WHERE INNOVATORS
Dear Friends,
“16 Tech is having a moment.” As the Indianapolis Business Journal wrote in late 2023, 16 Tech is realizing the long-held vision for a hub of entrepreneurship and innovation in Central Indiana.
Today, three years after opening, 16 Tech is home to more than 200 member companies. It’s the only place in the state where all three of Indiana’s Tier 1 research universities are located. And building anchors like the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, and the Emerging Manufacturing Collaboration Center are fostering collaboration between academia, industry and entrepreneurs.
This progress would not be possible without the ongoing support of public, private and philanthropic partners whose investment is transforming the 50-acre district into a thriving ecosystem.
And the flywheel effect is just starting.
In 2023, 16 Tech welcomed more than 260,000 visitors, an increase of 70% since the district opened. Construction of the 16 Tech bridge has increased the number of shovel ready sites in 16 Tech to seven, and 16 Tech is pre-leasing additional lab enabled space to support the growing life sciences ecosystem.
In our 2023-2024 impact report, we’re excited to share stories that highlight the impact 16 Tech is having today as well as the opportunities ahead. You’ll read about:
• Five high-impact startups growing their businesses as a result of the resources in 16 Tech;
• Upcoming additions to 16 Tech including the Heartland Bioworks headquarters, IU School of Medicine Center for Diabetes & Metabolic Diseases Research Lab, Purdue’s Manufacturing Materials Research Laboratories and the Ivy Tech Manufacturing Innovation Center in Partnership with Eli Lilly Company; and
• 16 Tech’s community impact in the Near West and Near Northwest neighborhoods of Indianapolis.
As 16 Tech continues to grow, we remain focused on attracting partners and companies to 16 Tech while developing an inclusive, collaborative community where innovation flourishes.
Thank you for being a part of our journey.
Emily Krueger, President & CEO,
16 Tech Community
Corporation
INNOVATION BUILDING 1
OPENED 2020
HQO INNOVATION HUB
OPENED 2021
EMC2
OPENED 2022
$104 MILLION
INFRASTRUCTURE COMPLETE OR IN PROGRESS
200 COMPANIES & ORGANIZATIONS
$150 MILLION
CAPITAL INVESTMENT IN VERTICAL DEVELOPMENT
1,000+ PEOPLE WORKING IN 16 TECH
280,000 SQ. FEET OF INNOVATION SPACE
21
RESTAURANTS & RETAILERS
260,000+ VISITORS ANNUALLY
380+ EVENTS ANNUALLY
40,000+ EVENT ATTENDEES ANNUALLY
1 OF 45 DISTRICTS WORLDWIDE MEMBER OF THE GLOBAL INSTITUTE ON INNOVATION DISTRICTS
$3 MILLION
IN-KIND CONTRIBUTIONS SUPPORTING COMMUNITY ACCESS SINCE 2021
$1.8 MILLION INVESTED IN NEIGHBORING COMMUNITIES SINCE 2019
60 SPONSORED MACHYNE & COWORKING MEMBERSHIPS SINCE 2021
58
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND GRANTS SINCE 2019
5 STARTUPS INNOVATING FROM 16 TECH
Dr. Alicia Mckoy, CEO & Founder, Peak Mind
Jay Shah, Co-founder & CEO, Neurava
Karen Wurster, CEO, Adipo Therapeutics
Spencer Mae-Croft, CEO & Founder, Rogue.Ai
Ganesh Gandhieswaran, CEO & Co-founder, Conversight
CONVERSIGHT IS PIONEERING THE FUTURE OF BUSINESS DATA INTELLIGENCE
What if leaders could filter out all data noise in their business and focus solely on the information they need right when they need it? ConverSight, born from the vision of co-founders Ganesh Gandhieswaran and Gopinath Jaganmohan, offers just that with their generative AI-powered analytics platform. It transcends traditional dashboards by converting disorganized data into meaningful business insights that leaders can easily use. This innovative conversational insight empowers leaders to make faster, more confident decisions. Located in the HqO Innovation Hub at 16 Tech, ConverSight thrives, drawing from a nexus of innovation inspiration and resources for the rapidly growing startup.
