Hardtech Innovators Network

Igniting Indiana’s Innovation Economy

The Hardtech Innovators Network, powered by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, is an educational platform designed to facilitate new connections and interactions between innovators within advanced manufacturing and logistics companies and hardtech entrepreneurs to create a thriving innovation economy.

We are building a new community of hardtech innovators across the state, made up of entrepreneurs, engineers, product developers, corporate innovators and intrapreneurs. Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) industries are the largest combined sectors in the state—providing over 30% of GDP and more than 500,000 jobs—engagement with outside sources of innovation, such as entrepreneurs and startups, is vital to the health and vitality of our AML firms.

Why Convene Our Hardtech Innovators?

These events are the perfect opportunity to expand your network and gain valuable insights into Indiana’s innovation economy. If you’re in a role or department that touches innovation within manufacturing and logistics, engineering, product development or you’re a hardtech entrepreneur, join us! Get ready to dive into discussions about the latest trends in hardtech innovation and product development, share your ideas and collaborate with like-minded individuals.

Upcoming Events

Q1, 2025: February 13

The Hardtech Innovators Network, Powered by the IEDC @ SEP

Join us on Thursday, February 13, 2025, from 4:30m to 7pm ET for an exciting afternoon of education and networking at SEP in Carmel, Indiana. Connect with fellow manufacturing and logistics innovators, entrepreneurs and hardtech product development experts. Hear from subject matter experts on the topics of embedded software development, product innovation and bridging the gap between hardware and software.

Q2, 2025: TBD

The Hardtech Innovators Network @ Fort Wayne, IN

To be announced.

Past Events

Q4, 2024: November 19

The Hardtech Innovators Network Powered by the IEDC @ Rose-Hulman Ventures

On Tuesday, November 19, at Rose-Hulman Ventures in Terre Haute, Indiana, 70 hardtech innovators connected with fellow manufacturing and logistics leaders, entrepreneurs and product development experts and hear insights from thought leaders on the innovation themes of prototyping and de-risking your supply chain for manufacturing scale-ups.

Event Sponsors:
Rose-Hulman Ventures &
Sony DADC

Q3, 2024: AUGUST 7

The Hardtech Innovators Network @ 16 Tech

On Wednesday, August 7 from 4 pm – 6:30 pm, we hosted 110 hardtech innovators from all across Indiana at The AMP at 16 Tech. Attendees connected with fellow manufacturing and logistics innovators, entrepreneurs and product development experts and heard insights from thought leaders at Glassboard and Rose-Hulman Ventures on the innovation theme of rapid prototyping.

Event Sponsor: Glassboard

Get Involved

If you’re interested in getting involved, fill out the form below to let us know.

Advanced Manufacturing Council