Welcome to the BioHeartland: Indiana’s bioscience community announces new name

INDIANAPOLIS — Indiana is now the BioHeartland of the United States, according to a collaborative effort led by the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership.

The identity was created to unite and elevate Indiana’s bioscience ecosystem across human health, animal health and plant science.

“Indiana is a powerhouse in human, animal and plant biosciences, but our story has not been told with the clarity, consistency or urgency it deserves,” said Melina Kennedy, CEO of CICP.

The state’s bioscience industry generates more than $125 billion in direct economic impact, ranks first in the nation for pharmaceutical and life sciences exports and continues to attract companies, talent and investment.

“What makes this region different is not just that we make bioscience solutions,” Kennedy said. “We are also a hotbed of invention and discovery, with the manufacturing strength, logistics infrastructure and collaborative spirit to move innovations into the world.

“BioHeartland gives us a shared identity to help investors, companies and talent understand the full value of what Indiana offers.”

Hoosier inventors have patented more than 13,000 inventions since 2010, nearly three times the national average.

BioHeartland will make its international debut June 22-25 at the BIO International Convention in San Diego.

Several leaders shared their reaction to BioHeartland.

“Indiana is home to global leaders in human, animal and plant health — a powerful intersection for innovation and our competitive advantage. BioHeartland tells our connected story, showing the state’s ability to bring new solutions to market that address critical needs for farmers, consumers and communities across the world.”

Christy Wright, president and CEO

AgriNovus Indiana

“Indiana’s bioscience strength is the result of decades of investment, collaboration and innovation operating in close proximity. Lilly has been a proud part of the BioHeartland story for 150 years, and we’re just getting started.”

Dave Ricks, chair and CEO

Eli Lilly and Company

“With our strengths in human, animal and plant health research and innovation, Purdue University is deeply connected to this ecosystem. BioHeartland gives that work a shared identity and a platform to further accelerate innovation in this space in central Indiana.”

Mung Chiang, president

Purdue University

“Communities across Indiana have spent years investing in life sciences infrastructure and innovation. BioHeartland gives the entire region a unified way to tell our story to position ourselves as a life science destination that can compete globally.”

Scott Fadness, mayor

Fishers, Ind.