About

Strengthening Indiana’s life sciences ecosystem

In collaboration with some of the state’s key bioscience organizations—including IU, IU School of Medicine, 16 Tech, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, BioCrossroads, Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Regenstrief Institute and IU Health—IU LAB drives advancements and commercialization while developing talent to support this dynamic sector.

Initially, IU LAB focuses on research and innovation in five critical disease areas relating to diabetes and obesity, neuroscience, rare diseases, cancer, and bone engineering and regenerative medicine.

IU LAB also serves as an access point for residents of 16 Tech’s neighboring communities to learn more about careers in biosciences industries. The initiative provides opportunities for youth to participate in educational programs and learn how to enroll in related degree programs, and participates in 16 Tech’s Community Investment Fund, which provides grants to support opportunity and revitalization of neighborhoods near the 16 Tech Innovation District.

Our mission

Strengthen Indiana’s life science ecosystem and create the front door to bioscience breakthroughs across IU.
Accelerate the commercialization of innovative solutions.
Spur collaboration across IU and industry in critical areas, including devices, Alzheimer’s disease and diabetes.
Cultivate the next generation of bioscience leaders and entrepreneurs across IU and at 16 Tech.

IU's signature life science innovation initiative, positioned at the intersection of bioscience + technology, driving innovation and commercialization of research and training the next generation of life science leaders.

Research Cores

Microelectronics, Sensors & Imaging

AI/ML & Data Science

Basic Biology Enablement

Advanced and Sustainable Chemistry

Translational Biomarker

AnalytiXIN Genomics

Academic Gateway

Multi-disciplinary Biotech Education

Futures Center: Exploration & Discovery

Credentialing & Upskilling

Entrepreneurship & Innovation

Accelerator Programming

Bio Start-up Center Incubation

Entrepreneurship Hub

Industry Partnerships

All Services Agreements

Interdisciplinary Research

Economic Impact

IU Lab @16 Tech: Five interconnected components

1. Academic Gateway

Education & Credentialing

New degree programs and advanced courses and credentials for students and current professionals will address Indiana’s workforce needs, attracting new business to the state.

2. Futures Center

Exploration & Discovery

Hands-on learning experiences with practical applications of technologies, augmented and virtual reality, and exploration of real-world problems in fields such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, biomedical engineering, robotics, and sports and human performance.

3. Bio Start-up Center

Incubation & Commercialization

Training, incubation, and networking support for IU entrepreneurs launching new companies, products, and services.
The Life Tech Accelerator program will recruit and retain new health and medical technology companies for Indiana and provide support to accelerate the growth of new companies.

4. Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Center

Partnerships & Innovation

A space for local, state, and national collaborations between faculty and industry representatives to pursue novel inquiries, commercialize new products, and facilitate industry engagement with researchers and students.

5. Joint Center of Excellence

Precision Medicine & Benchmarks

Advancing collaborative research between IU, the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, IU Health, Eli Lilly and Company, the Central Indiana Partnership, and other partners.
A focus on new technologies, genomics, and translational biomarkers will drive the growth of precision medicine in the state and beyond.

What our leaders and Indiana partners are saying

U.S. Sen. Todd Young: “IU LAB meets critical industry needs related to developing the next generation of talent, completing groundbreaking research and nurturing life science innovations from bench to bedside. Its facilitation of industry and academic partnerships, preparation of students and professionals, and collection of state-of-the-art equipment will accelerate growth of life and bioscience in the state and ultimately transform lives and human health.”

Rep. Todd Huston, speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives: “As we think about growing the talent pipeline in the state, I’m encouraged to see Indiana University and industry partners coming together to provide world-class opportunities for our students. IU LAB will help expose graduates to innovative career paths within our state and keep more of our college talent in Indiana.”

Matt Mindrum, president and CEO of Indy Chamber: “IU LAB will harness the power of partnership among leaders in education, industry and community to further position Indianapolis as a center of world-class research, entrepreneurship and innovation. With its dedicated focus on furthering the city’s biosciences infrastructure, launching new companies and connecting talent with business needs, this exciting new initiative will accelerate our shared mission to ensure that we have the tools and environment in place to facilitate the growth of strong, sustainable businesses.”

