Tech, marks Ivy Tech’s first representation on the Board. Connell’s distinguished career in healthcare education and administration has been instrumental in shaping programs that align educational outcomes with industry needs, which will be helpful in guiding BioCrossroads’ emerging talent and workforce development initiatives.
Dr. Daniel Golden, Vice President and Global Head of Research, Discovery, and Breakthrough Innovation at Elanco Animal Health, joins the Board, succeeding Marcela Kirberger. Golden’s leadership in scientific discovery and innovation at Elanco will support BioCrossroads’ efforts to advance research initiatives in Indiana.
Dr. David Ingram, IU Health’s System Chief Medical Executive, succeeds Ron Stiver on the Board. Ingram’s vast experience in research and clinical leadership and his commitment to improving healthcare delivery will provide invaluable insights as BioCrossroads continues its mission to enhance Indiana’s life sciences industry.
Jim Lancaster, President of Recon and Global Headquarters Executive Director for Zimmer Biomet, brings decades of leadership in the orthopedics industry, including significant experience at Zimmer Biomet. Lancaster’s deep understanding of the medical device sector will be instrumental in aligning BioCrossroads’ efforts with the needs of this critical industry.
Cory Lewis, President and CEO of INCOG BioPharma Services, joins the Board with extensive experience in pharmaceutical manufacturing and entrepreneurship. Lewis’ expertise will be crucial as BioCrossroads works to expand life sciences manufacturing and foster entrepreneurship in the state.
Ron Penczek, Chief Accounting Officer at Elevance Health, succeeds Bryony Winn as Elevance Health’s representative on the Board. With over 20 years of executive leadership at one of the nation’s largest payor organizations, Penczek will bring valuable strategic insights and functional expertise to BioCrossroads, as the organization seeks to advance Indiana’s life sciences sector.
“As we welcome these new industry leaders to our Executive Committee and Board, we extend our deepest gratitude to the departing members whose contributions have been instrumental in our success,” said BioCrossroads’ President and CEO, Vince Wong. “Each new board member brings expertise that complements our strategic goals, enhancing our capacity to foster innovation, expand life sciences manufacturing, nurture workforce development, and elevate Indiana’s profile as a leader in life sciences. Ultimately, these efforts are focused to drive economic growth and maximize Indiana’s enormous potential to make a positive impact on human health. Their diverse experiences and insights will play a critical role in furthering our objectives and contributing to the sector’s overall success.”
BioCrossroads Announces the 2024 Indiana Life Sciences Summit, “Transforming Healthcare: Indiana’s Role in Revolutionizing Diabetes and Obesity Management”
INDIANAPOLIS (July 15, 2024) – BioCrossroads is excited to announce the annual Indiana Life Sciences Summit, scheduled for November 7, 2024, at the Biltwell Event Center in Indianapolis. The Summit will focus on “Transforming Healthcare: Indiana’s Role in Revolutionizing Diabetes and Obesity Management,” highlighting Indiana’s significant impact on healthcare, particularly in the development of GLP-1 therapies, which are revolutionizing diabetes and obesity care, and the opportunities that lie ahead for continued advancement of future therapies. GLP-1 therapies, developed and delivered through the relentless efforts of Indiana’s researchers and companies, have emerged as vital tools in managing obesity and diabetes, offering new hope to millions worldwide.
Nationwide, more than 38 million[1] Americans are living with diabetes, with obesity being linked to as many as 53 percent of new cases of type 2 diabetes each year.[2] In Indiana, more than 12% of the adult population is living with diabetes, with an estimated 31,200 more adults expected to be diagnosed every year,[3] and Indiana’s obesity rate is higher than the national average and has been increasing steadily over the past 20 years. As of 2021, 36.3 percent, more than two-thirds of adults in Indiana were obese and 33.3% were overweight. This places Indiana 12th in the nation for obesity[4]—making the demand for effective solutions even more critical.
“Indiana’s contributions to GLP-1 therapies are also setting new standards in the global fight against obesity and metabolic diseases,” said Vince Wong, CEO of BioCrossroads. “The 2024 Indiana Life Sciences Summit is a compelling platform to highlight the pivotal role Indiana has played in bringing transformative innovation to address some of the most challenging unmet needs in healthcare and to gain insights into future developments that will benefit patients, not only in Indiana, but throughout the world. By bringing together industry leaders, researchers, and patients, we aim to foster collaboration and inspire further breakthroughs in diabetes and obesity care.”
A highlight of the event will be the presentation of the prestigious August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award, honoring exceptional contributions to life sciences in Indiana. Named in memory of Dr. August “Gus” Watanabe, a visionary in the industry, this award recognizes outstanding achievements and significant contributions in life sciences.