The company’s journey began in a garage in 2017 with a vision to democratize business analytics. “Not everybody can just hire data analysts or data scientists,” Gandhieswaran points out. ConverSight’s central data platform, with its AI assistant, Athena, gives real-time insights and analytics across business operations, from supply chains to sales, without the need for in-depth data expertise. However, a garage wasn’t the space of innovation the growing company needed to bring their product to a larger market. “As a startup company, every year we are doubling. My space should grow with
me,” he says. In 2022, the company relocated to 16 Tech. Gandhieswaran says that the move has positively contributed to the company by serving as a space that encourages creativity and collaboration for his 30-person team.
“Anyone who comes to ConverSight, our current employees or anybody, loves our space. I think it’s the openness—you feel unlimited,” Gandhieswaran says. The transition to 16 Tech was fundamentally about fostering inspiration. “As a growing company, we need to be very creative and collaborative. So our space must also be creative and collaborative; that’s important,” Gandhieswaran says. Since relocating to 16 Tech, ConverSight has doubled its customer base and expanded into global markets. Last year’s $9 million Series A funding has propelled further product enhancements, including a state-of-the-art user interface and the introduction of an AI workbench, a marketplace, and GPT-powered modeling capabilities.
Looking ahead, Gandhieswaran and his team are driving forward with new technologies and product advancements, confident that 16 Tech offers the ideal environment for groundbreaking work. “We’ve been building ChatGPT for business data analytics right here,” he says, “building next-gen technology and empowering customers all over the world from 16 Tech.” WATCH VIDEO HERE LOCATED IN HQO
JOINED 16 TECH
2023 SERIES A FUNDING $9 MILLION
“(WE’VE BEEN) BUILDING NEXT-GEN TECHNOLOGY AND EMPOWERING CUSTOMERS ALL OVER THE WORLD FROM 16 TECH.”
– GANDHIESWARAN
ADIPO THERAPEUTICS IS TRANSFORMING THE FIGHT AGAINST OBESITY AND DIABETES
Roughly 42% of people are living with obesity and 11.6% with diabetes today, according to the CDC. Alarmingly, research predicts by 2030, half of all Americans will fall into the obese category. The consequences of this trend are not just a matter of increased healthcare costs: it’s a crisis that significantly diminishes the quality of life for millions, leading to health issues ranging from heart disease and stroke to certain types of cancer and type 2 diabetes.
Founded in 2016 by Meng Deng, Ph.D. from Purdue University, Adipo Therapeutics is confronting this crisis head-on. The startup is developing a novel therapeutic to combat obesity and type 2 diabetes by biochemically transforming white fat into calorieburning brown fat, aiding in weight loss and better blood sugar control.
In 2020, the biopharma company sought to assemble a larger team, moving out of its Purdue University lab into a private lab space that fit a constrained startup budget. That’s when CEO Karen Wurster joined the team. “Our company is small, and we only had one full-time scientist in the group, so we wanted to make sure that we had a place where we didn’t feel isolated,” she says. “We wanted to be part of a bigger, innovative startup community to make it a more exciting place to work.”
Adipo was one of the first tenants to move into the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) in 2020. The research institute located in Innovation Building 1, offers lab space and equipment to start-ups like Adipo looking to transform research into real-world applications that positively impact human health.
The space offered not just a fully equipped lab that helps to advance their science, but also a dynamic environment that fosters innovation and interaction within the startup ecosystem.
The support from the IBRI has been a game-changer for Adipo, according to Wurster. The lab’s resources helped the Adipo team advance its science, leading to a significant milestone: securing an additional $1.9 million in funding. To date, Adipo has secured $4 million in seed financing to propel the progress of its primary product, ADPO-002NP.
“Both on the science and business side, I feel like we’ve had the advantages of being in IBRI at 16 Tech,” says Wurster. Leveraging the vibrant community and state-of-the-art facilities provided by IBRI at 16 Tech, Adipo is paving the way for new treatments that could significantly alter the landscape of obesity and diabetes management.
