Heartland BioWorks
Lead Agency: Applied Research Institute
State Served: Indiana
Applicant-Defined Region: Indianapolis-Carmel-Anderson MSA
Core Technology Area: biomanufacturing
Contact: John Fernandez ([email protected])
Media Contact: Lauren Gorey ([email protected])
Heartland BioWorks, led by the Applied Research Institute, aims to transform Central Indiana into a global leader in biotechnology and biomanufacturing by increasing the region’s capacity to make and deploy life-saving medicines. Leveraging the region’s research institutions, venture ecosystem, logistics infrastructure, and established pharmaceutical and biotechnology manufacturing presence, this Tech Hub will catalyze regional biotech innovation and accelerate production of innovative life-saving medicines. Heartland BioWorks seeks to strengthen the nation’s biotechnology supply chain and facilitate the rapid discovery, development, and deployment of next-generation bioproducts.
The Heartland BioWorks Tech Hub seeks to bridge and accelerate the commercialization of breakthrough technologies in human, animal, and plant biosciences.
This consortium’s proposal includes plans to:
- Attract and connect workers, including those historically excluded from the innovation workforce, to good jobs;
- Establish a formal network to provide navigation resources, mentorship, and greater access to facilities and venture capital funding to help innovators successfully scale and launch their bioproducts in the region;
- Construct BioWorks HQ—a training and demonstration facility for trainees to enter the workforce and for current employees to upskill;
- Integrate stakeholders through a governance structure to ensure a cohesive, efficient ecosystem; and
- Provide the infrastructure and human capital needed to effectively convene and coordinate Indiana’s stakeholders to provide a new, integrated collaboration model for the region’s biotech sector.
To ensure that the impacts of the Tech Hub projects benefit the entire region, the consortium is committed to establishing a BioWorks Community and Equity Advisory Board that will be comprised of representatives from underserved communities and will include reviews of programming to amplify opportunities disenfranchised groups.
This summary is based on information submitted by the applicants. If selected for funding, the final EDA-approved scope of work may differ.
Designee Narrative (PDF)