16 Tech Joins a Nationwide Network Working to Accelerate Transformative Health Solutions
INDIANAPOLIS – October 27, 2023 – 16 Tech Community Corporation, the nonprofit responsible for the programmatic and physical development of the 16 Tech Innovation District, announced its selection as an inaugural spoke for the Investor Catalyst Hub, a regional hub of ARPANET-H, a nationwide health innovation network launched by the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H).
The announcement is the second this week to bolster Indiana’s biotechnology industry following the designation of Heartland BioWorks, a consortium of Indiana stakeholders including 16 Tech, as a Regional Technology and Innovation Hub by the U.S. Department of Commerce Economic of Development Administration on Monday.
The Investor Catalyst Hub of which 16 Tech is now a part aims to accelerate the commercialization of practical, accessible biomedical solutions. Based in the Greater Boston area and managed by VentureWell, it utilizes an innovative hub-and-spoke model designed to reach a wide range of nonprofit organizations with the ultimate aim of delivering scalable healthcare outcomes for all Americans.
Opened in 2020, 16 Tech boasts a growing cluster of resources as well as startups in life sciences, health tech and med tech industries as well as resources to facilitate the prototyping and development of physical products in a variety of industries and at industrial scale. 16 Tech anchor tenants include the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, a leading translational research institute with capabilities in diabetes, Alzheimers and pediatric rare disease research, and the Emerging Manufacturing Collaboration Center with strengths in autonomous vehicle technology, Industry 4.0 implementation and additive manufacturing.
“16 Tech is excited to join the ARPA-H Investor Catalyst Hub Spoke Network,” said Emily Krueger, 16 Tech Community Corporation president & CEO. “The distinction recognizes that by co-locating key innovation assets in the life sciences and advanced manufacturing industries, 16 Tech makes it easy, and compelling, to connect to Indiana’s innovation ecosystem.”
16 Tech joins a dynamic nationwide network of organizations aligned to ARPA-H’s overarching mission to improve health outcomes through the following research focus areas: health science futures, proactive health, scalable solutions, and resilient systems. Investor Catalyst Hub spokes represent a broad spectrum of expertise, geographic diversity, and community perspectives.
“Our spoke network represents a rich and representative range of perspectives and expertise,” said Mark Marino, Vice President of Growth Strategy and Development for VentureWell and Project Director for the Investor Catalyst Hub. “Our spokes comprise a richly diverse network that will be instrumental in ensuring that equitable health solutions reach communities across every state and tribal nation.”
As an Investor Catalyst Hub spoke, 16 Tech Community Corporation gains access to potential funding and flexible contracting for faster award execution compared to traditional government contracts. Spoke membership also offers opportunities to provide input on ARPA-H challenge areas and priorities, along with access to valuable networking opportunities and a robust resource library.
