Plug and Play and Indiana University Launch Groundbreaking IU LAB Lifetech Accelerator

Launch of the IU LAB Lifetech Accelerator

On September 30, 2025, a significant milestone was reached in the field of life sciences innovation with the unveiling of the IU LAB Lifetech Accelerator in Indianapolis. This project is a collaboration between Plug and Play, one of the world’s most influential innovation platforms, and Indiana University, alongside key partners such as BioCrossroads and IU Health.

The accelerator is strategically located in the 16 Tech Innovation District, a burgeoning hub intended to attract startups focused on life sciences. The initiative is designed to foster innovation in critical areas such as therapeutics, medical devices, diagnostics, and biotechnology. By assembling a wealth of expertise from Indiana’s universities and businesses, the accelerator positions the state as a premier destination for cutting-edge technologies.

Indiana University President Pam Whitten emphasized the university's dedication to fostering innovation, stating, "The future of Indiana's life sciences industry is being built at Indiana University. Through bold initiatives like IU LAB and our partnership with Plug and Play, Indiana is becoming a hub for breakthroughs in life sciences and technology that drive human progress and fuel a thriving economy."

David Rosenberg, the inaugural president and CEO of IU LAB, reiterated the significance of this initiative in transforming the landscape of Indiana’s life sciences sector. "IU LAB is harnessing the collective strength of IU, IU Health, and Indiana's life sciences expertise to change the landscape of the state's life sciences sector," Rosenberg remarked. His vision encompasses integrating education, research, and business incubation to create a robust pipeline of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Emily Krueger, President and CEO of 16 Tech, highlighted that the accelerator is purposefully designed to tackle the complexities of health and life sciences innovation. Krueger stated, "Locating in 16 Tech further ensures participants are part of a community where partnerships and collaboration enable their success."

At the heart of the accelerator's model is collaboration. It aims to link academia, industry, and venture capital, creating an environment conducive to innovation. Startups participating in this program can expect access to mentorship, educational workshops, pitch sessions, and introductions to corporate partners, all essential resources to accelerate their growth.

Saeed Amidi, the Founder and CEO of Plug and Play, expressed pride in launching the accelerator in Indianapolis. He mentioned, "Today's launch represents another step in bringing startups and healthcare partners together to create real impact. This new location will provide more opportunities for collaboration and innovation, building on our previous successes like the Medtech accelerator in Warsaw."

Brandon Noll, Director of Plug and Play Indiana, shared insights on the significance of this expansion, remarking that it aligns with the firm’s strategic vision for growth. Noll said, "Our involvement with the IU LAB initiative is a direct reflection of its strategic alignment with our core mission. We aim to connect startups, ideas, industry, and investors to truly accelerate innovation."

The IU LAB Lifetech Accelerator is set to support up to 40 startups each year, with its first cohort beginning an intensive 14-week program in October 2025. This initiative signals a new era of life sciences innovation in Indiana, enhancing the state’s role in the global landscape.

To learn more about Plug and Play and how to get involved with the IU LAB Lifetech Accelerator, please visit pnptc.com.

About Plug and Play

Plug and Play is a worldwide innovation platform that connects startups with corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley and operating in over 60 locations worldwide, Plug and Play fosters corporate innovation across multiple sectors, having facilitated the growth of numerous successful companies like Dropbox, PayPal, and Rappi.

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