Indiana University (IU) is set to create the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences (IU LAB) at the 16 Tech Innovation District in Indianapolis, with the goal of advancing human health and promoting bioscience innovation in the state, according to a recent press release. The initiative is supported by a $138 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., marking the largest single grant in IU’s history for research and development (Photo credit: Liz Kaye, Indiana University).
IU LAB is a collaborative effort involving key biosciences organizations, including IU, the IU School of Medicine, IU Health, and others. The initiative will focus on research, commercialization of new technologies, and development of talent to support the growing bioscience sector.
“Indiana University is launching an initiative so transformative that it will change the very landscape of our capital city and state,” IU President Pamela Whitten said. “Lilly Endowment’s extraordinary investment in IU LAB will enable IU to turn this bold vision into reality. The state-of-the-art facility will empower IU LAB to facilitate critical academic-industry partnerships that will drive discovery, innovation and the commercialization of new therapeutics, diagnostics and devices that will improve human health in Indiana and beyond. In addition, this initiative will provide unparalleled education and training opportunities to the next generation of life and bioscience leaders.”
The new IU LAB facility, expected to open in 2027, will span 150,000 square feet over six floors and will serve as IU’s permanent home within the 16 Tech Innovation District. It will support research in areas such as diabetes, obesity, neuroscience, cancer, and regenerative medicine.
IU LAB will include several key components, such as the Academic Gateway, which will offer degree programs and professional development, and the Futures Center, where students will apply their knowledge using emerging technologies. The IU Innovates Bio Start-Up Center will assist entrepreneurs in launching new health technologies, while the Public-Private Partnerships Center will facilitate collaborations between IU faculty and industry representatives.
“The IU LAB initiative holds great promise to enhance the individual and collective impacts of the impressive array of life sciences organizations that IU has skillfully engaged in this exciting new partnership,” said N. Clay Robbins, Lilly Endowment’s chairman and CEO. “The Endowment has been impressed with IU’s imaginative and strategic approach to developing this initiative that should dramatically strengthen one of our state’s most important industry sectors and help improve the health of Indiana residents. We are pleased to be able to help bring this compelling vision to life.”
In addition to its research and development goals, IU LAB will offer educational programs for local youth and residents, creating pathways into bioscience careers. The initiative will also contribute to the 16 Tech Community Investment Fund, supporting neighborhood revitalization and economic development.
This initiative builds on IU’s $250 million investment in 2023, which aimed to position the university as a leader in life sciences and biotechnology. IU LAB aligns with the goals outlined in IU’s 2030 strategic plan and is expected to contribute to the growth of Indiana’s life sciences sector and enhance the state’s competitiveness in bioscience innovation.
“Indiana has long been a leader in driving life and bioscience innovation that improves lives,” said Dennis Murphy, CEO of IU Health. “At IU LAB, we will bring together the extensive knowledge and expertise of IU Health, IU and all our partners to pursue discovery and innovation that will improve health outcomes for all Hoosiers.”
IU LAB is expected to contribute to the development of the biosciences ecosystem in Indianapolis and the broader region, providing opportunities for research, education, and economic growth in the field.