“ BOTH ON THE SCIENCE AND BUSINESS SIDE, I FEEL LIKE WE’VE HAD THE ADVANTAGES OF BEING IN IBRI AT 16 TECH.” – WURSTER
ROGUE.AI ENVISIONS A FUTURE WHERE TECHNOLOGY AND FARMING WORK HAND IN HAND
Spencer Mae-Croft always knew he wanted to combine his background in computer science with his passion for his hometown. His deep-rooted connection to his small farming community inspired him to envision a future where technology and farming worked hand in hand. This led him to the world of agtech, where he began the ambitious task of building an 800-pound drone.
Mae-Croft’s company, Rogue.Ai, creates drones that help farmers use fewer chemicals in their fields, saving them time and money. This is being made possible by leveraging new cutting-edge technologies. Initially, Mae-Croft was a one-man show, learning to build drones independently, but over time, his passion and perseverance attracted like-minded individuals, and his team grew. This evolution demonstrated that innovation thrives on collaboration.
Like many startups, Rogue.Ai faced financial challenges. The vision was clear, but the funds to achieve it were not. However, Mae-Croft’s breakthrough came when he moved to 16 Tech. Access to advanced tools and machines allowed him to stretch his capital further, continuing development without the burden of purchasing expensive equipment. His studio space in Machyne Makerspace launched new connections, including multiple investors who met Mae-Croft while touring 16 Tech.
LOCATED IN MACHYNE, HQO MOVED TO EMC2 (2024)
YEAR FOUNDED 2020
Rogue.Ai is focused on it’s launch. With this milestone, they can start demonstrations, showcasing drones over Indiana’s farms. These demonstrations are crucial, as they allow farmers to see the drones in action, witnessing firsthand the potential to revolutionize their work. The excitement is palpable, and the team at Rogue.Ai is driven by the belief that they are on the cusp of something truly transformative.
To continue the journey, growth and transition were necessary. Mae-Croft is graduating from Machyne Makerspace and moving on to EMC2, ready to embrace this next chapter with more space while maintaining connections to the 16 Tech community. The move offers Spencer more space for his growing team and product, ensuring that Rogue.Ai can continue to innovate and expand.
JOINED 16 TECH 2022
MACHYNE GRADUATE 2024
“It’s worth it. You go from being misunderstood to people asking how you did it,” Mae-Croft advises other entrepreneurs. His journey is a testament to the power of perseverance, innovation, and the unwavering belief in a vision. As Spencer and his team look to the future, they are more committed than ever to making a lasting impact on the world of agriculture, one drone at a time. WATCH VIDEO HERE
“YOU GO FROM BEING MISUNDERSTOOD TO PEOPLE ASKING HOW YOU DID IT.”
– MAE-CROFT
PEAK MIND COMBINES SCIENCE, SOFTWARE, AND VR TECHNOLOGY
TO TRANSFORM WELLNESS IN THE WORKPLACE
Some stress is useful. It sharpens our awareness of danger or helps us meet pressing deadlines at work. Unchecked, however, high stress levels can wreak havoc on our lives, driving us into an endless cycle of fightor-flight. Americans are some of the most stressed-out employees in the world, according to Gallup’s 2023 State of the Global Workplace report.
Alicia Mckoy, Ph.D., CCWS, is the CEO and founder of the innovative start-up Peak Mind and is tackling this pressing concern head-on. Operating out of the Emerging Manufacturing Collaboration Center (EMC2) in 16 Tech, Mckoy developed research-backed software that introduces businesses and their employees to a blend of tools to boost well-being at work. Combining the latest research in neuropsychology, biometrics, and cutting-edge AR and VR technology, Mckoy is helping Indiana workers identify, measure, and reduce their stress in real time.
Mckoy spent five years researching neuropsychology and became a certified corporate Wellness Specialist (CCWS) to understand what drives mental well-being in the workplace. She interviewed more than 100 mental health experts and professionals, accumulating mindfulness techniques and effective cognitive
LOCATED IN EMC2 MOVED TO HQO (2024)
behavioral therapy practices, providing the foundation for Peak Mind in 2020. Today, the Peak Mind app has a library of more than 150 ‘mental spa’ action steps to reduce stress. It also measures users’ stress in realtime, empowering employees to thrive in the moments they feel most stressed. Peak Mind received an Indiana Innovation Voucher Grant through the IEDC to help scale the company’s efforts to connect chronically stressed workers with real-time wellness intelligence using wearable technology.
