Indiana bets big on bioscience, defense, and Alzheimer's innovation

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Indiana’s top life sciences leaders gather in downtown Indianapolis to advance plans for the One Health Innovation District. Anchored by Elanco’s new global headquarters, the district aims to position Indiana as a global hub for human, animal, and plant health, backed by Purdue, IU, Eli Lilly, and Corteva. Plus: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth visits Fort Wayne as Northeast Indiana reaffirms its place in the U.S. defense ecosystem with $2.5 billion in contracts and a strong engineering workforce. Roche Diagnostics unveils the world’s first Alzheimer’s blood test designed for primary care—developed in Indianapolis and capable of detecting the disease through a standard blood draw. Also in this episode: Convenience store giants like Buc-ee’s and Wally’s target Indiana with $30M+ travel center investments Beck’s Hybrids CEO Sonny Beck helps bring a U.S. Customs office to Zionsville’s executive airport Indiana water infrastructure sees $200M+ in upgrades across Winchester, Anderson, and Newburgh Union Health and Terre Haute Regional merge under state-approved oversight Lafayette launches “Local” retail concept to boost small business startups New STEM programs and mental health initiatives expand across IU, UE, and Riley Children’s Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com. 00:00 Indiana's Bioscience Boom & Industry Collaboration 02:00 The OneHealth Innovation District Vision 04:30 Uniting Indiana's Life Sciences Leaders 07:00 History and Impact of Indiana's Science Powerhouses 10:00 Building an Ecosystem for Innovation 12:00 Solving Global Health Challenges from Indiana 13:00 Federal Shutdown Fallout for Indiana Travel 15:00 Defense & Manufacturing Leadership in Northeast Indiana 18:30 Community News: Water, Mergers & Local Innovation 20:00 Alzheimer's Innovation: World-First Blood Test in Indiana 22:00 Boosting STEM & Mental Health Education 24:00 Travel Center Wars: Major Brands Invade Indiana 26:00 Big Investments & New Concepts in Convenience Stores 28:00 Inside Indiana Business Wrap-Up & IBJ Media App Launch

In this week’s Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Indiana powers into a new energy era as FANCO announces plans for a $4 billion headquarters and manufacturing hub, potentially creating 5,000 high-skilled jobs. The Richland, Washington-based company’s nuclear park could make Indiana the nation’s leader in small modular reactor technology and advanced fuel recycling. Plus: Purdue and BWX Technologies launch a new partnership on next-generation nuclear manufacturing, and AES Indiana explores adding small modular reactors in Martinsville and Petersburg. Indiana business leaders head to Berlin as the Colts play the first-ever NFL regular season game in Germany—leveraging global attention to strengthen the state’s $4 billion trade relationship with Europe’s largest economy. Back home, Dana, Indiana, honors one of its most famous sons—World War II correspondent Ernie Pyle—with a new park and statue, celebrating his enduring legacy and bringing new visitors to the small Vermillion County town. Also: NiSource unveils a $7 billion plan to support Indiana’s growing data center industry ReElement Technologies secures a $1.4 billion defense contract to expand rare earth magnet production Eli Lilly announces a new $3 billion manufacturing site in the Netherlands Deaconess Health leads with equity in care through new haircare training for hospital staff Franciscan Health debuts a state-of-the-art simulation training lab in Greenwood Dean’s Steakhouse opens at the JW Marriott, honoring entrepreneur Dean White Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com. 00:00 Show Intro & Top Stories Preview 01:17 Indiana's Big Nuclear Investment 04:06 What the Nuclear Project Means for Indiana 05:27 Purdue Energy Summit & Nuclear Developments 06:35 Business in Berlin: Colts Game & Indiana-Germany Ties 09:39 Noblesville Boom Basketball Team & Arena Launch 10:48 Business Headlines Around Indiana 14:09 Eli Lilly and Deaconess Health Expansion 16:01 Healthcare Innovation & Equity in Indiana 20:07 Education Updates from Indiana Universities 21:35 Remembering Ernie Pyle: Dana's Local WWII Hero 24:12 Ernie Pyle's Legacy & Dana's Economic Revival 28:03 Closing Thoughts & Honoring Veterans 29:03 Show Wrap Up & IBJ Media App Announcement

On this week’s Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Indiana sets its sights on becoming a national leader in nuclear energy with small modular reactors (SMRs) at the center of its long-term strategy. We preview Purdue’s global summit on nuclear innovation and explore how the technology could bring high-paying jobs and long-term investment to Hoosier communities. Plus: IU athletic director Scott Dolson shares why the school locked in Coach Curt Cignetti with a $92 million deal, how football success is impacting revenue, and the future of NIL in the Big Ten. In Hancock County, Arrive AI debuts autonomous hospital delivery tech that cuts nurse travel time—marking a world first. Meanwhile, serial entrepreneur Dr. Don Brown rolls out BioScope AI, a genomic dashboard to revolutionize patient care. Also: The Indiana economy’s 2026 outlook from the IU Kelley School Saab’s West Lafayette Red Hawk fuselage production impresses Boeing National FFA Convention commits to Indianapolis through 2040 Haunted house legend Nightmare on Edgewood announces its final season Kyle Cummins makes USAC history with a national sprint car championship Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com.

