Indiana ‘Devoted’ to Innovators
The new chief innovation officer of the Indiana Economic Development Corp. says the entrepreneurial community in Indiana is already contributing to a recently-announced $1 billion initiative to boost innovation and entrepreneurship throughout the state. Ian Steff says his goal is to let innovators know Indiana is committed over the next 10 years and beyond to provide the tools to take their ideas to the next level.
Steff says talent goes to where there is a vision. "We have to be certain that we are communicating to not only the state, but to the nation and to global players that Indiana is in this to win. What we are doing is going to create the next billion dollar idea that’s taken to the next step here in Indiana."
Steff says the entrepreneurial community and innovators in Indiana are "second to none." He says Pence’s plan suggests that the state is devoted to those innovators in different sectors, such as the advanced manufacturing, life sciences, automotive and aerospace industries, as well as various universities throughout the state.
Pence outlined his 10-year plan last month at the Innovation Showcase in Speedway. Steff says there are three components driving the initiative, including creating the next big idea that he hopes will stay in Indiana, driving the talent to bring that idea to next level, and helping fund the next big idea in order for it to grow in the state.
Steff adds the next generation of innovators is in Indiana, whether they’re in the K-12 system or "tinkering in their garage." He says he is dedicated to making sure those people have a reason to stay here.