Plug and Play Grows, Big Pharma Bets, and Mellencamp Whiskey

In this episode of Inside INdiana Business with Gerry Dick, global innovation arrives in a bigger way in Indiana. Silicon Valley-based Plug and Play is expanding to the new IU Launch Accelerator at 16 Tech, aiming to recruit and grow life sciences startups in Indianapolis and connect them with Warsaw’s growing medtech hub. CEO Saeed Amidi says Indiana’s combination of university talent and global companies like Eli Lilly makes it a powerful new frontier for innovation. Plus: How the new IU Health incubator at 16 Tech could transform Indianapolis into a national player in biosciences. Roche Diagnostics and Eli Lilly announce major U.S. manufacturing expansions, with the potential for Indiana to land more investment. Community Health Network opens the first phase of its Westfield campus, featuring AI-assisted patient care. A new Ronald McDonald Care Mobile rolls out in Evansville to combat Indiana’s high infant and maternal mortality rates. Also in this episode: Ports of Indiana-Mount Vernon launches a new railroad to drive economic development. Terre Haute’s Hulman Field Air Base plans a new $13 million small arms training range. Fort Wayne breaks ground on an 8,400-seat soccer stadium ahead of joining USL League One. A Noble County fire department auctions off a pumper truck to fund new equipment. Gaylor Electric becomes the first company to twice win National Contractor of the Year honors. IU Indianapolis expands STEM research space with a new lab building at 16 Tech. Ball State completes a $60 million renovation of Cooper Science Building. Indiana Tech launches a new advanced manufacturing innovation center at Electric Works in Fort Wayne. And: Hud Mellencamp and Hard Truth Distilling launch a new whiskey celebrating Indiana farmers and the Mellencamp legacy. The Pacers surge ahead in the NBA Playoffs as Caitlin Clark and the Indiana Fever prepare for a historic season. Inside INdiana Business previews next week's kickoff of Business at the Brickyard coverage at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.