Inaugural Economic Development Summit showcases IU’s impact
Indiana University is proud to be at the forefront of driving economic growth, innovation, and workforce development across Indiana. The inaugural IU Economic Development Summit served as a platform to explore IU’s pivotal role in shaping the state’s economic landscape through transformative research, strategic partnerships, and forward-thinking initiatives.
The event brought together university leaders, business executives, policymakers, and community stakeholders. A keynote address from IU President Pamela Whitten and Indiana Secretary of Commerce David Adams sparked discussions on how IU can continue to foster economic growth, cultivate talent, and strengthen community resilience.
As Indiana continues to evolve, IU remains committed to being a catalyst for progress by bridging academia and industry. This summit exemplifies the opportunities in our state to shape the future through collaboration, bold ideas, and a shared purpose.
IU President Pamela Whitten's LinkedIn recap of the summit
Review the full summit agenda
IU builds a healthier Indiana one rural doctor at a time
Dr. Angela Hatfield of Clinton, Indiana, is more than a doctor; she’s a neighbor. She knows her patients by name, understands their values, and delivers care with the kind of personal commitment that can only come from someone who calls the community home.
She’s one of nearly 200 graduates of an Indiana University School of Medicine program in Terre Haute that recruits students from rural backgrounds and shapes them into premier medical providers. These current and future doctors aren’t just filling a critical rural physician shortage; they’re answering a call to serve Indiana communities.
Learn more about how IU is training medical students from rural communities
State Update
The latest State Update covers IU Bloomington earning the Collegiate Purple Star of Indiana designation, showcases IU’s commitment to enhancing P-12 science education in Indiana, and how the university is bringing lung screenings and education directly to IU employees and community members across the state.
Read the State Update
Federal Update
Both chambers of Congress are now out of session for their annual August recess and will return to Washington, D.C. on Sept. 2.
The Federal Update will return on Sept. 4.
Previous Federal Reports
Economic Engagement Update
IU launches free GenAI course for anyone with an IU login
Indiana University will introduce a new, free artificial intelligence course this fall that will give ALL students, faculty and staff essential AI skills that are critical for today’s workplaces.
The course, GenAI 101, will introduce practical skills in generative AI to students in all degree programs, providing a foundation in AI literacy that is applicable to each student’s chosen field. It will also be available to anyone else with an IU login, reflecting IU’s commitment to cultivating a future-ready workforce.
Learn more about how IU is promoting robust AI literacy
Patents awarded to 3 IU innovations
Three Indiana University-led innovations have been awarded patents in the past two months from the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office. These innovations were disclosed to the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office. Innovations disclosed to the office belong to Indiana University. The office files patents to facilitate commercialization of the innovations, bringing technology from lab to market for public benefit and global impact.
Learn more about the new IU patents
3 faculty awarded IU grants to commercialize their work
Three Indiana University researchers have received $25,000 each from the IU Innovation and Commercialization Office’s Gap Fund, which moves projects closer to commercialization.
The Gap Fund is a translational research grant program that helps IU innovators overcome commercialization barriers by increasing the project’s marketability. Through additional targeted research, the fund aims to make early-stage IU technologies less risky and more attractive for external investments, licensing and partnerships.
Learn more about IU ICO’s Gap Fund
IU in the News
Most IU Bloomington students move in beginning Aug. 19; IU Indianapolis move-in starts Aug. 16
IU students have started moving into residence halls for the 2025-26 school year this week, with the majority of IU Bloomington students arriving Aug. 19 and 20. First-year students at IU Indianapolis will begin moving into residence halls Aug. 16 and 17, and classes on both campuses will start Aug. 25.
Read the full story
New national center at IU to develop stem cell brain models to better understand Alzheimer’s disease
Indiana University is leading the way nationally as the home to one of only two centers in the United States dedicated to developing stem-cell-based models of the human brain to better understand the underlying causes of Alzheimer’s disease and related dementias.
Researchers from the IU School of Medicine and the IU Luddy School of Informatics, Computing and Engineering are co-leading the newly funded Microphysiological Systems to Advance Precision Medicine for Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias, known as MAP-AD. The center draws upon the scientific expertise in the School of Medicine’s comprehensive Alzheimer’s disease research program.
Read the full story
‘Pathway to Dentistry’ offers IU Indianapolis students streamlined route to dental school
An all-new Indiana University program is set to accept its inaugural batch of students for fall 2026 as the Indiana University School of Science in Indianapolis and Indiana University School of Dentistry launch the Bachelor’s/DDS Pathway to Dentistry program.
Similar to the Bachelor’s/M.D. degree program established in 2023, the Pathway to Dentistry program will unlock an innovative way for students to achieve a Doctor of Dental Surgery degree. Eligible first-year students who are directly admitted to the School of Science will be provided a conditional path to direct admission into the School of Dentistry.
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IU rare disease clinic solves toughest medical cold cases
Indiana University brings hope to families by providing answers for their ultra-rare medical mysteries and uses cutting-edge medical science to help doctors around the world address these complex health challenges.
Read the full story