Secure your front row seat for this impactful discussion. Register now and join BioCrossroads at the 2024 Indiana Life Sciences Summit. For more information and to register, please visit BioCrossroads.
Transforming Healthcare, Indiana’s Role in Revolutionizing Diabetes and Obesity Management
Save the Date: November 7, 2024 Location: Biltwell Event Center, Indianapolis Time: 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM
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.
In a pivotal moment for Indiana’s life sciences sector, Vince will play a crucial role in championing the newly released life sciences industry strategy.
INDIANAPOLIS, [January 31, 2024] — Following a thorough national search, BioCrossroads, a catalyst for Indiana’s life sciences sector, today announced the appointment of Vince Wong as its new president and CEO. An esteemed leader with a rich background in healthcare and life sciences, Vince takes the helm at BioCrossroads ready to harness his vast expertise to elevate the organization’s impact on Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem.
Vince most recently served as chief commercial officer at Geneoscopy, a venture-backed company focused on developing RNA-based gastrointestinal diagnostics. At Geneoscopy, Vince oversaw business development, governmental affairs, market access, marketing, sales, and communications, and helped secure over $100M in venture financing. Prior to that role, he had an impressive 18-year tenure at Roche Diagnostics, serving in senior leadership roles—most recently as vice president of sales, point of care diagnostics. Vince also serves as Executive in Residence at IU Ventures and a board director of both public and private life science companies.
“The life sciences sector is a vital, growing cornerstone of Indiana’s economy and the opportunity to lead BioCrossroads is an incredible honor,” Vince said. “I am eager to collaborate with our team, our partners, and the wider life sciences community to enhance our ability to develop and manufacture innovative treatments and interventions for people not just in Indiana, but on a global scale.”
A proud native Hoosier, Vince has been an active community leader, having served on numerous boards of directors, including the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Dance Kaleidoscope, Asian American Alliance, Inc., the Indianapolis Chamber of Commerce, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art. Vince was one of the Indianapolis Business Journal’s 2001 Forty Under 40 honorees.
Vince earned his BA from the University of Notre Dame, his law degree from Indiana University School of Law, Bloomington, and MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.
“Vince embodies the leadership qualities and extensive life sciences experience that are quintessential for the role of CEO at BioCrossroads,” said Dan Peterson, chair of the BioCrossroads Board of Directors. “His commitment to leveraging innovation for the greater good aligns seamlessly with our objectives and strategy and we are enthusiastic about his ability to lead our life sciences sector.”
Indiana is home to more than 2,700 life sciences firms that employ 64,000 workers. The sector produces $77 billion annually in economic impact, and Indiana ranks third in the U.S. in life sciences exports with $13 billion in 2022 alone. As Vince steps into his new role, he is poised to leverage Indiana’s robust life sciences ecosystem to help guide the industry’s strategic vision.
“Building upon the state’s life sciences landscape, BioCrossroads remains committed to supporting the sector’s continued growth and innovation, resulting in products, businesses, and collaborations that directly enhance the quality of health and well-being across Indiana,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership. “With Vince’s leadership, BioCrossroads will extend its track record of fostering a vibrant ecosystem centered on groundbreaking research and development, enhanced manufacturing capabilities, and expanded workforce opportunities.”
BioCrossroads’ work will be especially focused in areas where Indiana possesses unique strengths, like metabolic disorders, diabetes, radiopharmaceuticals, orthopedics, oncology, and neurodegenerative diseases, including Alzheimer’s.
“We’re poised to strengthen Indiana’s position in the life sciences sector significantly,” Vince said. “By bolstering our state’s innovation assets, supply chain, reshoring manufacturing capabilities, and leveraging our competitive environment and incentives, we aim to attract and retain top talent. It’s about creating a cohesive ecosystem where innovation, research, and community well-being are interlinked and mutually reinforcing.”
Vince officially joined BioCrossroads today, January 31, becoming the fourth leader in the organization’s history.
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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 https://biocrossroads.com/.
Vince Wong Biography
Vince Wong brings significant valuable multi-national and start-up company experience to BioCrossroads. Vince, who became CEO on January 31, 2024, most recently was chief commercial officer at Geneoscopy, a venture-backed start-up company focused on developing gastrointestinal diagnostics. His responsibilities included business development, government affairs, market access, sales, marketing, and communications. He also helped raise over $100M in venture capital. Vince serves as a director on the board of Bionano Genomics (Nasdaq: BNGO) and Executive in Residence with IU Ventures. Prior to Geneoscopy, Vince enjoyed an 18-year career at Roche Diagnostics, where he held senior leadership roles in several functions across various disease areas. A native Hoosier, Vince has deep Indiana roots and served on the boards of numerous civic and arts organizations, including the International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Dance Kaleidoscope, the Indy Chamber, Asian American Alliance, and the Indianapolis Museum of Art and was recognized as 40 Under Forty by the Indianapolis Business Journal. He earned a BA in economics and government from the University of Notre Dame, a JD from Indiana University’s Maurer School of Law, and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management. Vince Wong on LinkedIn
Jane Dunigan-Smith, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer, BioCrossroads
In today’s rapidly advancing world, Indiana stands at the forefront of innovation and economic development in the life sciences sector.