“One of the benefits of being at 16 Tech is you get to meet and network with people and organizations that can help advance your company and collaborate on meaningful projects such as these,” Mckoy says. The grant supported Peak Mind’s membership to a statecertified testing lab and research facility inside EMC2. “EMC2 has true 5G WiFi speed so that I can use my VR devices with greater data capture and processing on an edge computing server,” Mckoy explains. “If you come to my lab I can show you your biodata and discuss how it correlates to stress levels — your heart rate, heart rate variability, blood pressure pupillometry, and cognitive load or overload. If you’re using any wearable, you would want your data to be encrypted and protected while edge computing. Those are the two main things I’ve chosen to do with our VR hardtech and biosciences research and development at EMC2 and 16 Tech, which is why I’m here.”
INDIANA INNOVATION VOUCHER 2023 RECIPIENT
WATCH VIDEO HERE
“ONE OF THE BENEFITS OF BEING AT 16 TECH IS YOU GET TO MEET AND NETWORK WITH PEOPLE AND ORGANIZATIONS THAT CAN HELP ADVANCE YOUR COMPANY” – MCKOY
NEURAVA IS ON A MISSION TO SAVE LIVES THROUGH INNOVATIVE EPILEPSY CARE
While earning their PhDs in electrical engineering at Purdue University, Jay Shah and Vivek Ganesh discovered a startling gap in epilepsy care: 35% of people with epilepsy in the U.S. are resistant to medication, leaving them at a drastically increased risk of SUDEP (Sudden Unexpected Death in Epilepsy) and the market lacked an effective solution for mitigating this risk. So, in 2019, the duo embarked on creating a groundbreaking wearable device.
“Our wearables would not only do seizure detection but also be able to monitor other physiological signals that can enable us to mitigate the risk of SUDEP,” Shah explains. “When the devices detect something, it will send an alert to a caregiver so that they can intervene at that moment, if needed, and perform some lifesaving intervention.”
To bring their product to life, Shah sought a space that could meet their venture’s dynamic needs. In 2023, he set his sights on the HqO Innovation Hub at 16 Tech. In the coworking space, Shah found more than just an office; he has discovered a thriving ecosystem, where regular interactions with investors, fellow startups, and a dynamic innovation community are sparking new possibilities and driving Neurava’s mission forward.
“I liked 16 Tech because it has great resources and is a really good ecosystem for startups,” Shah says. “In startups and entrepreneurship, networking is basically one of the big ways that you can make or break. Networking events, being closer to some of our current and potential investors, and surrounding ourselves with people in similar industries help us broaden our network. I think that has been one of the biggest benefits of being at 16 Tech.”
Right now, the powerhouse team at Neurava is small— just two full-time employees. At 16 Tech, Shah often runs into other startups tenants that lead to fruitful conversations. Shah says Glassboard, a product engineering company, recently helped him brainstorm potential ideas to solve a problem. “We got to pick their brain a little bit about some insights that helped us solve a problem we were facing,” he says. “Being in a community where you can have those experiences and those types of conversations is great.”
In 2023, Neurava was a finalist for MedTech Innovator, earning a $25,000 prize and recently announced the close of an oversubscribed Series Seed round of $2.26M. Over the next 12 months Shah and Ganesh aim to complete a comprehensive study of their full system and secure Series A funding, with the goal of launching their innovative epilepsy device by end of 2025.
WATCH VIDEO HERE LOCATED IN HQO
“I LIKED 16 TECH BECAUSE IT HAS GREAT RESOURCES AND IS A REALLY GOOD ECOSYSTEM FOR STARTUPS.” – SHAH
INNOVATION RESOURCES DESIGNED TO SUPPORT THE LIFE SCIENCES & HARD TECH
IBRI: LEADING TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH
Home to the Dr. August M. Watanabe Drug Discovery Laboratory, the IBRI is a leading translational research institute advancing academic and industry science through collaboration with capabilities in diabetes, Alzheimers, and pediatric rare disease research.
