Biotech Center Unveils New Headquarters in Haughville

INDIANAPOLIS — Officials from Heartland BioWorks announced on Tuesday that their decision to establish a new headquarters in the Haughville neighborhood was a deliberate choice aimed at fostering local growth.

The new facility will be situated on Indiana Avenue, near Fall Creek and just a short distance from 16 Tech. This hub is among 12 federally funded tech hubs supported by the CHIPS and Science Act, coauthored by Senator Todd Young.

Heartland BioWorks aims to assist biotech startups in launching their products while also offering training programs in the biotechnology sector. Additionally, it will provide job training initiatives designed to help individuals secure entry-level positions in advanced manufacturing or advance to higher-skilled roles.

Cristina Killingsworth, acting assistant secretary of commerce and economic development at the U.S. Department of Commerce, mentioned that nearly 400 applications were submitted for the tech hubs program. She highlighted that central Indiana possesses all the essential components for successfully implementing such a hub, including a robust advanced manufacturing sector and a well-established agricultural and biological sciences community. Furthermore, she noted that Heartland BioWorks' commitment to benefiting the local community influenced the Biden Administration's decision to support this initiative.

Emily Krueger, President and CEO of 16 Tech Community Corporation, emphasized that the primary goal of the hub—and its affiliated startups—is to create meaningful pathways to employment within advanced industries. She stated that Heartland BioWorks' job training programs are designed to introduce local residents to these career opportunities.

“A big part of what we need to do is demystify manufacturing for the future. There is still a perception that it’s a dirty job and that is not true,” she said. “It’s in fact a really cool job and has a lot more to do with what you can do on your phone and the video games you might be able to play than getting your hands dirty.”

Officials indicated that while planning for this hub is ongoing, it may take up to two years before construction contracts are awarded for the new headquarters.