16 Tech Innovation District

We are marking a major milestone for 16 Tech. Five years ago, the district officially opened! We opened the doors of HqO in spring 2021, welcoming coworking and makerspace members, and in summer 2021 we celebrated the grand opening of the AMP. Today, HqO is a vibrant hub where entrepreneurs, innovators, students, and collaborators connect every day. Over the past five years, hqo has served as the district’s center of gravity, anchoring a growing innovation district built on relationships, partnerships, and shared momentum. Join us as we celebrate all year long, and reflect on how far we’ve come and how much more is still ahead.

Momentum is back in April! We’re excited to have Emil Nabo Ekiyor joining us to lead a conversation on "Connecting Businesses to Resources – The Need for a Vibrant Entrepreneurial Ecosystem" here at 16 Tech Innovation District. One thing we see all the time—especially with early-stage founders—is that it’s not a lack of resources that slows them down. It’s knowing where to go, who to talk to, and how to actually plug into what exists. That’s what this session will dig into. Emil brings a strong perspective on ecosystem building and how better-connected systems lead to better outcomes for founders. This will be a great opportunity to step back, understand how to navigate the landscape more effectively, and make more intentional connections. If you’re building something—or thinking about it—this is a good one to be in the room for. Wednesday, April 8 | 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM 16 Tech Innovation District Free coworking, free lunch, and free parking! Register here: https://luma.com/elw8s0du

💡 An exciting opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs! The STARTedUP Foundation Challenge Regional Pitch Competition and wanted to share it with our network. On April 22, 10 top high school startup teams will pitch their ideas to a panel of entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders at IU Indianapolis Campus Center Theater. The winning team will advance to the statewide finals for a chance at $25,000 in funding. Check it out! ⬇️

ICYMI: Cook Medical has selected Indiana University as one of the first Interventional MRI Centers of Excellence. The collaboration is designed to accelerate the advancement, validation and clinical integration of innovative MRI‑guided technologies and make certain medical procedures safer, more precise and less invasive for patients. The iMRI Center of Excellence builds on a five‑year agreement announced in 2025 between Cook Medical and the Indiana University Launch Accelerator for Biosciences (IU LAB) located at 16 Tech to translate IU research into real‑world health care applications. https://bit.ly/47kd8bN

2025 marked a year acceleration for Indiana’s life sciences sector. Read more in BioCrossroads Annual Report: https://bit.ly/3NCutWQ 16 Tech is glad to be a play a role in elevating our state's innovation ecosystem.

Meet the finalists for the Community Impact Award at the 2026 Mira Awards. This award recognizes mission-driven organizations that move our tech community forward and build a more equitable future for everyone. Finalists: • 16 Tech Innovation District • Butler Entrepreneurship, Butler University - Lacy School of Business • Ivy Tech Community College • IU Ventures • MatchBOX Studios  • Orr Fellowship • P30 Indy • Plug and Play Tech Center • Republic Airways • Sports Tech HQ • Startup South Bend - Elkhart • Syra Health • VentureVets Indiana tech’s biggest night is almost here! Join us April 24 at the Payne & Mencias Palladium in Carmel. Get your tickets today at miraawards.com

Got an idea you’ve been thinking about—but not sure what’s next? Join us at 16 Tech for Momentum, our monthly lunch-and-learn designed for early-stage entrepreneurs, founders and small business owners ready to move their ideas forward. 📅 Wednesday, April 8 🕦 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM 📍 1220 Waterway Blvd Expect practical insights, conversation, and meaningful connections with others building what’s next. Bonus: all registrants receive free coworking from 9 AM – 5 PM that day. https://luma.com/elw8s0du

See how digital design becomes real-world metal art at this FREE, hands-on seminar at Machyne Makerspace on Wednesday, March 25 from 6–8 PM. You’ll learn the basics of designing for CNC plasma cutting, watch your piece cut from steel in real time, and head home with your own custom garden décor. No experience needed. Spots are limited—register now! https://bit.ly/40ND2kq

Last chance to grab your spot! 🔧 Tomorrow at Machyne Makerspace, you'll get hands-on with MIG welding and metal fabrication while creating your own custom steel bookends. No experience needed — just bring your curiosity and get ready to learn something new. Register now before the workshop fills up. https://bit.ly/3N6tC0j