MACHYNE: THE REGION’S LEADING SPACE FOR PROTOTYPING
16 Tech’s makerspace boasts the high-tech tools needed to take products from vision to reality. Machyne is currently home to IU 3D Innovations Lab, Halophore, NuTech Institute, Glassboard and more. Interested in its capabilities?
SCHEDULE A TOUR
EMERGING MANUFACTURING COLLABORATION CENTER (EMC2)
Operated by NineTwelve, EMC2 boasts a 60,000 sq. ft. manufacturing floor, an advanced communications lab, and GE binder technology. The H2 Binder Jet machine represents one of 18 prototypes globally and is the only machine outside of GE available for public use.
EMC2 TENANT SPOTLIGHT: INNOVATION IN THE FAST LANE
The Indy Autonomous Challenge gathers university teams from around the world to compete by advancing technology that can speed the commercialization of fully autonomous vehicles and deployments of advanced driver-assistance systems (ADAS) to increase safety and performance.
WATCH VIDEO
16 TECH GAINS NATIONAL & INTERNATIONAL RECOGNITION
In 2023, 16 Tech was selected as an inaugural spoke in the Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health (ARPA-H) Investor Catalyst Hub. The designation recognizes 16 Tech nationally as a place with resources to support commercialization of health innovation, increasing the competitiveness of companies in 16 Tech for ARPA-H funding and expanding access to external resources.
16 Tech accepted an invitation to join the Global Institute on Innovation Districts (GIID), an international network of 45 innovation districts in 15 countries connecting leaders to cutting-edge research and shared strategic learning opportunities. 16 Tech is the only innovation district in Indiana participating in GIID.
16 Tech is a member of the Heartland Bioworks regional tech hub, a consortium led by the Applied Research Institute (ARI) that brings together key stakeholders from industry, academia, government, and nonprofit sectors to leverage Indiana’s unparalleled collection of resources and capabilities to secure the nation’s biomanufacturing future. 16 Tech will be home to the headquarters of Heartland Bioworks.
16 TECH UNVEILS FIRST PIECE OF PUBLIC ART
In 2023, 16 Tech dedicated its first piece of public art, an 18-by-75 foot mural facing Indiana Avenue by local artist Kevin West, which was unveiled as part of the BUTTER: Fine Art Fair organized by GANGGANG along with the Indianapolis Urban League.
BUILDING EQUITABLY
16 Tech encourages the participation of XBEs in the development, design, and construction of the District. As of May 2024, construction projects in 16 Tech have contracted with 70 XBE firms and employed 2,048 individuals, of which 35% were from Marion County.
Diversity participation and workforce utilization goals are set by the City of Indianapolis and apply to the construction projects in the District whether led by 16 Tech Community Corporation or private sector development partners.
THE AMP: WHERE COMMUNITY IS THE BEST INGREDIENT
*Since Inception
Opened in June 2021, the AMP food hall is home to more than 20 restaurants and boasts a variety of events for the community, including the weekly Indy Winter Farmers Market which attracts more than 1,000 visitors per week.
TEENWORKS AT THE AMP
Healthy Soul Meal Prep & Catering, a restaurant operating out of the AMP, and 16 Tech partnered to offer a multi-week summer culinary training program to young students through TeenWorks. The students learned about career pathways in the food industry, connected with community leaders and worked with AMP vendors to understand day-to-day business operations.
*2023-2024
“The support has been tremendous. The way they set this up is really, really nice. It gives people a chance.”
- Dionne Butler
BUTLER’S PIZZA, A FAMILY AFFAIR
The westside staple opened at the AMP in November 2023. The restaurant, originally operated by Wylie and Amanda Butler, was in business for nearly three decades before closing its three locations in 2017. Dionne Butler, son of the original owners, reopened the family business to carry on his parents legacy and is dedicated to its success on the westside of Indianapolis. Butler’s Pizza employs 12 people, many of whom are family members. You’ll still spot Wylie and Amanda serving customers’ favorite slices.
