Collaborative Conference Focuses on Life Sciences Entrepreneurship in Indiana

October 2011: OrthoWorx e-Newsletter

Powering Life Sciences Entrepreneurship in Indiana is a collaborative conference that will examine existing and emerging ways to maintain and increase the building momentum in Life Sciences in Indiana.

“Indiana’s life sciences firms have experienced a dramatic turnaround in a state whose numbers for overall entrepreneurial activity generally rank very low among the 50 states,” according to a recent BioCrossroads report titled Indiana’s Life Sciences Industry 2002-1010. This conference, hosted by OrthoWorx, Inc., will be held at the Orthopaedic Capital Center at Grace College. It includes speakers and panelists representing funders, business advisors and entrepreneurs who will discuss Indiana’s progress and the obstacles that exist to greater activity.

The Center for the Business of Life Sciences Kelley School of Business at Indiana University coordinates this quarterly event. The location rotates among key players in life sciences, including industry, academia, and government. An interview with George Telthorst, Faculty Lecturer, Director, provides some insight.

OWX: What is the purpose of this meeting?
GT: There are two purposes for each collaboration conference. First is to share the latest thinking and spark discussion on topics relevant to the life sciences industry.  Second is to provide a forum for members of the industry to network and connect.

OWX: Why hold a Life Sciences Meeting at the Orthopaedic Capital Center in Winona Lake, Ind.?
GT: Because of the Warsaw area’s status as a major life sciences cluster, there are a significant number of people who may find the topic interesting and benefit from the networking opportunities.

OWX: Who would benefit from attending the meeting?
GT: Professionals from across the industry spectrum.  The day’s content will appeal to individuals from the pharma, disposable device and hardware sectors and the companies that support them.

OWX: How will this meeting benefit existing or future entrepreneurs in Indiana and the peripheral states?
GT: It will give them the latest status on fund-raising as well as tips from entrepreneurs currently “in the thick of it.”

OWX: What are some of the highlights of the meeting?
GT: Dan Hasler, the new president of the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC), will kick-off the day.  Dan’s previous experience as a senior executive with Eli Lilly gives him special insight into the industry.

Mike Mozenter, President, JumpStart Community Advisors, will address the attendees after lunch, highlighting the success of JumpStart in Ohio and how it can assist start-ups in Indiana.

Representatives from the IEDC will explain the new Elevate Indiana Initiative.

Participants will leave with a better appreciation of the state of entrepreneurship in Indiana’s life sciences economy and insights into the opportunities that exist for their organization to play a role.

To register for the event or for more information visit http://kelley.iu.edu/CBLS/conferences/page33387.html