Indiana University President Pamela Whitten speaks during a Jan. 27 press conference at the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute to celebrate and officially launch IU LAB.
(Devan Ridgway, WTIU)
Indiana University President Pamela Whitten, Gov. Mike Braun, industry partners and tech leaders kicked off the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences Monday in Indianapolis.
Called IU LAB, the university’s new bioscience lab will focus on talent development, commercialization and innovation. IU LAB was created after a $138 million grant from the Lilly Endowment, Inc., and it is set to open in the 16 Tech Innovation District.
Former secretary of commerce David Rosenberg was selected as IU LAB’s inaugural CEO and president.
“We want to break down the barriers to do groundbreaking research, accelerate company creation and cultivate the next generation of bio science entrepreneurs and leaders for our potential industry partners,” Rosenberg said.
IU LAB and its staff will research cancer, diabetes and obesity, neuroscience, rare diseases and regenerative medicine. The six-story, 150,000-square-foot facility will open in 2027.
“By fostering partnerships with key bioscience organizations, we're going to accelerate the development of new therapeutics, diagnostics and devices that are going to improve the lives in Indiana and beyond,” Whitten said.
Braun said Indiana could become the “quantum corridor,” with IU, Purdue University, new developments in Indianapolis and the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.
“Here we have all the elements that should make this a success story,” Braun said. “It'll be entrepreneurial. We'll have to take risks to do it. And what IU is doing with the lab, the Lilly Endowment seeing the potential of it, I can't wait to see how this all plays out.”
Rosenberg said IU LAB is open for business, and future partners will have direct access to the hundreds of IU students, IU faculty, researchers, entrepreneurs and venture capital partners.
“With you, we’ll create the next innovation,” Rosenberg said. “We’ll commercialize the next unicorn, and we'll train the life science leaders of the future.”
Whitten said the lab builds on a $250 million investment into life and health sciences by IU, announced in 2023.
Local residents will have opportunities to attend educational programs and to learn more about bioscience careers, Whitten said.
“IU Lab will also participate in the 16 Tech Community Investment Fund, which provides grants to ensure access opportunity and revitalization of neighborhoods near 16 Tech,” Whitten said.
Aubrey is our higher education reporter and a Report For America corps member. Contact her at aubmwrig@iu.edu or follow her on X @aubreymwright
