INDIANAPOLIS – 16 Tech Community Corporation CEO and President Bob Coy will retire at the end of April 2022, after guiding the organization for five years.
Coy was chosen to lead the nonprofit responsible for overseeing the 16 Tech Innovation District after a nationwide search in 2017. Prior to 16 Tech, he held similar leadership positions with organizations focused on innovation and entrepreneurship in Cincinnati, St. Louis and the states of Delaware and Pennsylvania.
16 Tech is a 50-acre innovation district located in downtown Indianapolis near Central Indiana’s top healthcare, academic, and corporate institutions. Under Coy’s leadership, 16 Tech has developed a fast-growing network of dynamic spaces, tenants, partners, and programs to create a place where bold ideas and emerging enterprises can thrive.
Since 2018, more than $130 million has been invested in buildings and infrastructure in the district. During Coy’s tenure, 16 Tech achieved many key milestones including:
– The establishment of a Community Investment Fund, a $3+ million fund to invest in resident-supported projects that benefit the quality of life for people who live in the neighborhoods near 16 Tech.
– The opening of its first building in August 2020, home to Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, CICP and its initiatives and IU School of Medicine.
– The opening of HqO, the district’s innovation hub, home to the AMP, food hall and artisan marketplace, Machyne Makerspace and flexible office space managed by 76 Forward.
“Bob Coy is a successful, serial entrepreneur when it comes to helping communities across the United States take big steps and do bold things,” said David L. Johnson, president and CEO of the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, an anchor 16 Tech tenant, and 16 Tech Community Corporation Board chair. “We are fortunate beyond measure that Bob found Indianapolis – and our prospects for developing a unique innovation district – so compelling that he came here and promptly turned a 30-year-old community ambition into a vibrant reality. He has brought out our best and helped us build an exciting path for our future.”
Under Coy’s tenure, 16 Tech transitioned vision to reality. In 2021, the district welcomed more than 50 companies, including biotech and tech startups, venture studios, and three institutes focused on the life sciences, data analytics and advanced manufacturing sectors, six universities and 21 restaurants and retail establishments. Together these organizations employ more than 500 people in the district.
Upcoming projects at 16 Tech include a 650 car parking garage set to open in the spring of 2022, construction of a bridge across Fall Creek, residential, additional office space and greenspace.
“It has been an honor to lead 16 Tech during its startup phase. The strong support of the 16 Tech Community Corporation Board of Directors, led by chairman David Johnson, and the hard work of the dedicated 16 Tech team have enabled us to establish a district that will be a catalyst for jobs in Central Indiana and a model for inclusive growth,” said Coy. “The collaboration between corporations, local and state government, universities, foundations, near-by neighborhood leaders and not-for-profits is just the latest example of Indianapolis’ “secret sauce” in action.”
The 16 Tech Board of Directors has engaged Jorgenson Consulting to lead the search for the new President and CEO. Interested candidates can review the detailed job description at 16tech.com/jobs.
For more information on 16 Tech, visit 16Tech.com.
About 16 Tech
The 16 Tech Innovation District is one of the largest talent attraction, retention and development opportunities in Indianapolis’s history. Located in the historic Riverside neighborhood of Indianapolis, 16 Tech leverages its proximity to top academic, corporate, and healthcare institutions—and a growing network of spaces, programs, and talent—to foster the cross-industry convergence and collaboration that make world-changing innovation possible. The nonprofit 16 Tech Community Corporation oversees the development of the district and ensures benefits of economic growth, new investment and job creation extend to nearby neighborhoods as well as the city, the region and the state. More information can be found at www.16tech.com.
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Media Contact
Jacqueline Eckhardt
Director of Communications, 16 Tech
[email protected] | 614.390.9210
