Heartland BioWorks Tech Hub Announces Landmark Agreement

In a groundbreaking move for Indiana's life sciences sector, the Heartland BioWorks Tech Hub is proud to announce the signing of the NIBRT Global Partners Agreement with the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT). This pivotal agreement was unveiled live at the BioCrossroads Annual Life Sciences Summit by United States Senator Todd Young of Indiana and ARI CEO, Andrew Kossack. 

The NIBRT license marks a significant milestone in establishing Heartland BioWorks (HBW) as a distinct regional hub for biomanufacturing workforce development. Supported by funding from the US Economic Administration’s Regional Tech Hubs Program, delivery of NIBRT’s world-leading training programs will position Indiana as a central nexus for biomanufacturing training and innovation, solidifying the state’s role in the growing life sciences industry.

Key Highlights of the Agreement

• Exclusive Training Providers: HBW and its partners will serve as the exclusive providers of NIBRT’s globally-recognized biomanufacturing training curriculum across the Midwest, serving states including Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Kentucky.
• Hands-On Training Opportunities: The NIBRT curriculum will offer Hoosiers and beyond hands-on biomanufacturing training, co-created and vetted by industry experts, equipping participants to enter life-changing careers in biomanufacturing and support Indiana’s expanding life sciences sector.
• BioWorks Headquarters: The NIBRT curriculum will be delivered at the BioWorks HQ, set to open in May 2027, with preliminary offerings being developed across the state. The HQ has been designed in collaboration with NIBRT to ensure alignment with their programming and training needs.

“This transformative agreement with NIBRT is a testament to Indiana's commitment to leading the way in biomanufacturing workforce development. By partnering with industry leaders and educational institutions, this will not only prepare our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow but also ensure that Indiana remains a vital hub for life sciences innovation,” said United States Senator Todd Young.  

“This agreement represents years of collaboration and commitment from all partners involved,” said Andrew Kossack, CEO and President of the Applied Research Institute (ARI). “NIBRT's world-class training program will empower Hoosiers with the skills they need to succeed in high-demand biomanufacturing careers.”

“We are delighted to welcome Heartland BioWorks to the NIBRT Global Partners Programme. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing biopharma training and workforce development on a global scale. Indiana’s world leading life sciences ecosystem makes it an ideal collaborator, and we look forward to working together to support innovation, skills development, and industry excellence,” said NIBRT CEO, Darrin Morrisey. 

“Through this partnership, we are establishing a world-class biomanufacturing training program," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. "The NIBRT license will give Hoosiers and talent from across the region access to globally recognized hands-on training, preparing them for in-demand careers in biomanufacturing. Together we are strengthening Indiana’s leadership in life sciences and manufacturing as we build the skilled workforce needed to support innovation and growth for years to come.”

This announcement marks a new chapter in Indiana’s life sciences landscape and underscores the collaborative efforts of ARI, BioCrossroads, Eli Lilly and Company, Ivy Tech, Purdue University, and many others to foster a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the biomanufacturing industry.