INDIANA – Governor Mike Braun today announced IN AI, a new statewide initiative focused on helping businesses grow, create jobs, and increase wages through the practical application of human-centered artificial intelligence.
You can watch the announcement here.
The initiative will be executed by the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) and will work directly with employers across the state to accelerate AI adoption in ways that strengthen businesses and expand opportunity for Hoosiers.
“Our goal is clear: grow wages, create more high-quality jobs, and position Indiana for long-term economic growth by making it the most AI-ready state in the nation,” Gov. Braun said. “IN AI is about making sure all of our businesses – from Main Street to large organizations — have the tools and talent they need to compete and succeed in a changing economy.”
IN AI is designed to meet businesses where they are, with a focus on practical application rather than theory. The program will provide a single, coordinated entry point for employers to:
- Identify where AI can improve operations
- Access tools and technical support
- Connect with talent to implement solutions
The initiative will prioritize main street businesses in all corners of the state, while also supporting large companies seeking to scale AI across their operations.
“AI is only as powerful as how it is applied inside a business,” said Secretary of Commerce David Adams. “Our focus is human-centered; using AI to increase productivity, strengthen companies, and give workers better tools to do higher-value work. When businesses operate more efficiently and grow, that translates directly into higher wages, more opportunity, and long-term economic strength for Indiana.”
“IN AI brings together the work already happening across Indiana into a shared strategy focused on one of the most consequential opportunities of our time,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of the Indiana Corporate Partnership. “It aligns the state, our initiatives, and partners to accelerate AI adoption across Indiana. Through IN AI, we are working with employers across sectors to turn interest into action and ensure that adoption leads to real growth.”
The program is expected to reach more than 1 million Hoosiers and engage thousands of employers statewide, supporting business-led AI adoption that drives measurable economic impact.
Indiana companies are already beginning to apply AI in ways that support both business performance and workforce growth.
“We started with a simple question: how can we use AI to work smarter and solve real problems inside our business,” said Chad Harter, Chief Information Officer of Jasper Group in the Indiana Uplands region. “By applying it to a complex engineering challenge, we’ve turned manual work into a more efficient, scalable process—showing how starting with a real need can drive meaningful results.”
“A statewide initiative like IN AI is critical for businesses like ours. It helps move companies from understanding AI to actually applying it, ensuring traditional industries are not left behind,” said Joe Hyndman, owner of Hyndman Industrial Products in Fort Wayne, in the Northeast Indiana region. “The key is to start with your workflow, build the solution around your business, and put it to work.”
Reaching Out Across the State
IN AI will roll out in phases, beginning with employer engagement and initial projects, followed by expansion across industries and regions. CICP will lead a coordinated statewide effort to meet businesses where they are through roadshows, virtual sessions, and direct outreach via regional partners, industry networks, and economic development organizations.
In addition to events, businesses will be engaged through a centralized digital platform, targeted communications, and partnerships with universities and workforce intermediaries providing clear pathways to explore AI, connect with experts, and launch real-world projects. Starting today, business leaders can access the IN AI platform to learn practical applications, hear peer success stories, and tap into resources and talent to implement AI in their operations.
For more information, including event dates and locations, visit www.inaiready.com.
