Huber highlights major potential impacts of IU Indianapolis campus, IU’s multimillion-dollar investments in microelectronics sector at Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute’s annual luncheon
At the Indiana Fiscal Policy Institute’s annual luncheon, held last week in downtown Indianapolis, Indiana University Vice President for University Relations Michael Huber underscoredIU’s commitment to building the “nation’s best public, urban research university” in Indiana’s capital city and the potential major impacts of theIU Indianapolis campus onstrengthening the Indiana economy, improving Hoosier healthandretainingtop talent in the state.
During his address, Huber discussed IU’s development of a dedicated science and technology corridor in Indianapolis, which he said will advance STEM education and research programs that meet targeted regional workforce needs. In alignment with the goals of the IU 2030 strategic plan, the new Sci-Tech Corridor, to be located at Michigan and West streets on what will soon be the IU Indianapolis campus (now IUPUI), will also be a focal point for collaboration—including research and development—between IU and industry across central Indiana.
The corridor will complement the large and growing science and technology ecosystem in downtown Indianapolis, Huber said, which includes the 16 Tech Innovation District and the campuses of leading Indiana companies working together with IU and Purdue University to meet the state’s demand for applied research in health and life sciences.
“You’ll see a lot of new activity along Michigan (Street), and you’ll likely see a lot of new activity along 16 Tech from both universities,” Huber said.
While some are calling the 65-mile corridor that runs from West Lafayette to Indianapolis as the “Hard Tech Corridor,” Huber drew attention to the rapid emergence of a “Life Sciences/Defense Corridor” spanning the stretch of Interstate 69 between Bloomington and Indianapolis and including IU’s enhanced teaching and research efforts in areas important to national defense and security.
As evidence of IU’s determination to drive the state’s economic competitiveness across emerging industries, Huber highlighted IU’s historic $111 million investment—announced last week—in boosting the growth of the microelectronics industry in Indiana and across the U.S. and accelerating innovative solutions to major national security challenges through enhanced collaboration with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Crane Division.
Collectively, IU’s current and forthcoming investments will address emerging semiconductor technologies, support talent development and respond to critical defense needs. They include financial support for new faculty hires, facilities, equipment and strategic initiatives focused on advancements in microelectronics, nanotechnology, artificial intelligence, machine learning and cybersecurity.
“The significant investments we’re making in academic and research programs, new faculty appointments, state-of-the-art facilities and future-focused collaboration with industry will strengthen IU’s national leadership, further develop Indiana’s microelectronics sector and drive our state’s current and future economic competitiveness,” IU President Pamela Whitten said in announcing the new investments. “They also reflect a shared mission between IU and NSWC Crane to drive deeper strategic collaboration and build the innovative technologies and capabilities critical to our nation’s security and prosperity.”
Read about IU’s historic investments in microelectronics
Economic Engagement Update
IU to collaborate on analysis of Indiana’s $500 million economic development efforts
The Indiana University Public Policy Institute at the Paul H. O’Neill School of Public and Environmental Affairs will collaborate with the Purdue Center for Regional Development on a multiyear project to examine the economic and community impact of Indiana’s nationally recognized, $500 million Regional Economic Acceleration and Development Initiative.
Launched by Gov. Eric Holcomb, the READI program has awarded more than $487 million of the initiative’s original $500 million to accelerate strategic investments in 17 regions that represent all 92 Indiana counties. These funds will match additional public, private and nonprofit dollars, totaling an expected $12.2 billion invested in Indiana communities, talent, and innovation.
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The IU Innovation and Commercialization Office, whose mission is to transfer IU innovations from lab to market for public benefit and global impact, reported that IU faculty, staff and student researchers disclosed 144 inventions to the office during the fiscal year beginning July 1, 2022, and ending June 30, 2023. The researchers represent IU’s Bloomington and Indianapolis campuses and the IU School of Medicine, the nation’s largest medical school with nine statewide campuses.
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Kelley School to present Futurecast 2024 in 11 Indiana cities
The Indiana University Kelley School of Business will begin its Futurecast 2024 economic outlook tour on Nov. 1 at the downtown Indianapolis Artsgarden, presenting forecasts for the nation, Indiana and communities across the state beginning with an event in Indianapolis.
Kelley School faculty will be joined by community and business leaders to discuss how the forecast will impact our state economy in a national and global context. They will travel to 11 cities across Indiana throughout the month. The school has shared its expertise and economic forecasts for more than 50 years.
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New seamless admissions initiative to reduce barriers to college for Indianapolis students
A new initiative will make it easier for Indianapolis Public Schools students to enroll at Indiana University Indianapolis by automatically admitting those with a 3.0 GPA or higher.
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IU cancer researcher receives $2.2 million grant for metastatic breast cancer research
A breast cancer researcher at the Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Comprehensive Cancer Center received a five-year, $2.2 million grant from the National Cancer Institute to examine how certain immune cells support metastatic breast cancer development—and how to stop it.
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Center on Representative Government to enhance civics education with $5.7M Defense Department grant
The Indiana University Center on Representative Government has received a three-year, $5.7 million cooperative agreement award from the U.S. Department of Defense to enhance civics education and expand student interest in public service careers.
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IU Cybersecurity Clinic to expand training to undergraduates with grant from Google
The Indiana University Cybersecurity Clinic, which offers free cybersecurity assistance to local governments, nonprofits, schools, small businesses and other organizations across Indiana and beyond, will expand training opportunities to undergraduate students who want to gain skills in the rapidly growing field of cybersecurity under a $500,000 award from Google’s Cybersecurity Clinics Fund.
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Get to know IU student athletes with President Pamela Whitten
Student athletes from across the university talked to President Whitten about why they chose to learn and compete at IU, their memorable moments on and off the field and their favorite campus traditions.
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