CHIPS and Science Act Program would bring hundreds of millions in public & private investment to Indiana
Young
U.S. Senator Todd Young (R-Ind.) led a letter sent by all of Indiana’s congressional delegation in support of the state’s application to be named a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (Tech Hub). The Tech Hub proposal, known as Heartland BioWorks, would cement Indiana’s position as a leader in biotechnology, medical technology, genomics, and synthetic biology.
Sen. Young introduced the Tech Hub concept in the Endless Frontier Act of 2020, which eventually became law as a key pillar in the CHIPS and Science Act, signed into law in 2022.
“Our expansive network of universities and community colleges will ensure that everyone has access to the training needed to participate in this new economy,” the Indiana delegation wrote in its support letter. “Our established life sciences sector will ensure a pipeline of innovative treatments. Our advanced manufacturing heritage will guarantee the drugs of the future are Made in America. And our preeminent logistics infrastructure will ensure that we can distribute the products we make.”
During Phase One of the Tech Hubs application process, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration will designate at least 20 Tech Hubs across the country. Designated Tech Hubs will then be eligible to compete in Phase Two for $500 million in funding. Sen. Young has been a strong advocate for fully funding the Tech Hubs program so more designated Tech Hubs will be able to receive funding.
Heartland BioWorks is being led by Applied Research Institute, Inc. Application partners include the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Ivy Tech, University of Notre Dame, Purdue University, Indiana University, the City of Indianapolis, the Central Indiana Building Trades Council, and several of the state’s largest employers, including Eli Lilly and Elanco. If successful, the proposal would lead to millions in federal investment and open the floodgates for private investment in Indiana.
“Heartland BioWorks is the result of extensive research into how Indiana’s existing strengths – and potential areas of growth – can meet our nation’s economic and national security needs in this focus area,” the letter continued. “With our deep history of public, private, and academic coordination in life sciences, a Tech Hub designation and future funding would enable the collaboration that has existed in Indiana for decades to fully reach its potential.”
The full delegation support letter is available at this link.