New tool compiles real, self-reported AI projects from Indiana advanced manufacturing and logistics companies to help peers get practical ideas on AI projects

INDIANAPOLIS – July 8, 2026 – Conexus Indiana today announced the launch of its AI Use-Case Catalog, a new resource that gives Indiana advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) companies a real-world look at how their peers are putting AI to work inside their businesses.

The catalog already includes 100 AI projects submitted directly by Indiana AML companies, including what they built, what it cost and what results they saw. Companies can browse the catalog, filter by cost, function, or sub-sector, benchmark their own progress against comparable projects across the state and get practical ideas on AI projects.

“The best way for a manufacturer to learn about AI is to see what a peer down the road actually did, what it cost them and whether it worked,” said Jay Wirts, President & CEO of Conexus Indiana. “Our partners consistently share that peer learning is the most valuable part of convening together as an industry. We wanted to bring that same peer learning to the broader AML community and inspire AI use of every size, from a small pilot on the shop floor to a major investment.”

For the small and mid-sized companies that make up more than 80% of Indiana’s AML sector, staying competitive increasingly means finding ways to boost productivity without major capital outlays. AI adoption is proving to be one of the most accessible levers available, and it’s more affordable than many companies expect and its already showing measurable impact on operations for businesses of all sizes.

Early data from the catalog’s submissions points to several trends:

  • Production scheduling and optimization is the most common starting point. Many companies are leading with everyday operational fixes rather than experimental AI projects.
  • Data quality and systems integration are the top perceived barriers. Companies most often cite clean, connected data and legacy systems as their biggest hesitations, though many projects in the catalog launched before either was fully resolved.
  • Some use cases move faster than expected. Demand forecasting is among the fastest to deploy, with some projects live in under two months.
  • A large budget isn’t a prerequisite. Several entries reflect early-stage experimentation using accessible, low-cost tools, while larger dedicated projects typically require more investment.

Part of a Broader Statewide AI Effort

The AML AI Use-Case Catalog is one of several resources available to help Indiana companies accelerate AI adoption. IN AI, a statewide program led by the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), brings together partners across technology, education, industry, government and community organizations to help Indiana businesses move from AI awareness to action.

Through IN AI, Indiana businesses can also access:

  • AI Use Cases across sectors — Browse real examples from companies in finance, construction, logistics and more.
  • AI Readiness Assessment — A quick tool to help organizations discover where they stand on the AI maturity curve and what to do next.
  • AI Playbook — A step-by-step guide to planning and launching AI in your business.
  • Start a Project — Engage university students to help advance AI projects inside your organization.
  • AI Roadshows & Workshops — In-person sessions featuring real examples from Indiana companies.

Conexus is inviting AML companies across the state to add their own projects to the catalog. The more companies that contribute, the more useful the benchmark becomes for everyone using it. Submitting a project takes less than 10 minutes, and all responses are anonymized before publication.

The AI Use-Case Catalog is available at conexusindiana.com/aml-ai-use-case-catalog

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About Conexus Indiana

Conexus Indiana, a branded initiative of the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), is dedicated to advancing the Hoosier State’s position as a global leader in advanced manufacturing and logistics. Working closely with industry, academia, and government partners, Conexus Indiana drives workforce development, economic growth, and innovation across the state. For more information, please visit ConexusIndiana.com.

About IN AI

IN AI is a statewide initiative launched by Governor Mike Braun, with the support of the CEOs of the 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 one million Hoosiers 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 and to get started, visit INAIReady.com.