INDIANAPOLIS, (Oct. 29, 2020) — BioCrossroads announced today that the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation has made a grant of $1.35 million to the organization to continue to advance the strength and opportunities of several collaborative and educational initiatives within Indiana’s life sciences sector. The Fairbanks Foundation is an Indianapolis-based, independent, private foundation focused on the education, health and the vitality of the Indianapolis community.

“The life sciences sector is a key driver of Indiana’s economy, accounting for 20% of the state’s GDP. BioCrossroads plays a critical role helping to create an environment in which this sector can flourish,” said Claire Fiddian-Green, president and CEO of the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation. “We are pleased to provide continued support for the organization and its key initiatives.”

The two-year grant enables BioCrossroads to continue to advance Indiana’s vitality in the life sciences via research and education initiatives; engagement with partners on the convergence of life sciences and data sciences; and collaboration with the Indiana Clinical and Translational Sciences Institute (I-CTSI), university technology transfer offices, university-based start-ups, and other research institution-oriented projects and programs.

In addition, BioCrossroads has significant ongoing efforts supported by the grant including, working with 16 Tech and the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) and focusing on talent via the life sciences AXIS mentor network and 16 Tech neighborhood STEM programs.

“2020 has certainly increased the awareness and importance of the life sciences,” said Patty Martin, president and CEO of BioCrossroads. “We are so grateful that the Fairbanks Foundation is supporting us to continue our mission to catalyze the ongoing growth of Indiana’s robust and innovative life sciences sector—a sector that supports and benefits Central Indiana’s workforce, economy, and health in substantive and lasting ways.”

About the Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation

The Richard M. Fairbanks Foundation strives to advance the vitality of Indianapolis and the well-being of its people by addressing the city’s most significant challenges and opportunities. The Foundation is focused on three focus areas: education, health and the vitality of Indianapolis. To advance its work, the Foundation implements a three-pronged approach: strategic grantmaking, evidence-based advocacy, and cross-sector collaborations and convenings.

About BioCrossroads

BioCrossroads (www.biocrossroads.com) is Indiana’s initiative to grow, advance and invest in the life sciences, a public-private collaboration that supports the region’s existing research and corporate strengths while encouraging new business development. BioCrossroads provides money and support to life sciences businesses, launches new life sciences enterprises (Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Indiana Health Information Exchange, Fairbanks Institute for Healthy Communities, BioCrossroadsLINX, OrthoWorx and Datalys Center), expands collaboration and partnerships among Indiana’s life science institutions, promotes science education and markets Indiana’s life sciences industry.