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The Regional Tech Hubs program is a federal program created through the CHIPS+Science Act and managed by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Hubs designated under this program represent geographic-based coalitions focused on spurring innovation in key technology areas. Federal funding is available for these Hubs to foster innovation, increase domestic manufacturing, create local jobs, and drive regional economic growth. Each of these activities ultimately is meant to strengthen national security by reducing reliance on foreign providers. The Heartland BioWorks Hub focuses on stimulating Indiana’s biotechnology economy by solving critical problems and enabling innovators to create life-saving technologies. Out of nearly 400 applications, Heartland BioWorks was one of only 31 to receive designations as a Hub, and one of only 12 to receive implementation funding. This funding from EDA will help establish the Hub through 2029, and it will self-sustain beyond this point, continuing as an engine for innovation and economic growth in Indiana for decades to come.
ARI, in coordination with the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, conducted two parallel analyses of Indiana’s assets to determine what technologies would have the biggest positive economic impact on Indiana and Hoosiers, as well as position the state for a successful Regional Tech Hub application. The results of each effort reflected Indiana’s vast expertise in life sciences research (Eli Lilly, Elanco, Corteva, Roche, Indiana University, Purdue University); life sciences manufacturing (Evonik, INCOG, Genezen); advanced manufacturing and logistics more broadly. Indiana is the densest state in manufacturing per capita and has$650 billion in goods moving through it annually. With its central geography, the strength of its R1 research institutions, and a rich history in manufacturing innovation, quality control and regulation, Indiana has an opportunity to emerge as a national leader in biotechnology research and development.
In the early stages of the Hub, the focus will be on creating a robust workforce pipeline and innovation economy for biotech manufacturing. However, as the Hub grows, its scope will expand to include life sciences, medical devices, and orthopedics.
In July, ARI was awarded $51 million to begin implementing the EDA’s vision for Heartland BioWorks Hub. These funds will be deployed to establish the two chief initiatives of the Hub: BioTrain, focusing on workforce development, and BioLaunch, aimed at supporting startups and researchers through commercialization. BioTrain will develop and offer flexible, stackable credentials that equip workers for entry-level positions and upskilling curricula for current professionals. Additionally, the award will fund the construction of a training facility in the 16 Tech Innovation District in Indianapolis that will also serve as the BioWorks Headquarters. BioLaunch will provide resources to propel biotech innovators toward commercialization of their product by offering specialized support needed along the development and commercialization pathway.
BioTrain, Heartland BioWorks' workforce development initiative, addresses Indiana's projected biotech labor shortage by preparing talent for key roles and connecting historically excluded groups to quality jobs. Developed with BioCrossroads, Purdue, and Ivy Tech, BioTrain will offer flexible, stackable credentials for entry-level positions and, through EmployIndy, will recruit from targeted populations, offer support services, and facilitate smooth transitions from training to employment. Industry-recognized curricula (e.g., NIBRT) will also be offered for employers to upskill or reskill their current workforce. These trainings will be hosted at a training facility with state-of-the-art equipment that will be constructed in the 16 Tech Innovation District. Going forward, BioTrain will serve as a regional biomanufacturing workforce hub.
The lack of regional pilot and commercial scale biomanufacturing infrastructure has resulted in intellectual property (IP) either sitting on the shelf or moving overseas to available, cheaper biomanufacturing capacity. BioLaunch is the second Hub initiative and will directly address this through two programs: BioLaunch Start-Up Academy BioResource Coordination and Access Network (BioCAN) The Start-Up Academy will formalize a network of navigation resources, mentorship opportunities, and funding to help innovators successfully scale and launch their bioproducts in the region. BioCAN will coordinate the region’s strong contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) capacities and capabilities and robust pilot-scale lab network and funnel US innovators to these resources. BioCAN will also distribute grants to help early-stage innovators fund their utilization of labs and Contract Development and Manufacturing Organizations (CDMOs). Through this networked approach, BioLaunch will catalyze biotech innovation, support new and existing companies in Indiana and beyond, and accelerate the US production of innovative bioproducts.
As a member on our online platform, you will gain access to a vast network of industry players and make connections that will propel you and your organization forward as you pursue biotech innovations. If you are a…
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No! Innovators outside of Indiana are welcome to join the Hub and participate in Indiana’s robust biotech economy.
Heartland BioWorks is an ARI Pathfinder Network Community
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