INDIANA – Governor Mike Braun today formally announced a major investment in agricultural and life sciences with the goal of creating 100,000 high wage jobs over 10 years and making Indiana the premier U.S. destination where human therapeutics, animal health, agritech, biotechnology, and environmental innovation flow together along the vital, anchored pathway of private-sector excellence.
Anchored by world-class U.S. companies and research institutions with substantial incentives and a USDA facility advancing the vision, Indiana is the re-shoring and expansion epicenter: the place where American private enterprise creates 100,000 jobs and establishes institutional stature among the nation’s most recognized innovation corridors.
Governor Braun highlighted the depth of leadership concentrated in Indianapolis and across Indiana in human health, animal health, agriculture, advanced manufacturing, and research.
“Indiana is leading in life sciences, and today we’re investing to accelerate that growth with the goal of creating 100,000 new high wage jobs over the next 10 years,” said Governor Braun. “ Based on measurable outcomes to ensure accountability and long-term ROI, this investment will make Indiana the re-shoring and expansion epicenter and premier destination for human therapeutics, animal health, agritech, biotechnology, and environmental innovation.”
As part of the $1 billion state commitment to accelerate growth within the life sciences sector statewide, the investment will focus on increasing jobs and wages. Funds will be tied to measurable outcomes to ensure accountability and long-term return on investment.
This initiative is anchored by global companies such as Eli Lilly and Company, Elanco Animal Health, and Corteva Agriscience, alongside innovators including Roche, Novartis, Labcorp, Cook Medical, Beck’s Hybrids, and Langham Logistics. These industry leaders operate in close partnership with world-class research institutions, including Purdue University and Indiana University.
Together, these assets anchor a life sciences economy that supports hundreds of thousands of jobs and generating billions in annual GDP statewide. This is a multi-billion-dollar ecosystem operating on a national and global scale.
This project builds directly on Governor Braun’s Executive Order 25-45 directing Indiana’s regions to submit formal growth plans tied to employment growth, per capita income, and educational attainment. The Central Indiana Region identified this sector as a core growth engine within its regional plan.
As part of today’s announcement, Governor Braun designated the Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (CIRDA) as the first regional steward to coordinate alignment and execution of the initiative.
Mayor Scott Fadness of Fishers, who serves as Chair of CIRDA, emphasized the regional leadership and convergence behind the initiative.
“This is exactly what regional leadership was designed to do,” said Mayor Fadness. “Central Indiana has already built a multi-billion-dollar One Health economy. Our job now is alignment by bringing industry, universities, and local communities together under a unified strategy that accelerates growth. CIRDA is ready to serve as the first steward of this effort, and we look forward to partnering with regions across the state as they step forward.”
Community support:
Mung Chiang, President, Purdue University
“Purdue University is excited to support our state’s economic growth by working with the industry and state government to create jobs, talents, and innovation with excellence at scale. From our main campus’ urban expansion in Indianapolis and the One Health Innovation District to the LEAP District and Greater Lafayette, we are positioned to become the global epicenter of the intersection across human, animal and plant health.”
Stephen Ferguson, Chairman, Cook Group
“The life sciences sector in Indiana is an important driver of economic success, creating jobs and opportunities for Hoosiers while delivering innovative health solutions. This announcement by Governor Braun will position the state to capitalize on our strengths and facilitate more growth for future years to come.”
Vanessa Green Sinders, President and CEO, Indiana Chamber of Commerce
“Indiana’s continued prosperity depends on creating an environment in which employers can grow and people can build careers. Governor Braun recognizes this, and the state’s new investment in agriculture and life sciences advances sends a clear signal that Indiana is serious about competing for – and winning – the race for talent attraction and the next generation of private-sector growth.”
Melina Kennedy, Chief Executive, CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP)
“Indiana is well positioned to be the global leader of innovation in food and medicine for human, animal and agricultural needs.”
David Ricks, Chairman and CEO, Eli Lilly and Company
“When Col. Eli Lilly founded our company here 150 years ago, he set out to create medicines that make a meaningful difference in human health. Today, Indiana is home to a vital life sciences community, and we’re proud to support the State in expanding it—creating jobs, advancing innovation, and improving lives for Hoosiers and people around the world.”
Jeff Simmons, President and CEO, Elanco Animal Health
“Indiana is a global leader in life sciences innovation at the intersection of animal, human, plant, and environmental science. Elanco is proud to drive its vision of advancing the well-being of animals, people and the planet in the OneHealth Innovation district located in Indianapolis. The State’s announcement to focus resources toward the life sciences is a positive step toward ensuring continued growth and leadership that will benefit Indiana and the world for years to come.”
Pam Whitten, President, Indiana University
“Indiana’s leadership in the life sciences is built on strong partnerships between industry and our research universities. At Indiana University, initiatives like IU LAB help move discoveries from the lab into the real world while preparing the talent this sector depends on. This investment strengthens Indiana’s ability to grow the economy, drive innovation and remain a global leader in biosciences.”