Punkin’s Pies made Food Network’s list of “50 Over The Top Treats”
Wings & Greens opened a third location in Lucas Oil Stadium
Mambos opened a second located in Salesforce Tower
NEIGHBORS CONNECTING NEIGHBORS: INCREASING ACCESS TO OPPORTUNITY
“WE DIDN’T HAVE ANY ORGANIZATIONS LIKE THIS WHEN I WAS YOUNG, SO I’M ALWAYS HAPPY TO SHARE ABOUT 16 TECH.”
Maunah Wadud 16 Tech Community Impact Team Member, 2023
Maunah Wadud was born and raised on the East Coast. She came to Indianapolis in 1977 after starting a family and has been an Indy resident ever since. In 2023, Wadud served as a Community Impact Team member for 16 Tech, playing a vital role in maintaining open communication between the Near West, Near Northwest, and communities surrounding Indiana Avenue.
“I’ve been a resident for over 47 years and I remember when 16 Tech was being built. I remember the team coming to our neighborhood association meeting to get our input on what changes needed to be made and it’s exciting to watch everything come to fruition,” she shares.
Wadud was a dedicated member of the Community Impact Team, connecting her neighbors to 16 Tech by raising awareness about the exciting resources and amenities available. “16 Tech is more than just the AMP Food Hall & Marketplace, it nurtures several communities within Central Indiana,” says Wadud.
For Wadud, being a Community Impact Team member was about more than just promoting 16 Tech - it was about being an integral part of its development and growth.
“I AM EXCITED TO SEE HOW OUR IMPACT MADE A DIFFERENCE FOR COMMUNITIES.”
Pam Hardy
16 Tech Community Impact Team Member, 2023
Orginally born in Mississippi, Pam Hardy relocated to Indianapolis with her father in 1960. In 2023, Hardy served as a Community Impact Team member for 16 Tech, playing a vital role in maintaining open communication between the Near West, Near Northwest, and communities surrounding Indiana Avenue. “I enjoy telling people about my neighborhood and the history of my city because I’m proud of it,” she states.
As a member of the 2023 Community Impact Team, Hardy represented 16 Tech at various community events, job fairs, and neighborhood meetings. Pam believes in the power of word-of-mouth communication and is passionate about sharing the countless opportunities and services that 16 Tech provides. “The more you talk about it, the more it spreads,” she states.
Apart from her role at 16 Tech, Pam is the founder of Riverside Riders, an organization that encourages seniors to stay active. Participants gather to cycle and chat, exploring the Monon Trail and the Cultural Trail. “Many of our elders are being forgotten and I wanted to create an active space for them,” Hardy adds. Riverside Riders has been cycling since 2014 and has plans to grow even bigger with the help of local sponsors and riders!
16 TECH COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND
In early 2024, 16 Tech awarded $289K to seven projects in its fifth cycle of the Community Investment Fund (CIF). Established to support resident-endorsed projects that are important to the growth and vitality of the neighborhoods near 16 Tech, the CIF is guided by an advisory committee made up of neighborhood leaders, residents and supporting organizations. Seeded with $3 million in funding from the City of Indianapolis, the CIF is sustained through a $0.20-per-square-foot assessment on space occupied by 16 Tech tenants. 16 Tech approaches its grantmaking using trust-based philanthropy.
WORKFORCE TRAINING
$380,000 AWARDED | 11 GRANTS
BUSINESS SUPPORT
$90,000 AWARDED | 4 GRANTS
The map above represents the geographic impact of the 58 projects awarded through the CIF, some of which supported multiple geographic areas.
EDUCATION
$854,150 AWARDED | 21 GRANTS
NEIGHBORHOOD CAPACITY BUILDING
$285,600 AWARDED | 12 GRANTS
$306,500 AWARDED | 10 GRANTS
INFRASTRUCTURE & BEAUTIFICATION 16 TECH HAS AWARDED $1.9 MILLION TO 58 PROJECTS SINCE 2020
LEARN MORE HERE
GRANTEE IMPACT HIGHLIGHTS
XCELLENCE FITNESS ACADEMY | AWARDED $30,000
Xcellence empowered 89 area residents to manage their own health and wellness through exercise classes, nutrition and health learning, as well as health and wellness evaluations.
