IoT Lab Forming to Grow Innovative Products, Businesses, New Markets in Indiana

FORT WAYNE, Ind., Dec. 18, 2018 Individuals and companies interested in developing products and businesses around the Health Internet of Things (IoT) will have a new option. The NIIC was awarded funding to launch a cluster-focused commercialization program. Indiana Connected Health IoT Lab/Network is slated to begin formation January 2019, funded by a three-year, $750,000 Economic Development Administration (EDA) 2018 Regional Innovation Strategies (RIS) Program grant.

Founding Partners, local corporations and foundations are providing the required local match, including Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), Clear Object, Indiana Tech, Purdue University Fort Wayne, Parkview Mirro Center for Research and Innovation, Elevate Ventures Northeast Indiana, Indiana University Research and Technology Corporation, Vision Tech Partners Northeast Indiana, Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership and Greater Fort Wayne, Inc.

Health IoT describes health-related technologies where just about anything can be connected, communicated and used remotely in an intelligent way. The Lab/Network is part of an organically developing statewide strategy relying on local IoT labs to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship in Indiana.

"As the world becomes more digitally interconnected, Indiana is focused on embracing innovation and technology development to help diversify its economy and fuel industry growth," said David Roberts, Chief Innovation Officer, Indiana Economic Development Corp.

"This is an incredible opportunity to globally advance and connect Indiana healthcare assets. We are well positioned to house the Lab/Network, given our large health-related market clusters of medical devices, insurance and healthcare supply chain companies," said Karl R. LaPan, President & CEO, The NIIC.

"The Lab will provide IoT-driven business builders and companies with resources, tools and networks to take innovation to the marketplace," said LaPan. "The Lab will actively engage healthcare and IoT supplier companies, universities and other innovative support organizations. A Proof-of-Concept Center will experiment with innovative ideas, connecting the dots to deal with problems and pains experienced in today's healthcare industry."

John Sampson, CEO and President, Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, stated, "The Indiana Connected Health IoT Lab/Network is a tremendous opportunity for Northeast Indiana. This EDA grant award showcases strong, forward momentum of Northeast Indiana, the importance of a focus on technology in all industries and the incredible collaboration that takes place in this region."

Contact Mike Fritsch to learn more.
Media contact: Tammy Allen 
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SOURCE Northeast Indiana Innovation Center