AGP Executive Report

Biotechnology: Sen. Todd Young highlighted Indiana’s life-sciences strength at an IU symposium, where new awards will support defense-focused research. STEM Education: Indianapolis’ William Penn Middle School was named Indiana’s 2026 STEM School of Excellence and will receive $20,000 for its programs. Infrastructure Innovation: Indianapolis rebuilt a 10,000-foot airport runway with concrete designed to capture and store CO₂. Purdue Research: A Purdue-backed marine archaeology team is heading to a remote Pacific atoll to investigate a submerged object that could be Amelia Earhart’s plane. Health Research: Purdue and Elanco broke ground on a One Health Research Institute, bringing animal and human health research together. Energy: Indiana launched a program to help communities prepare for nuclear development.

Carbon-Capturing Infrastructure: Indianapolis International Airport rebuilt a 10,000-foot runway with concrete that mineralizes and stores CO₂, a first for an airport runway. The $190 million project also earned the industry’s top Envision sustainability award. Purdue Expedition: A Purdue-backed team is heading to a remote Pacific atoll to investigate a submerged object that could be Amelia Earhart’s lost plane. Researchers expect to reach the site Oct. 13. Water and Growth: Hendricks County residents are opposing a proposed $48 million pump station and storage tanks that would help supply water to the LEAP innovation district, raising concerns about the development’s local footprint. Biotech Research: Purdue and Elanco have broken ground on a One Health Research Institute in Indianapolis, intended to advance animal and human health research and strengthen Indiana’s workforce pipeline. Student Engineering: Greater Lafayette Career Academy students took first and second place in Purdue’s electric go-kart competition, applying engineering and battery-performance skills on the track.

AI in Health Care: At a Fort Wayne summit, author and CBS correspondent David Pogue highlighted AI’s potential in medicine, including research using lung scans to identify future disease risk, while warning about risks such as scams and autonomous cyberattacks. Student Engineering: Greater Lafayette Career Academy teams took first and second at Purdue’s electric go-kart competition, after weeks of testing designs, gearing and battery performance. Indiana Research: Purdue and Elanco have broken ground in Indianapolis on a One Health Research Institute, while six IU projects received grants for biotechnology defense research. Manufacturing: Nucor proposed a $105 million expansion of its Indiana pole-making operations.

Agricultural AI: Indianapolis startup Ovix-AI has begun piloting its farm assistant with Midwest growers. The system combines weather, satellite, soil and crop data to flag risks and suggest next steps, with farmers making the final decisions. Manufacturing: Nucor is proposing a $105 million expansion of its Crawfordsville pole factory, adding automated production space and an expected 100 jobs, subject to approvals. Indiana Legacy: Margaret Hamilton, who led software development for NASA’s Apollo missions, has died at 90. Born in Paoli and an Earlham graduate, she helped establish software engineering as a discipline. Farm Science: Indiana’s swings between downpours and hot, dry spells raise concerns about soil nitrate loss and late-season crop deficiencies. Data Center Debate: Owen County and Gosport have paused or restricted data-center proposals as local officials weigh rules and potential impacts.

Space and Computing: Margaret Hamilton, the Apollo software pioneer who helped make the Moon landing possible, has died at 90. Born in Paoli and a graduate of Earlham College, she helped establish software engineering as a field. STEM Education: Crothersville sixth graders are learning microbiology, engineering and civics through a zombie-apocalypse project built around their own ideas. Biotech Research: Purdue and Elanco have broken ground on a One Health research institute focused on connections among human, animal and environmental health. IU also awarded six grants for biotechnology defense research. Robotics: Fishers-based Arrive AI demonstrated its robot handoff system and delivery-network software at an investor showcase.

Indiana Space Legacy: Margaret Hamilton, the Paoli-born software pioneer whose work helped guide Apollo astronauts to the Moon, has died at 90. Robotics: Fishers-based Arrive AI demonstrated its robot handoff system and network simulation at an investor showcase. Advanced Manufacturing: Indianapolis firm Mears is adding copper-nickel metal 3D printing, expanding local production of corrosion-resistant parts for ships and offshore industries. Nuclear Readiness: Indiana launched a program to help communities prepare for potential nuclear development. Life Sciences: Purdue and Elanco broke ground on an Indianapolis One Health Research Institute focused on connections among human, animal and environmental health; IU Health has also begun administering the first U.S. doses of a newly approved brain-cancer imaging agent. Defense Tech: Greene County’s agreement advances coordinated development and promotion of WestGate@Crane.

Autonomous Tech: Fishers-based Arrive AI demonstrated robot package handoffs, drone delivery and its logistics software at an investor showcase, putting Indiana-developed autonomous delivery technology on display. Biotech Research: Purdue and Elanco broke ground on a One Health Research Institute, a major partnership bringing together research on human, animal and environmental health. Indiana Innovation Hubs: Greene County’s agreement to coordinate development and marketing at WestGate@Crane could strengthen the region’s technology and research ecosystem. Energy Infrastructure: Zelestra secured $350 million to build a 203-megawatt solar project on reclaimed mining land in Gibson County, backed by a long-term agreement with Meta. Meanwhile, Indiana Michigan Power says data-center growth could help lower residential rates, even as communities debate the costs and impacts of new facilities. STEM Education: A grant is expanding robotics and computer-science opportunities for White County 4-H students.

