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
March 27, 2025
Purdue University XMO Manufacturing Happy Hour + The Hardtech Innovators Network @ 16 Tech
Join us for an evening of networking, drinks and appetizers at The AMP at 16 Tech from 5-7 pm ET on Thursday, March 27. Purdue students, alumni, and faculty are invited to join us. Manufacturing and logistics innovators who are part of the Conexus Indiana Hardtech Innovators Network are also invited.
Q2, 2025: Thursday, May 8
The Hardtech Innovators Network @ Electric Works in Fort Wayne, IN
Details to be announced.
Q2, 2025: Thursday, May 8
The Hardtech Innovators Network @ Electric Works in Fort Wayne, IN
Details to be announced.
Q3, 2025: Wednesday, August 13
The Hardtech Innovators Network @ Launch Fishers, Fishers, IN
Details to be announced.
Past Events
Q1, 2025: February 13
The Hardtech Innovators Network, Powered by the IEDC @ SEP
On Thursday, February 13, 115 hardtech innovators gathered for an exciting afternoon of education and networking at SEP in Carmel, Indiana. The group of manufacturing and logistics innovators, entrepreneurs and hardtech product development experts heard from subject matter experts on the topics of embedded software development, product innovation and bridging the gap between hardware and software.
Event Co-Sponsors:
IU INNOVATES AND
IU LUDDY SCHOOL OF INFORMATICS,
COMPUTING, AND ENGINEERING SHOEMAKER INNOVATION CENTER
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, 2025: 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.