INDIANAPOLIS - Indiana University has broken ground on the future home of the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences, or IU LAB, a central part of IU's commitment to position Indiana as a global hub for bioscience innovation, talent and commercialization.
The new facility in the 16 Tech Innovation District will serve as the home of a first-of-its-kind academic-industry initiative that is harnessing the power of IU's $1 billion research enterprise to strengthen Indiana's $99 billion life sciences economy.
IU leaders were joined by industry and community partners from around the state on Tuesday to break ground on the five-story, 150,000-square-foot facility, which is slated to open in 2027.
"Through initiatives like IU LAB, we are leveraging IU's world-class research enterprise and cultivating the next generation of talent to solidify Indiana as a global leader in bioscience discovery, commercialization and workforce development," IU President Pamela Whitten said. "Today's groundbreaking sends a clear signal that Indiana and IU are ready to lead the future of human health innovation."
Building on IU's historic investment to accelerate bioscience innovation, IU LAB is partnering with innovative researchers, top bioscience organizations, promising startups and industry partners in central Indiana and throughout the state to drive research and breakthroughs in five critical disease areas: diabetes and obesity, neuroscience, rare diseases, cancer, and tissue engineering and regenerative medicine.
Since its formation in December 2024, IU LAB has rapidly mobilized Indiana's biosciences ecosystem - building partnerships, launching programs and laying the foundation for long-term innovation.
- The IU Health Incubator at IU LAB is working to attract and retain new startup companies in Indiana. Powered by gener8tor's gBETA program, its pre-accelerator hosted the first cohort of five founders this summer, providing them with tailored support designed specifically for entrepreneurs.
- The Life Tech Accelerator, powered by Plug and Play and the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, will soon work with 12 startups across therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics and biotechnology to drive innovation in Indiana.
- Coordinated through IU LAB, Indiana University and Cook Medical this fall announced a new five-year Master Collaboration Agreement that brings together research expertise from all nine IU campuses and streamlines administrative processes to make collaboration among researchers and schools easier.
"Today's groundbreaking marks an important step forward for IU LAB and our shared commitment to advancing Indiana's position as a global leader in biosciences," IU LAB President and CEO David Rosenberg said. "This facility will only amplify and accelerate the incredible momentum we've built in less than a year. We are proud to collaborate alongside our partners to advance our bold vision that places Indiana as the leader for biosciences innovation and research."
IU LAB will be in the 16 Tech Innovation District next to the Herron School of Art and Design's Eskenazi Fine Arts Center on Indiana Avenue. The five-story building's design reflects its unique location embedded within the surrounding neighborhood and near the IU Indianapolis campus.
The facility will feature five interconnected spaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation across disciplines: the Academic Gateway, Futures Center, Bio Start-up Center, Public-Private Partnerships Center and Joint Center of Excellence for Point of Care Precision Medicine. Together, these centers will create dynamic opportunities for IU students, researchers, entrepreneurs and industry leaders to drive discovery, accelerate commercialization and shape the future of human health.
To support cutting-edge research, the facility will house highly advanced research cores equipped with advanced, specialized technologies and resources. These include microelectronics, sensors and imaging; basic biological enablement; artificial intelligence/machine learning and data science; advanced and sustainable chemistry; translational biomarkers; and AnalytiXIN genomics.
What they're saying:
U.S. Sen. Todd Young: "Indiana University has been at the forefront of biotechnology and life sciences for decades. Today's groundbreaking for the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences is yet another bold step forward. When this facility opens in 2027, it will be an incredible home for discovery, collaboration and innovation. But IU LAB Is not waiting for bricks and mortar to make a difference; the work has already begun. Through IU LAB, we're already seeing initiatives that improve the quality of life and strengthen our nation. As a proud IU alum myself, I couldn't be more thrilled. This project embodies the very best of IU, leading with vision, uniting talent and taking on the challenges that matter most to Hoosiers and to our entire country."
Rep. Todd Huston, speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives: "Indiana University is leading with innovation and ingenuity, aligning academic research and student opportunities with industry need to propel our state forward. This collaboration will provide robust career experiences for students, strengthen our talent pipeline and support continued growth in Indiana's thriving life sciences and biotechnology industries."
