Purdue University and Elanco Join Forces for One Health Innovation District in Indianapolis
Purdue University and Elanco Animal Health Inc. have announced a groundbreaking partnership to establish Indiana’s One Health Innovation District. This initiative, revealed during the Indiana 2024 Global Economic Summit, aims to advance the interconnected health of humans, animals, plants, and the environment. Purdue President Mung Chiang and Elanco President and CEO Jeff Simmons formalized the agreement with the Indiana Economic Development Corp., marking a significant milestone in health research and innovation.
A New Hub for Innovation
The One Health Innovation District will be located near the future Elanco global headquarters on the western edge of the White River in Indianapolis. This 3-acre facility will include office space, wet labs, and incubator areas designed to foster collaboration between industry and academia. This development complements the nearly completed 220,000-square-foot Elanco headquarters, set to open in the second quarter of 2025. Elanco has also committed to purchasing an additional 12 acres for future expansion, further enhancing the district's capacity for innovation.
Strategic Collaboration
Purdue’s involvement in the district will extend its research capabilities into the heart of Indianapolis, aligning with the launch of Purdue University in Indianapolis on July 1. Research efforts will focus on areas such as the microbiome, antimicrobial resistance, computational biology, comparative genomics, and livestock sustainability. The district’s proximity to major biotech companies like Eli Lilly and Corteva Agriscience will facilitate a unique synergy, leveraging cutting-edge advancements in animal, human, and plant health.
Boosting Indiana’s Tech Hub Vision
Indiana Governor Eric Holcomb emphasized the district's potential to drive collaborative innovation in life sciences, reinforcing the state's vision for a regional technology hub. The partnership represents a rare convergence of a global health company, a leading university, and government support, aimed at creating a sustainable ecosystem for talent, research, and innovation.
Advancing Health and Economic Growth
The One Health Innovation District is expected to attract and retain top talent, driving growth and development in downtown Indianapolis. Recognized by institutions like the World Health Organization and the CDC, One Health approaches are pivotal in solving complex global health issues by integrating human, animal, and plant sciences.
Key Benefits and Future Outlook
Elanco CEO Jeff Simmons highlighted the district’s potential to transform ideas into real-world solutions through a supportive ecosystem, including Purdue’s research expertise and state-of-the-art facilities. The initiative aims to address some of the world’s most pressing health issues, positioning Indianapolis as a global leader in One Health research.
Upcoming One Health Summit
To showcase the district’s capabilities, Purdue and Elanco, in collaboration with partners like Applied Research Institute and AgriNovus, plan to host a One Health Summit in the fall. This event will draw innovators to the district and kickstart the first era of collaborative advancements.
A Broader Vision for Indiana’s Tech Hub
The One Health Innovation District is part of Indiana’s broader strategy to develop a regional technology hub, as recognized by the Economic Development Administration (EDA) through the Heartland BioWorks initiative. Purdue's involvement in this consortium underscores its commitment to ensuring the U.S. remains globally competitive in critical areas of national security.
With potential funding from the EDA, the district could receive an additional $50 million to $75 million to accelerate its growth and capability to translate innovative ideas into practical solutions and job opportunities. This partnership reflects a strategic investment in the future of health and technology in Indiana.