Contributing $77 billion in economic impact statewide and employing 64,000 Hoosiers who have made incredible achievements, the sector’s performance is a testament to the collaborative efforts that have established Indiana as a global leader in life sciences. The state now leads the nation in pharmaceutical exports and ranks third nationally in overall life sciences exports, totaling $13 billion in 2022 alone.
As technology continues to revolutionize the industry, we have taken significant steps to reassess Indiana’s life sciences sector strategies. This involves understanding the needs of our research institutions, industry enterprises, and other stakeholders. Our responsibility is to adapt and align our focus to meet these evolving demands, through four key areas:
Fostering research and development and innovation
Enhancing the state’s life sciences manufacturing ecosystem
Boosting Indiana’s life sciences talent and workforce
Supporting connections and outreach across the sector
Understanding Growth Dynamics:
Indiana is not just participating in the global life sciences landscape; we are setting the pace. Our sector, substantial and well-established, is evolving into a powerhouse that defines industry standards and shapes the future of global healthcare and biotechnology. It’s our continuous pursuit of excellence and innovation that propels us beyond traditional growth, transforming every challenge into a strategic opportunity to showcase our leadership. Our focus is to continue cultivating a thriving ecosystem by enhancing our solid sector foundations and embracing forward-thinking strategies that place us at the forefront of a dynamic and ever-expanding industry.
Commitment to Continuous Growth:
Our goal is not just to sustain but to accelerate growth. The life sciences sector has shown remarkable resilience and adaptability, demonstrated by a 14% increase in job growth from 2018 to 2022. We aim to build upon this momentum, ensuring that our life sciences industries remain vital contributors to Indiana’s economic health.
Connecting the Dots:
Our assessment indicates that Indiana has all the necessary components for success. The focus on workforce development, highlighted in the Governor’s 2024 agenda, aims to create a skilled workforce vital for attracting new operations and improving our capabilities, benefiting our communities. By improving training and fostering education-industry partnerships, we can help cultivate careers to advance the sector.
The Road Ahead:
Embracing the changes brought about by evolving workforce demands and advancing technology, this strategy acts as a roadmap, guiding us toward achieving our ambitious goals. We believe in the power of collaboration and are committed to leveraging our strong partnerships and innovative tools to make these goals a reality.
Indiana’s life sciences sector is key to our economic success. The pharmaceutical industry, a leader in research, development, manufacturing, and distribution, boosts our economy and provides quality job opportunities. Currently second in U.S. pharmaceutical manufacturing as measured by GDP contribution per capita, Indiana aims to become number one, backed by our capabilities, innovative tools, and skilled workforce.
The medical devices sector, adding $3.8 billion, drives innovation and job creation, supporting startups and established companies. By establishing strategic manufacturing hubs, we aim to strengthen domestic manufacturing and create even more quality jobs.
As senior vice president and chief strategy officer at BioCrossroads, I’ve seen the significant impact of these industries on Indiana’s economy and health landscape. Indiana’s life sciences sector reflects our state’s innovation and resilience, and we can continue to lead in this vital field. This strategy was developed in partnership with a diverse range of industry stakeholders, and a continued, unified effort will be key to shaping a future where life sciences remain central to our state’s economic and social wellbeing.
INDIANAPOLIS (Nov. 9, 2023) — The BioCrossroads Board of Directors today named Bruce T. Lamb, PhD, as the recipient of the 2023 August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year Award. Lamb is the executive director of the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine and co-director of the Neurosciences Institute, a partnership between Indiana University Health and IU School of Medicine.
The prestigious honor, named in tribute to BioCrossroads’ late Chairman August Watanabe, was given to Lamb at today’s Indiana Life Sciences Summit in recognition of his globally significant research into the causes of and potential treatments for Alzheimer’s disease as well as his many years of advocacy to increase research funding and raise awareness for challenges the disease brings to families and caregivers.
“As we were planning our 2023 Life Sciences Summit, which focuses on Indiana’s globally significant work related to Alzheimer’s disease, one name kept coming up as the catalyst or force behind much of the progress being made: Dr. Bruce Lamb,” said Dan Peterson, chair of the BioCrossroads Board of Directors. “It was clear who had earned our annual Watanabe award.”