Melina Kennedy, CEO of Central Indiana Corporate Partnership: “IU LAB will open a new chapter in the strategic investment into biosciences by CICP, IU and key partners in 16 Tech. As we position our regional economy for the future, IU LAB will be at the core of an approach that distinguishes Central Indiana as a global leader in human health.”

Emily Krueger, president and CEO of 16 Tech Community Corp.: “The launch of IU LAB marks a significant step forward for life and bioscience innovation in the 16 Tech Innovation District. IU LAB builds on existing resources and partnerships in 16 Tech, making it the epicenter for innovators and industry seeking to advance human health. IU LAB will also help build awareness of the careers of the future and be a valuable resource in meeting the education and workforce needs of local residents.”

Dennis Murphy, president and CEO of IU Health: “Indiana has long been a leader in driving life and bioscience innovation that improves lives. At IU LAB, we will bring together the extensive knowledge and expertise of IU Health, IU and all our partners to pursue discovery and innovation that will improve health outcomes for all Hoosiers.”

Alan Palkowitz, president and CEO of Indiana Biosciences Research Institute: “IU LAB is a bold initiative and exciting expansion of IBRI’s ongoing collaboration with IU to advance scientific research and improve patient care outcomes in Indiana. We look forward to working with our partners and those in the state’s life and biosciences industry to translate innovative discoveries into patient impact and to accelerate the life sciences economy.”

Rachel Patzer, president and CEO of Regenstrief Institute: “IU LAB will play a critical role in advancing life and biosciences innovation to address our state’s most critical health challenges. Through its efforts to translate research into practice, this partnership will lead to better health outcomes and improved health care across Indiana.”

Vince Wong, president and CEO of BioCrossroads: “IU LAB will be vital to a larger statewide vision and strategy for life and biosciences, especially those identified in ‘A Strategic Roadmap for Advancing Indiana’s Life Science Industries,’ which BioCrossroads released earlier this year. Given its intentional alignment with the Strategic Roadmap’s key recommendations, IU LAB is well-positioned to help achieve its overall vision that, by 2033, ‘Indiana will be known as the global leader in the life science industry — the place that advances innovations into products and improves health and well-being.’”

Quinn Buckner, IU Board of Trustees chair: “IU LAB represents Indiana University at its finest. It combines our history of excellence in research and innovation with our collaborative spirit. It expands our commitment to make the Indianapolis region a global leader in biosciences. It demonstrates how our institution can effectively serve the community and the state. IU LAB is just the latest achievement along Indiana University’s winning streak.”

Latha Ramchand, executive vice president and chancellor of IU Indianapolis: “Lilly Endowment Inc.’s transformative grant is a defining moment for IU Indianapolis. As our campus continues to lead in biosciences and health research, this funding will help strengthen our infrastructure and spark new collaborations for students and faculty alike.”

Rahul Shrivastav, executive vice president and provost of IU Bloomington: “This significant investment from Lilly Endowment Inc. recognizes the important role IU Bloomington plays in advancing life sciences and health research. Through initiatives like IU LAB, we’re not only enhancing our research capabilities, but also creating new opportunities for our students and faculty to be at the forefront of innovation and discovery.”

Russell J. Mumper, IU vice president for research: “We’re excited for IU LAB to serve as the academic anchor to 16 Tech and grow its collaborative ecosystem through student and professional training, corporate engagement, entrepreneurship and research. Faculty and researchers will have new opportunities to work with key industry partners in advancing the critical biosciences sector through translational research, patent discoveries and commercialization of new products.”

Phaedra Corso, IU associate vice president for research and vice chancellor for research in Indianapolis: “IU LAB will leverage the expansive strengths of the Convergent Bioscience and Technology Institute, the Integrated Nanosystems Development Institute and the Institute for Human Health and Wellbeing and offer opportunities for IU researchers across campuses to engage in impactful research that will improve human health. In partnership with the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering, the institutes will inspire and inform high-demand degrees, certificates and microcredential programs, supporting talent development in Indiana’s growing life and biosciences industry.”

Jay Hess, Dean, IU School of Medicine and executive vice president for university clinical affairs: “The IU School of Medicine is proud to partner in the launch of IU LAB. We are committed to being a leader in translating our cutting-edge innovation and research to improve patient outcomes through advanced clinical trials, entrepreneurship and commercialization. The school has long had fruitful collaborations with the key partners and is thrilled that IU LAB will be a force to accelerate our collective progress.”