Business, education leaders gather to discuss new One Health innovation district

Indianapolis’ newest innovation district aims to lead changes in human, plant and animal health. A recent summit at the new Elanco Animal Health headquarters on the edge of downtown brought together state and local leaders to discuss ways to move the life science sector forward.

The district is dubbed One Health. It is anchored by Elanco which purchased the majority of the larger 100-acre site of the old GM stamping plant from the state this summer. Purdue University has signed on to help spur work at the district through biotechnology, animal health and research incubators.

A panel of industry and education leaders expressed challenges in recruiting skilled workers to meet industry growth. Eli Lilly CEO David Ricks said attracting top talent to Indiana can be a challenge.

“If we value families and economic growth and those are the priorities," Ricks said, "we should probably take a look at what we say and what we do and say, ‘How can we be the best?’”

Lilly moves more than 1,000 people to Indiana annually.

Purdue President Mung Chiang said the partnership at One Health will expand goals and open new doors.

“Purdue of course works on human, animal and plant health together, and our vet-med, school and hospital in particular are very excited to partner with this Mayo clinic for cats and dogs,” Chiang said.

The leaders also discussed areas of focus including the impact of climate on crops, continued collaboration and the need for more energy.

“Gas is an important resource and renewables,” Ricks said, “right now the permitting, hook up process, getting power to the places it's needed is too slow, and we need a plan to fix that.”

Other local, life science innovation districts include the LEAP district and 16 Tech. These innovation districts aim to integrate research facilities and labs alongside offices, housing, retail and green space.

Contact WFYI managing city editor Jill Sheridan at jsheridan@wfyi.org.