More than 6 million Americans 65 and older have Alzheimer’s disease, and the number of Hoosiers with Alzheimer’s is expected to increase 18 percent between 2020 and 2025. Several Indiana researchers and thought leaders are on the forefront of the battle to find a cure for people living with Alzheimer’s, as well as to support those who care for them. The Summit brought dozens of leaders, including Lamb, together to discuss how work being done in Indiana is contributing significantly to progress in both areas.
Lamb, an IU Distinguished Professor, oversees Stark Neurosciences Research Institute, a collaborative team of more than 100 faculty investigators from IU with a collective $75 million in funding from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) in nine research interest groups—addiction, neurodegenerative disorders, neurodevelopment, advanced imaging, ocular neurobiology, pain, psychiatric disorders, spinal cord and brain injury, and stem cell research. In 2010, when funding for Alzheimer’s research was challenging, he and the Alzheimer’s Association recruited 60 Alzheimer’s researchers from across the country to participate in a relay-style bicycle ride spanning 4,500 miles from San Francisco to Capitol Hill. Along the way, they collected 110,000 signatures from Americans who wanted to see more research funding for Alzheimer’s disease. Since that time, federal funding for Alzheimer’s research has increased more than 700 percent.
Among Lamb’s achievements:
Overseeing the growth and development of the Alzheimer’s disease research program at the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute at Indiana University School of Medicine that since Lamb’s arrival in 2016 has grown from approximately $15 million to greater than $70 million today. In 2021, the school received the fourth most funding in the United States from the National Institute on Aging (NIA), the largest branch for Alzheimer’s disease research within the NIH.
Leading the Model Organism Development and Evaluation for Late-onset Alzheimer’s Disease (MODEL-AD) Consortium, which received a five-year, $48.8 million grant renewal from the NIA to research treatments for Alzheimer’s disease. The latest funding is a renewal of the original grant program worth $35.8 million. This funding established a unique collaboration between the IU School of Medicine, Jackson Laboratory in Bar Harbor, Maine, the University of Pittsburgh and Sage Bionetworks to develop mouse models with genetic mutations similar to those responsible for Alzheimer’s disease in humans and to perform pre-clinical testing with promising therapeutics.
Collaborating with researchers from Purdue University to lead the Target Enablement to Accelerate Therapy Development for Alzheimer’s Disease (TREAT-AD) drug discovery center, which is funded by a five-year, $36 million grant from the NIA to discover new therapeutic targets and drugs for Alzheimer’s disease and accelerate development of new treatments.
Together with Alan Palkowitz and Tim Richardson of the TREAT-AD Center and Derek Small of Luson Bioventures, launched the Indiana biotechnology company Monument Biosciences, which seeks to leverage exciting discoveries from the TREAT-AD Center and the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute into new therapeutic targets for Alzheimer’s disease.
Leading a recent groundbreaking, collaborative study that shed new light on the genetic underpinnings of Alzheimer’s disease. The study’s paramount importance explains the critical role of microglial immune responses and their potential to impact disease risk, positively or negatively. This discovery promises to reshape the understanding of Alzheimer’s disease and carve a path toward targeted therapeutics.
Lamb began his professional career at Case Western Reserve University and also served at the Cleveland Clinic. He joined IU School of Medicine as executive director of the Stark Neurosciences Research Institute in 2016. His laboratory works on basic and translational science of Alzheimer’s disease, with a focus on animal models of Alzheimer’s disease, discovery of new therapeutic targets, the role of immune pathways in the development and progression of Alzheimer’s disease, and the role of traumatic brain injury as an environmental modifier for the development of Alzheimer’s pathologies. In 2020, Lamb became co-director of the IU School of Medicine-IU Health Neuroscience Institute, which combines clinical care, research and education across all areas of neuroscience.
Lamb is actively involved in advocacy for increased research funding for the disease and has received multiple honors including the National Civic Award and the Zaven Khachaturian Lifetime Achievement Award from the Alzheimer’s Association. He is also a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He serves on the Alzheimer’s Association Board of Directors and chairs the organization’s Medical and Scientific Advisory Group, while also serving on the Indiana chapter board.
Lamb received his bachelor’s degree from Swarthmore College and his PhD from the University of Pennsylvania prior to a post-doctoral fellowship at Johns Hopkins University.
Read about previous August M. Watanabe Life Sciences Champion of the Year award winners here.
About BioCrossroads: BioCrossroads, is the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership’s (CICP) initiative to grow, advance and invest in the life sciences. It is a public-private collaboration that supports the region’s existing research and corporate strengths while encouraging new business development. BioCrossroads invests capital and provides support to life sciences businesses, launches new life sciences enterprises (including the Indiana Health Information Exchange, OrthoWorx and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute,) expands collaboration and partnerships among Indiana’s life science institutions, promotes science education and markets Indiana’s life sciences industry.