In this week’s Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, the Innovate Indiana Series heads to Bloomington, where a $70 million convention center expansion and the Hopewell housing project mark the city’s transformation. Mayor Kerry Thomson shares her vision for live-work-play development and how Indiana University and Crane are fueling tech-driven growth. Plus: IU football’s breakout season brings national attention and a multimillion-dollar economic impact to Bloomington. President Pam Whitten and AD Scott Dolson weigh in on campus buzz, NIL, and a $92 million coaching deal. Cook Medical and Siemens Healthineers partner on the first MRI suite built for interventional care—an industry-changing move for U.S. hospitals. At The Mill in Bloomington’s Trades District, AI startup InfoSentience is reshaping sports content with deals from CBS Sports and MaxPreps. Walmart teams with Vincennes University to create a new workforce pipeline in HVAC and facilities tech. And a look at HarperCollins' $300 million investment in Brownsburg, Caterpillar's workforce training initiative. Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com. 00:00 Welcome to Bloomington: Big Developments 00:44 Bloomington’s Economic Evolution 01:44 IU’s Impact & Technology Cluster 02:00 Talking Growth with Mayor Carrie Thompson 03:16 Convention Center Expansion & Community Plans 04:13 Innovative Housing: Hopewell Project 05:51 Bloomington’s Shift to Tech & Innovation 06:09 Stadium District: A New Vision for Growth 07:00 IU Football: Driving Business & Community 09:01 IU’s Rise and Statewide Impact 10:13 Bioscience Hub: IU Lab and Beyond 10:54 Economics of Football Success: Big Ten Insights 11:52 Football’s Ripple Effect in Bloomington 12:57 Changing Face of College Sports Law 13:17 News Roundup: Expansions & Jobs Across Indiana 14:44 Healthcare Innovation: Cook Medical & Siemens 17:31 Indiana's Healthcare and Workforce Updates 18:44 Startup Spotlight: The Mill and Innovation District 25:13 AI Startups & The Future of Tech in Bloomington 27:05 What’s Next for the Trades District 27:18 Wrapping Up from Bloomington & Series Outro

In this week’s Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, South Bend and Elkhart step into the spotlight as part of the Innovate Indiana Series, with more than $1 billion in investment reshaping downtown South Bend, New Carlisle, and beyond. Mayor James Mueller and President and Chief Executive Officer at the South Bend – Elkhart Regional Partnership Bethany Hartley outline the region’s momentum in talent, tech, and quality of place. Plus: Kem Krest’s CEO explains how the Elkhart-based supply chain firm is saving hundreds of thousands in health care costs by cutting out the insurance middleman. Reid Health expands its direct-to-employer care model to Carmel, partnering with Beacon Health to open an on-site clinic and reduce premiums. From brisket grilled cheese to dessert chicken and waffles, Yelp’s Brittany Smith highlights Indiana’s top family-friendly restaurants in this month’s Trendiana. Hillrom’s legacy ends as Hillenbrand sells to a private equity firm in a $4 billion deal. Allison Transmission secures a $97 million contract for the Army’s Abrams tank program. Elkhart’s housing and innovation surge with the opening of the Momentum Entrepreneurship Hub and a new 150-unit development on a former brewery site. University of Evansville rides postseason success in volleyball, baseball, and soccer to record athletic revenue. And Goshen’s mayor says the RV Capital of the World is also building its entrepreneurial future—with dinosaurs drawing more than 100,000 visitors to the new Indiana Dinosaur Museum. Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com.

