INfluence: Stories of Indiana Innovation

Connecting Indiana's Universities, Founders, and Industry

Indiana has built a strong foundation for entrepreneurship, with a thriving business climate and all the elements needed for innovation to flourish.

Now is the moment to build on that momentum—to scale up innovation and entrepreneurship, raise our ambitions for companies and support programs, and shine a brighter spotlight on Indiana as an innovation hub for Hoosiers and the world.

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Entrepreneurship around the state

Upcoming Events

APR

22-25

IDEA Week

Join us for an inspiring journey of innovation, learning, and connection at IDEA Week 2025! From hands-on workshops to compelling keynotes featuring industry leaders like Ashley Flowers and Max Yoder, this event offers something for every entrepreneur and community leader. You’ll have the opportunity to dive deep into practical skills with expert-led sessions, experience innovative demos across technology, food, and entertainment, and connect with fellow innovators during our networking events and unique dining experiences.

APR

30

Student Innovation & Excellence Showcase

Industry partners and community members are invited to attend Purdue’s Student Innovation & Excellence Showcase. This is an opportunity for Purdue students at the Indianapolis location who are completing projects to showcase the scholarly work and creative endeavors they have been engaged in through poster presentations. Students from The Data Mine, EPICS, VIP, and student research and capstone projects will be presenting.

APR

30

gBETA Indiana Showcase

On April 30th, gBETA Indiana is hosting its spring showcase at Tinker House Events in Indianapolis, featuring 20 graduating founders across four cohorts building the next generation of Indiana companies. Join us to meet the entrepreneurs, hear their stories, and see firsthand why Indiana’s startup ecosystem is just getting started.

MAY

1

What AI Can Tell Us about Society: Insights from Social Media Data - Indiana State University

Join the College of Arts and Sciences and The Department of Multidisciplinary Studies for the Annual Woody Creason Memorial Lecture Series. The series invites experts to speak on economic, public finance, and policy issues. Speaker for this event is Dr. Amy Ermionkhale, Assistant Professor of Business Analytics and Director of the Business Analytics Program at DePauw University.

MAY

13

gBETA Indiana Showcase

Have an idea you want to explore? Need help taking your concept to the next level? Curious about early-stage entrepreneurship? Join us at 16 Tech for Momentum, a monthly, action-driven speaker series designed to engage and support early-stage entrepreneurs, founders, and small business owners.

​Enjoy a lunch-and-learn with practical insights, discussion and networking opportunities. The bonus? All registrants will enjoy free coworking from 9 AM – 5 PM the day of the Momentum. Sign up and we’ll be sure to save you a seat!

MAY

13

Women & Hi Tech 2026 Spring Networking Event at the IMS

Join Women & Hi Tech for an afternoon of connection and fun at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Whether you are a longtime racing fan or a first-time visitor to the track, this event offers a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the technical preparation and strategic precision that goes into team preparation for the 110th Running of the Indianapolis 500. 

Fuel your afternoon with a hosted lunch in our private pavilion before heading out to experience the thrill of practice day at the Brickyard. It’s the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow professionals in Indiana’s STEM community while surrounded by the historic energy of the world’s most famous racetrack. 

This event is open to members and non-members alike!  

MAY

15

IBJ Innovate Northeast Indiana - Fort Wayne

Join business and community leaders from across Indiana to connect, innovate, and grow—working together to shape the future of every region in the state. Explore how partnerships are strengthening workforce pipelines, supporting business expansion, and attracting new investment, while aligning education with the evolving needs of industry.

Discover how collaboration across business, academia, government, and local communities is driving innovation and long-term economic success—from advancing new technologies to building the energy and infrastructure needed for growth. Be part of the conversation to help scale Main Street, strengthen key industries, and create a thriving, competitive Indiana.

MAY

21-22

IU Ventures Venture Summit

Join founders, funders, and innovators from across the Indiana University ecosystem for the Founders & Funders Network Venture Summit, a two-day gathering designed to spark connection, collaboration, and growth. Held in Bloomington, the summit brings together entrepreneurs, investors, students, and alumni to engage with IU’s global venture network and explore opportunities to advance new ideas and ventures.

JUNE

18

Venture Club of Indiana Annual Innovation Showcase

Our annual Venture Club Pitch Competition is back—bigger, bolder, and showcasing the best of Indiana. From 11–5, visionary founders will take the stage to bring their game-changing ideas to life, while investors and innovators gather to discover the next breakout success.

From cutting-edge tech to disruptive business models, you’ll experience the future being built—live. But it’s more than just pitches. It’s a high-energy day filled with connection, collaboration, and opportunity alongside Indiana’s top entrepreneurs, investors, and leaders.

Looking for more events? TechPoint, CICP’s industry-led growth initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy, offers a community events calendar with even more opportunities, beyond innovation and entrepreneurship. Click here to browse.

DEC

5

(Live Webinar) Careers in Tech: Exploring Indiana’s Top Tech Opportunities

Are you interested in a career in tech? Wondering what roles are trending in Indiana, curious to know what skills you’ll need to land your first job? Join us for a webinar to explore TechPoint’s Careers in Tech resource (careersintech.info).

About CICP

The CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (originally founded as Central Indiana Corporate Partnership) brings together the leadership of major corporations, foundations, and universities to advance Indiana’s long-term prosperity. Through its five initiatives—AgriNovus Indiana, Ascend Indiana, BioCrossroads, Conexus Indiana and TechPoint—CICP drives growth in key industries. Together, these efforts strengthen Indiana’s economy and position the state as a hub for innovation and opportunity.