Elanco CEO and Purdue President Announce Creation of One Health Innovation District in Indianapolis

In a rare and noteworthy partnership, Elanco CEO Jeff Simmons and Purdue President Mung Chiang have announced plans for the creation of the One Health Innovation District in Indianapolis. The district will be located next to Elanco’s new headquarters at the former GM Stamping Plant and will feature office space, wet labs, and incubator spaces where Purdue researchers and entrepreneurs can collaborate.

Mitch Frazier, president and CEO of AgriNovus Indiana, emphasized that this partnership between a global health company, a university, and government is unique and significant. Governor Eric Holcomb expressed his support for the initiative, highlighting its focus on talent, applied research, and innovation that can benefit future generations.

In addition to the One Health Innovation District, Elanco plans to contribute up to $2 million of initial funding to establish a new Animal Health Venture Fund. The company also intends to acquire an additional 12 acres of land north of its current downtown location to expand its operations. Elanco President and CEO Jeff Simmons stated that creating an environment conducive to innovation is essential for turning life-changing ideas into reality.

Simmons noted that the Indianapolis One Health Innovation District will provide a supportive ecosystem for innovators, including access to leading universities, funding opportunities, lab space, collaboration with other companies, and shared facilities for technical development and pilot plant manufacturing. This collaborative effort aims to position Indianapolis as a hub for innovation in the field of healthcare and animal health.