TRIPLE T ACADEMY | AWARDED $25,000
The “Nine to Six” program provides a learning track that facilitates a comprehensive training regimen that will launch a participant into a career in drone technology. More than 50 percent of program graduates now have jobs which they credit to the Triple T program. Two program graduates started their own business.
REGENERATION INDY | AWARDED $21,200
Re-Generation Indy and its partners developed a creative writing and illustration program for middle school and high school students who live in the Near Northwest. Eight students created a 22-page graphic novel to represent what their community meant to them.
COMMUNITY ASSETS | AWARDED $25,000
In order to address resources available for young adults (14-24) in the Near Northwest neighborhoods, Community Assets used funding to support more than 300 youth with mentoring, coaching and supplemental learning labs (design thinking, computer science, STEM careers, and engineering design) at the Riverside Community Center and Machyne at 16 Tech.
YOUTH 2 GREATNESS | AWARDED $25,000
The organization connected 485 Northwest residents to available resources, tools and relationships that supported personal and community wellness through programming.
HOW 16 TECH COMMUNITY CORPORATION’S FINANCIAL MODEL WORKS
As the non-profit responsible for the programmatic and physical development of 16 Tech Innovation District, the work of 16 Tech Community Corporation is supported by charitable contributions as well as revenue earned from its operations and programs including rent, memberships, classes, etc. As of 12/31/23, 89% of 16 Tech’s assets and 82% of the capital sourced to date has been used to support the physical development of the 50-acre district. In 2023, 16 Tech’s earned revenue supported 100% of its administrative and fundraising expenses allowing every dollar given in support of our mission to go to programs for entrepreneurship, neighborhood and talent as well as ongoing placemaking projects. Contributions for 2023 included the recognition of a three-year operating grant.
WHY YOUR SUPPORT MATTERS
As the front door to Indiana’s entrepreneurial ecosystem, 16 Tech connects diverse talent and catalyzes the growth of companies to transform the future of our city and state. Your support enables 16 Tech Community Corporation to provide access to resources in the 16 Tech Innovation District including meeting space, office space, events, networking, classes, and sponsored memberships.
To learn more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact Abbi Garvey at agarvey@16tech.com.
COMMUNITY ACCESS PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS:
INDY WINTER FARMERS MARKET (IWFM)
16 Tech welcomes 50+ vendors and 1,000 attendees every Saturday (November - April) to the AMP for the IWFM. The market offers a Triple-SNAP Program.
BOO BASH
Organized by Tawana Gulley of Healthy Soul Catering & Meal Prep, the AMP vendors welcome community members to a safe, public indoor trick or treat.
THANK YOU TO SUPPORTERS & DONORS
We are grateful for the support of our donors and sponsors.
VIEW FULL LIST
SPIRIT & PLACE FESTIVAL: THE PUBLIC CONVERSATION
The AMP welcomed 200 guests for a live audience podcast recording of “Black Girls Eating” with Tanorria Askew, Candace Boyd and culinary historian Michael Twitty.
HOW TO ENGAGE
TAKE A TOUR
Explore 16 Tech with one of our team members by emailing info@16tech.com.
There’s always something happening at 16 Tech. View the calendar here. JOIN US
SUBSCRIBE
Get updates from our monthly newsletter.
HOST AN EVENT
Small meetings to large-scale gatherings, we’ve got you covered. Inquire today.
REFERRAL
Connect an innovation-driven enterprise with 16 Tech by emailing nansari@16tech. com.
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WHAT’S AHEAD
THE NEXT PHASE OF GROWTH & INNOVATION
Construction is in full swing, demonstrating continued momentum on 16 Tech’s physical development.
16 Tech boasts a robust pipeline of lab and innovation spaces representing transformative opportunities for the Indianapolis region. Nine parcels in the 50-acre district are available for development, intended for lab, retail, office, hotel and more.
To learn more about available development opportunities, contact info@16tech.com.
VANGUARD AT 16 TECH | Q1 2025
The 289-unit multifamily project is the district’s first residential project. Pre-leasing is anticipated in Q4 2024.