Clay Robbins, chairman and CEO, Lilly Endowment Inc.: "This groundbreaking is a time to celebrate all those whose vision and diligent efforts have resulted in reaching an important milestone for IU LAB. As a key anchor in 16 Tech, it promises to have a myriad of positive impacts on our community and state. Lilly Endowment is pleased to support it because of the exciting educational and workforce development opportunities it will offer for IU students, neighborhood residents and area youth as well as its potential to solidify Indiana's leading position in biosciences through cutting-edge research and enhanced economic development programs."
David L. Johnson, president of Regional Growth Strategies LLC, former CEO of BioCrossroads and the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership: "This is a great day, long in the making. With the arrival of IU LAB at 16 Tech, Indiana University defines its Indianapolis mission and advances this community as a national destination hub for life sciences education, innovation, collaboration and progress."
Alan Palkowitz, president and CEO, Indiana Biosciences Research Institute: "We are excited about the IU LAB building groundbreaking at 16 Tech and the promise it holds for adding capabilities and programs that will further contribute to the growth of the Indiana life sciences economy. The IBRI is looking forward to forging a strong partnership with IU LAB to advance biomedical innovation and create a transformative workforce that will deliver results for many years to come."
Emily Krueger, president and CEO, 16 Tech Innovation District: "IU LAB exemplifies what it means to take research beyond campus. By locating in 16 Tech, IU brings discovery closer to startups, industry partners and the broader community. The result will accelerate impact and improve human health."
Dennis Murphy, president and CEO, IU Health: "The IU Health Incubator at IU LAB at 16 Tech will help us transform healthcare through innovation. The research, growth and mentorship opportunities here will ensure Indiana remains a leader in human health. We fully expect the work done at IU LAB to save lives and improve health outcomes across Indiana."
Rachel Patzer, president and CEO, Regenstrief Institute: "Regenstrief Institute is honored to be a partner in IU LAB, which truly embodies the power of interdisciplinary research - where curiosity, rigor and shared purpose will converge to address today's most complex challenges. Together, we are advancing knowledge, inspiring innovation and developing solutions that matter. This partnership isn't just about discovery; it's about shaping a future defined by science, collaboration and collective vision."
Melina Kennedy, CEO, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership: "IU LAB is shaping Indiana's future with an intentional focus on investing in and expanding our life sciences ecosystem. Today's groundbreaking of IU LAB at 16 Tech signals new opportunities for collaboration and cutting-edge industry breakthroughs that will supercharge our economy and benefit humanity."
Ivan Tornos, chairman, president and CEO, Zimmer Biomet: "Zimmer Biomet's nearly century-long legacy of innovation is deeply rooted in Indiana, a state that continues to serve as a launchpad for transformative ideas across industries. The IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences reflects the continued commitment locally to fostering the next generation of healthcare breakthroughs through collaboration, research and technology. We look forward to the meaningful impact this initiative will have on the future of healthcare and the lives it touches."
Pete Yonkman, president, Cook Medical and Cook Group: "As a medical device company built on collaboration between clinicians and engineers, we understand how powerful it can be when ideas move quickly from the lab to the patient's bedside. IU LAB will help accelerate that process by connecting research, innovation and manufacturing in ways that improve lives and expand opportunities right here in Indiana."
Russell J. Mumper, vice president for research, Indiana University: "IU LAB exemplifies IU's commitment to engaging with industry on research and innovation that will have profound effects on human health. It leverages IU's vast expertise in biosciences and talented pipeline of students to translate and commercialize research that will improve the lives of Hoosiers."
Jay Hess, dean, Indiana University School of Medicine: "IU LAB is a bold step forward in our mission to advance human health through research, innovation and education. For our medical students and faculty, this facility will provide unprecedented access to interdisciplinary collaboration and cutting-edge technologies. Whether it's working alongside bioscience startups, engaging in translational research, or leveraging AI and genomics in clinical discovery, IU LAB will be a catalyst for preparing the next generation of physician-scientists and healthcare leaders."
Latha Ramchand, chancellor, Indiana University Indianapolis: "IU LAB represents a transformative opportunity for IU Indianapolis students. With its location adjacent to our campus and its focus on interdisciplinary collaboration, IU LAB will immerse our students in real-world innovation at the intersection of research, entrepreneurship and industry."
