Have you noticed new buildings rising across Hamilton County, sporting names you’ve never heard before? Companies like INCOG, Stevanato Group, Genezen, Pure Pharmacy, Bang’s Laboratories, Telix Pharmaceuticals, and Helmer Scientific are part of a growing wave of life sciences organizations making their home in Fishers and beyond. And the growth is far from over—Hamilton County has plenty of room for more.
In late 2024, Indiana made national headlines by becoming the No. 1 exporter of life sciences products in the United States, totaling an impressive $27 billion in exports—$21 billion of which came from the pharmaceutical sector alone. This booming success has sparked a surge in job creation, with over 3,000 new life sciences positions added across the state and average wages climbing to $150,000 annually.
Despite this success, the path forward isn’t without challenges. According to Indiana’s Secretary of Commerce, workforce development remains the most pressing issue. The state is nearing full employment, meaning that many current workers will need to be retrained to meet the specialized needs of this fast-evolving industry.
Joining legacy pharmaceutical giants like Roche, Eli Lilly, and Corteva are homegrown innovators such as Carmel-based ParaPRO, Confluence Pharmaceuticals, Gate Neurosciences, and AgReliant Genetics in Westfield. Together, they’re helping to transform Indiana—and Hamilton County in particular—into a national hub for biotech and pharmaceutical innovation.
To sustain this momentum, Indiana’s Strategic Roadmap for Advancing Life Sciences outlines key priorities: fostering R&D and innovation, enhancing talent and workforce development, strengthening the manufacturing ecosystem, and building deeper industry connections.
One shining example of this strategy in action is Innovation Mile—Noblesville’s first official Innovation District. I had the unique opportunity to tour this rapidly developing 600-acre site along I-69 just weeks ago. Innovation Mile is envisioned as a vibrant, mixed-use “live, work, play, engage, and learn” district and will soon be home to a new 3,400-seat arena and event center. The area is surrounded by amenities including restaurants, hotels, retail, healthcare services, and recreational spaces.
But it’s not just about growth—it’s about sustainable growth. Innovation Mile is being designed with energy-efficient buildings, on-site energy storage, high-performance design standards, and access to solar power. It’s not only smart and tech-forward; it’s green, too.
Hamilton County’s rise as a life sciences powerhouse is no accident—it’s a result of strategic planning, world-class talent, and a commitment to innovation. As new names continue to appear on building signs across the county, they signal more than just growth—they mark Hamilton County’s evolution into a national leader in the life sciences economy.
HAMILTON CONNECTION
Hamilton County Leadership Academy (HCLA) and Invest Hamilton County have launched a community ambassador program. The partnership, called HAMILTON CONNECTION will highlight the personal stories of HCLA alumni and allow those Connectors to help personalize the things that make Hamilton County a great place to live, work, learn, and thrive. Meet the Hamilton Connectors HERE.