IVY TECH INNOVATION MANUFACTURING TRAINING CENTER IN PARTNERSHIP WITH ELI LILY COMPANY | Q4 2024
Located in EMC2, the training center is designed to attract and prepare diverse talent for careers in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
INDIANA UNIVERSITY SCHOOL OF MEDICINE CENTER FOR DIABETES & METABOLIC DISEASES RESEARCH LAB | Q3 2024
Located in Innovation Building 1, the research lab, led by Dr. Carmella Evans-Molina, MD, PhD., is focused on defining the molecular and inflammatory etiologies of β cell dysfunction that contribute to diabetes pathophysiology.
PURDUE UNIVERSITY AUDIOLOGY AND MANUFACTURING PROGRAMS | Q4 2024
Purdue University in Indianapolis will establish two programs at 16 Tech’s HqO Innovation Hub, the Accessible Precision Audiology Research Center and the Manufacturing and Materials Research Laboratories (MMRL) focused on manufacturing excellence.
16 TECH BRIDGE | Q1 2025
The first-of-its-kind piece of architecture will span Fall Creek, creating a direct connection between 16 Tech, the medical research corridor and downtown Indy.
SEE THE BRIDGE IN PROGRESS
MEET THE STAFF
Nida Ansari Chief Innovation Officer
nansari@16tech.com
Nick Douglas Machyne Workshop Assistant ndouglas@16tech.com
Averi Hittle
Digital Marketing Manager ahittle@16tech.com
Tamika Moore Staff Accountant
tmoore@16tech.com
Whitney Ball Director of Events
wball@16tech.com
Jacqueline Eckhardt VP of Brand Strategy
jeckhardt@16tech.com
Michaela Ivory Neighborhood Engagement Coordinator mivory@16tech.com
Beth Schneider, CPA Controller
bschneider@16tech.com
Essence Brown Events Manager
ebrown@16tech.com
DeAndra Edmond Staff Accountant
dedmond@16tech.com
Tracey Jackson VP of Workforce Development & Community Impact
tjackson@16tech.com
Melanie Suder Creative Director
msuder@16tech.com
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Melina Kennedy (Chair) Central Indiana Corporate Partnership
Jeff Harrison (Treasurer) Citizens Energy Group
Tory Castor (Secretary) Indiana University Health
Emily Krueger (President & CEO) 16 Tech Community Corporation
Alan Palkowtiz Indiana Biosciences Research Institute
Aman Brar Ground Game Ventures
Daniel Hasler Purdue University
David Roberts Applied Research Institute
Esther Sandlin Ice Miller
Joe Glass Indianapolis Bond Bank
Kristin Mays-Corbitt Mays Chemical Company, Inc.
Michael Huber Indiana University
Nicole Paulk IU Health
Ramesh Durvasula Eli Lilly & Company
Russ Mumper Indiana University
Vincent Ash Indiana Economic Development Corporation
Courtney Chatmon Executive Coordinator & Special Projects
cchatmon@16tech.com
Matt Foxworthy Director of Facilities & AMP Operations mfoxworthy@16tech.com
Sibeko Jywanza Director of Community Access & Engagement sjywanza@16tech.com
Paul Williams Senior Manager of Member Experience & Workshop Manager pwilliams@16tech.com
Maenecia Cole Director of Experiential Learning & Education Outreach Director
mcole@16tech.com
Abbi Garvey Director of Corporate Giving & Sponsorship agarvey@16tech.com
Emily Krueger President and CEO
ekrueger@16tech.com
Greer Crossley Experience Manager gcrossley@16tech.com
Starla Hart VP of Administration shart@16tech.com
Alex Kurrelmeier Chief Financial Officer akurrelmeier@16tech.com
COMMUNITY INVESTMENT FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE
Alejandra Lagunas Haughville
Ben Tapper City of Indianapolis
Disa Watson Historic Flanner House Homes
Emily Krueger 16 Tech Community Corporation
Esther Sandlin Riverside
DESIGN STANDARDS COMMITTEE
Marya Rose (Chair) Former CAO, Cummins (Retired)
Adam Thies Indiana University
Keith (WildStyle) Paschall Near Northwest (UNWA)
Mark Latta The Learning Tree
Renee Davis Riverside
Richard Bray Indiana University Indianapolis
Lily Pai Lilly Pai Designs
Lourenzo Giple City of Indianapolis