Research: Purdue and Elanco broke ground in Indianapolis on a 150,000-square-foot One Health Research Institute, designed to bring university researchers and industry together to advance animal and human health research and turn discoveries into products. Energy and data centers: Indiana Michigan Power says revenue from data centers and other large customers could help fund a proposed rate cut of about $10 a month for residential customers; regulators must approve the plan. STEM: A grant is helping White County 4-H expand robotics and computer science activities with more than $3,100 in new equipment and programming. Space: Indiana is pitching Grissom Air Reserve Base and Purdue as a home for a proposed U.S. Space Academy, which could begin operating in 2028; no site has been selected. Public services: Indiana’s blackout plates have raised $12.9 million for BMV modernization, including technology upgrades and improved digital services.

One Health Research: Purdue and Elanco broke ground in Indianapolis on a 150,000-square-foot One Health Research Institute, aiming to connect animal, human, and plant health with labs, shared equipment, and incubator space—targeting operations by 2030. State Tech & Mobility: Indiana’s BMV says “blackout” license plate sales topped 380,000, bringing in $12.9M for a five-year modernization plan that includes tap-to-pay payment machines and more 24/7 kiosks. Drone Research: The FAA awarded $12M to 19 companies to advance drone integration, covering aircraft avoidance, satellite links, counter-drone sensing, and AI tools via UAS test sites. Biotech Updates: BridgeBio will share new Phase 3 CALIBRATE results on encaleret for ADH1 at ASBMR, including patient-reported outcomes and bone turnover data. Public Health & Policy: A University of Michigan study finds women in post-Dobbs abortion-ban states may face higher employer-insurance premium costs, with larger impacts for Black and Hispanic women. Local Governance & Tech: Centerville council discussed replacing a stolen Flock camera and concerns about inaccurate electric meters as it prepares its 2027 budget.

School Safety Funding: Northeast Indiana schools received over $951,000 from Indiana’s Secured School Safety Grant Program for upgrades like cameras and staffing, with the state reporting more than $26M going to nearly 500 schools. Industrial Growth Watch: Industrial SalesLeads says planned industrial manufacturing projects hit 156 new projects in September, with $100M+ projects up 37.5% month over month—Indiana ranked among the top states for big projects. Construction Tech Startup: DriftWrx named InventoryHQ its first portfolio platform, aiming to help contractors track materials and equipment with “real engineering” behind the workflow. Biotech & Imaging: Eli Lilly expanded its Gate Bioscience deal by up to $870M, while Telix began U.S. commercial dosing of Pixclara, an FDA-approved PET imaging drug for glioma at IU Health in Indianapolis. Public Health & Care: Stroke survivors are urged to keep working on long-term risk reduction, and Purdue Fort Wayne’s Pink Week highlights breast cancer awareness through campus and athletic events. Local Tech & Privacy Tension: Indianapolis budget hearings drew renewed scrutiny of IMPD’s Flock license plate reader tech, with council leaders promising “guardrails” after the vote. Higher Ed Research: Purdue Fort Wayne opened renovated space for its Doermer School of Business, and the University of Michigan launched a new histotripsy research center for noninvasive cancer treatment.

Indiana Education & Workforce: Indiana University–Indianapolis reported a 54.5% six-year bachelor’s completion rate for its 2018 cohort, below the 64.7% pooled rate for Indiana public four-year schools, with 1,835 of 3,367 students graduating by 2024. Public Tech & Services: Gov. Mike Braun says Indiana’s “blackout” license plates have sold nearly 400,000 since launch, generating about $13M to fund BMV modernization, including tap-to-pay options, more 24/7 kiosks, and pay raises. STEM Research: Purdue researchers say a new femtosecond microscopy approach can capture quantum particle motion at up to one quadrillion images per second, aiming to speed advances in chips, solar tech, LEDs, and quantum computing. Health & Regulation: The FDA rolled out a 10-point plan to prevent future Cyclospora outbreaks after nearly 20,000 U.S. cases, including expanded produce surveillance and stronger lab capacity in Mexico. Community Development: Accelerate Rural Indiana says it has put $50M in state-backed funding to work across Shelby, Rush, and Decatur counties and Batesville, targeting hundreds of homes and jobs.

Battery Supply Chain: CAMINUS (formerly EnPower) will manufacture Amprius-designed silicon-anode pouch cells at its Indianapolis facility under a contract manufacturing agreement, with volume production planned for 1Q27—aimed at faster capacity for aviation, defense, and uncrewed systems. Space Science: NASA’s Perseverance rover findings from Mars’ Jezero Crater suggest the “Margin Unit” records a more complex water history than expected, mixing ancient lakes, groundwater, and heated fluids. Local Research & Health: Notre Dame opened a new South Bend psychology clinic while construction continues on a collaborative research and innovation hub—both tied to expanding community mental health access. Biotech in Indiana: New Haven’s Revalia Bio is expanding after using donated human organs kept alive outside the body to help pharma test drugs earlier, potentially reducing late-stage failures. Indiana Education Funding: Indiana Youth Institute awarded 168 grants totaling $40M+ to youth organizations statewide, including STEM, tutoring, mentoring, and health/wellness programs. Tech & Industry: AWS CEO Matt Garman pushed back on data-center criticism, arguing common claims about water use and diesel backup are overstated and warning local opposition could threaten U.S. AI leadership. Infrastructure Costs: Indiana interstate reconstruction costs jumped to about $46M per centerline mile in FY2026, up sharply from FY2015, as projects grow more complex.

