Sixth stop in statewide series connects local business leaders with university students and technical experts to explore practical use cases for AI experimentation and implementation
Bloomington, Ind. (October 14, 2026) – The IN AI Roadshow will host its next event in Bloomington on Thursday, October 29, bringing together business leaders, students, technical experts and regional partners to help organizations decide where AI can improve operations and support their workforce.
The event will be held at the Indiana Memorial Union from 8:00 a.m. to noon. It is the sixth stop in the statewide IN AI Roadshow series, which is part of the AI adoption initiative launched in April by Indiana Governor Mike Braun with the support of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP).
The Bloomington Roadshow will feature perspectives from leaders in innovation, economic development, higher education and industry. Speakers include Melina Kennedy (CEO of CICP), John Fernandez (CEO of Amplify Bloomington), Alison Grand (Chief Administrative Officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation), Rahul Shrivastav (Indiana University Vice President for Student Success), Keith Thadikaran (Director of AI and machine learning at Cook Medical), and Jahon Hobbeheydar (CICP Executive Vice President of Strategy).
"By the time the Roadshow reaches Bloomington, we will have connected with employers and communities across the state who are asking the same practical question: Where does AI make sense for us?" said Ting Gootee, CICP Executive Vice President of Digital Adoption. "This series is helping organizations sort through that question, learn from one another and find the right next step, whether that means building skills, testing an idea or connecting with resources to move forward."
"Bloomington has a rare mix of entrepreneurs, established companies, and university research and talent, and many of our employers are already asking where AI fits in their work," said John Fernandez, CEO of Amplify Bloomington. "The Roadshow is a practical way to work through that question with people who can actually help."
New to the Bloomington Roadshow, the program will feature a special focus on AI's impact on K–12 education, highlighting implications for teachers and students in partnership with StartedUP Foundation.
Connecting Employers with Resources
The roadshow is designed to help organizations move beyond AI awareness and identify where technology can make a practical difference within their workplace. During the event, participants can hear examples of how Indiana organizations are implementing AI, design potential use cases connected to their own priorities and work directly with university students and technical experts to find potential AI solutions. AI Office Hours will also provide an opportunity for more focused questions about an AI tool, use case or work in progress. The program will include an optional AI learning session for participants seeking an introduction to AI.
"Indiana University is at the forefront of AI innovation, and we see tremendous opportunity to translate our leadership in research, education and industry collaboration into meaningful economic impact for Indiana," said Rahul Shrivastav, Vice President for Student Success who is also leading IU's AI work. "By connecting businesses with IU's research expertise, extensive AI training and support programs, and talented students, we can help accelerate AI adoption, strengthen our workforce and create new opportunities for growth across the state. Events like the IN AI Roadshow demonstrate what is possible when higher education and industry work together to advance Indiana's future."
Registration is now open for the IN AI Roadshow in Bloomington on October 29. Visit inaiready.com for more details about IN AI resources and opportunities to get involved.
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About IN AI
IN AI is a statewide initiative launched by Governor Mike Braun, with the support of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), to accelerate Indiana's readiness for the AI-driven economy. The human-centered initiative focuses on empowering businesses with the tools and resources needed to adopt artificial intelligence, aiming to engage Hoosiers around the state and make Indiana the most AI-ready state in the nation. IN AI will drive productivity, create high-paying jobs, and position Indiana as a leader in the global AI economy. For more information, visit INAIReady.com.
About CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership
The CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) was formed in 1999 to bring together the chief executives of the region's prominent corporations, foundations and universities in a strategic and collaborative effort dedicated to Indiana's continued prosperity and growth. To advance this objective, CICP sponsors five key talent and industry sector initiatives, AgriNovus Indiana, Ascend Indiana, BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana, and TechPoint, each of which addresses challenges and opportunities unique to its respective area: agbiosciences, talent and workforce development, life sciences, advanced manufacturing and logistics, and technology. To learn more about CICP, visit cicpindiana.com.
About Amplify Bloomington
Amplify Bloomington is an entrepreneurship-centric economic development organization: a nonprofit building an innovation economy where ambitious people can thrive without sacrificing connection. It operates The Mill coworking hub and stewards the Trades District innovation campus (Formerly Dimension Mill, Inc.). The Bloomington Roadshow is part of AMP Bloomington, Amplify Bloomington's three-day event, which occurs October 28–30. The event including the opening night keynote is free. Visit amplifybloomington.org/amp-bloomington for more details.