In this week’s Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Bombardier, the maker of the world’s fastest private jet, announces a major new service center at Fort Wayne International Airport—bringing 100 high-paying aerospace jobs and a boost to Indiana’s growing aviation and defense economy. Plus: Reid Health in Richmond becomes one of the first hospitals in the U.S. to fully integrate smart AI patient rooms—giving nurses more bedside time and less screen time. DePauw University lands an $80 million gift to launch a new athletic complex, while Franklin College moves forward with a $9.5 million restoration of a historic gym. And from spatulas to stadiums: The World Food Championships bring chefs from 42 states and 15 countries to Indianapolis for one of the world’s top culinary competitions. Culinary Crossroads founder Larry Dickerson shares how Indiana is aiming to become a national food destination. Also: Indiana-based Dormakaba modernizes mobile entry tech at Lucas Oil Stadium Parkview Health expands into Indy’s 16 Tech DigIndy Tunnel project complete after 14 years New Gulf War Memorial in D.C. designed by Indy’s CSO Architects Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com. 00:00 Show Intro & Upcoming Stories 00:27 Bombardier's Investment in Fort Wayne 02:31 Inside the Bombardier Deal: Jobs and Partnerships 04:20 Aerospace Sector Impact & Community Growth 06:49 CSO Architects and Gulf War Memorial 07:56 Reid Health: AI Leading the Charge in Healthcare 09:56 How Smart Patient Rooms Transform Care 11:07 Empowering Clinicians, Supporting Rural Indiana 12:53 AI, Virtual Nurses, and National Attention 13:09 Parkview Health's Central Indiana Expansion 13:34 DePauw University’s Fundraising & Sports Expansion 16:09 Franklin College Renovation & Indiana Education News 17:28 Major Business Deals & Indiana's Auto Industry 19:10 DigIndy Tunnel Project & State Infrastructure 19:35 Upcoming: Culinary World Eyes Indiana 22:19 High-Tech Entry for Colts Fans at Lucas Oil 23:21 World Food Championships Spotlight Indianapolis 25:19 Culinary Crossroads: Growing Indiana’s Food Scene 27:02 Vision: Indiana as Culinary Sports Capital 28:11 Closing & Indiana’s Largest Festival

Plug and Play, the global accelerator behind Dropbox and PayPal, is expanding its Indiana footprint, launching a new biosciences program at IU’s 16 Tech campus. Caterpillar, FedEx, and Amazon announce expansions across the state, while Corteva confirms a corporate split that could impact more than 1,500 Hoosier jobs. Rick Lertzman’s legacy gets the red carpet treatment at Heartland Film Festival as Indiana’s creative economy—worth more than $10 billion—takes the spotlight. IBJ Media’s Creative Economy Summit in Fishers explores how Indiana can harness its artistic and cultural assets for economic development and talent retention. Science Central in Fort Wayne welcomes new leadership with a STEM-focused vision for inclusivity and engagement. Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Noblesville scores a major national win as USA Gymnastics selects the city for its new headquarters, training and wellness center. Mayor Chris Jensen explains how the deal came together and what it means for Indiana’s push to be the global epicenter of women’s sports. Plus: Purdue University partners with Virgin Galactic for a suborbital space flight crewed entirely by Boilermakers. The 2027 mission will conduct zero-gravity research in real time. A homegrown startup earns FDA approval for the Butterfly BVM, a safer resuscitator now heading to national EMS markets. Purdue head coach Matt Painter discusses NIL, recruiting challenges, and Purdue’s push for another Final Four run on Hoosier soil in 2026. Lilly announces a $6.5 billion plant in Houston to manufacture a weight loss pill, while construction continues at the $13 billion LEAP District in Lebanon. Hoosier startup Compact Medical gears up for national launch at the EMS World Expo in Indianapolis. Prolific’s Growth Summit and the Rally Innovation Conference draw global leaders to Indy. Bloomington tops $1 billion in capital investment, while Amazon’s new Elkhart facility adds 1,000 jobs. Elkhart RV dealer show highlights new innovations, and Subaru ends legacy production in Lafayette. And in Warsaw, Magical Meadows breaks ground on a therapeutic riding center expansion to serve veterans and people with disabilities. Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, Indiana Gov. Mike Braun outlines his economic vision during an extended interview, highlighting property tax reform, regional development, and the need for small business investment. He also shares his take on the rising number of data centers and unveils his plan to build a "quantum corridor" across Indiana. Plus: Orthopedic laser therapy company relocates its headquarters to Warsaw, adding to the state’s global leadership in orthopedics. Eli Lilly announces a $5 billion investment in Virginia, while construction advances on its $13 billion LEAP District site in Boone County. Fire departments and Ivy Tech team up to provide hands-on training for the next generation of first responders. IBJ Media’s Innovate Indiana Series stops in Muncie to explore the region’s economic future and Ball State’s new village redevelopment project. FARMWISE program connects Indiana farmers to wholesale buyers and schools. Sweetwater prepares for its second annual Guitar Fest. New $100 million in upgrades coming to three Indiana state parks.

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, the $1.4 billion I-69 Ohio River crossing project connecting Indiana and Kentucky reaches a critical milestone. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, Gov. Mike Braun, and Sen. Todd Young visit the construction site, highlighting the project’s national significance for trade, logistics, and economic development. Plus: Indianapolis hosts the inaugural TED Sports Conference, drawing global sports leaders and spotlighting the city’s 2050 vision to become the epicenter of sports innovation. Indiana University and Pacer Sports & Entertainment team up on a new women’s sports performance research initiative. IU and Indiana State University report record enrollment, while near space education programs expand in Grant County. RoboSource lands investment from Tim Tebow to expand AI-driven workforce tools in Fishers. Purdue builds a custom guitar to honor late Colts owner Jim Irsay, set to be carried before every game this season. Get the latest business news from throughout the state at InsideINdianaBusiness.com.