Postpartum Health & GLP-1 Use: A new JAMA study finds privately insured new mothers starting GLP-1 drugs (like Ozempic/Zepbound) jumped nearly 24-fold from 2018 to early 2025, with the steepest rise among women with type 2 diabetes—while breastfeeding safety data remains limited. Indiana Education Funding: Indiana’s school choice push gets a boost as a federal Scholarship Tax Credit program is set to start Jan. 1, with Indiana among about 30 states planning to participate. Power Infrastructure for AI Growth: Indiana regulators approved eminent-domain authority and a new ownership structure for power line projects feeding Boone County’s LEAP district, tied to major Meta and Eli Lilly demand. Cancer Research Support: KCRF awarded three scholarships and a $20K grant for cancer research, backing Indiana and Kentucky students pursuing cancer care careers. Public Health & Food Safety: FDA warned of an ongoing Gatorade recall affecting 37 states due to undeclared Yellow No. 5/6 colorings. Community Science: North Webster Community Public Library hosts a beginner birding class Oct. 5, featuring Indiana Tech biology faculty and a local citizen-science focus. Workforce & Tech: Purdue and partners continue expanding semiconductor and AI talent pipelines, including workforce-focused initiatives tied to regional growth.

Power Infrastructure & AI Industry: Indiana regulators cleared eminent-domain authority and a new ownership structure for three power line projects feeding Boone County’s LEAP Research and Innovation District, including lines tied to Meta’s data center and Eli Lilly’s expanding operations. Wildlife Rescue: Naval Weapons Station Crane security officers helped rescue a severely vision-impaired bald eagle, later diagnosed with avian pox, after a tip led them to Raptor Rise Rehabilitation Center. Obesity Drug Update (Indiana ties): Eli Lilly reported mid-stage trial results showing its EloraTZP combo (tirzepatide plus eloralintide) produced larger weight loss than Zepbound in patients, with added blood-sugar improvements. Defense Tech: The U.S. Army integrated Epirus’ Leonidas microwave counter-drone system into a broader layered command-and-control network, moving it toward real operational use. Manufacturing Jobs: Amazon announced a $100M+ advanced manufacturing facility in Greenwood, targeting 300 skilled jobs by 2028. Health Policy: A new study finds ACA marketplace plan selections fell and premiums rose heading into 2026 as enhanced federal subsidies ended.

Housing & Cost of Living: A Reuters/Ipsos snapshot shows affordability is driving 2026 midterm voting, while tariffs are pushing up building-material costs—NAHB says it now costs about $10,900 more to build a home. Defense Tech: The U.S. Army has integrated Epirus’ Leonidas high-power microwave counter-drone system into a broader command-and-control network, moving it toward layered air-defense use. Nuclear Power: The NRC greenlit TVA’s small modular reactor construction permit in Tennessee, marking a key licensing milestone for BWRX-300. AI & Power: A new argument in the AI debate says electricity—not chips—will decide who can scale, with data centers increasingly constrained by power availability. Indiana Manufacturing: Amazon will invest $100M+ in advanced manufacturing in Greenwood, aiming to create 300 jobs by 2028. Health & Safety: Doctors warn energy drinks can be dangerous for kids after reported child deaths, as a doctor coalition urges tighter scrutiny of youth marketing. Local Tech/Community: Purdue’s EV Grand Prix kicked off with Dauch Center EV winning, highlighting student mechanical engineering talent.

AI & Power Constraints: Tech analyst James Altucher argues AI’s real bottleneck is electricity, not chips—citing major leaders’ comments that data centers are power-limited. Defense Tech: Epirus says its microwave drone-killer Leonidas was linked into the U.S. Army’s Operation Jailbreak command network, and it plans to debut a mobile Leonidas GV at AUSA. Public Health & Food Safety: A major Cyclospora outbreak tied to wastewater from a Taylor Farms de Mexico facility is described as “over,” but critics warn the surveillance system that missed it is smaller than before. Energy Drinks & Kids: Doctors urge action after warnings that high-caffeine energy drinks can trigger serious harm in children, spotlighting a Monster/Big 12 sponsorship controversy. Indiana Elections (Judges): Daviess County voters are reminded of three judge retention questions on the November ballot, with details at courts.in.gov/retention. Local Tech/Workforce: Rose-Hulman’s fall career fair drew nearly 250 employers, signaling continued demand for engineering and tech talent in Indiana. Wildlife Tracking: Indiana and Virginia bats are being tagged with tiny cellular trackers at New River Gorge to map movement and habitat use.