INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. – Ivy Tech Community College and 16 Tech Community Corporation today celebrated the opening of the new Ivy Tech Manufacturing Innovation Training Center with support from Eli Lilly and Company. The center joins 16 Tech’s growing ecosystem of facilities, programs and resources to support innovation-driven entrepreneurship and the tech enablement of Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and life sciences industries.
The Ivy Tech Manufacturing Innovation Training Center includes more than 4,700 square feet and serves as a biopharmaceutical training center for Lilly and other companies working at the intersection of health, advanced manufacturing and technology. It is based at the Emerging Manufacturing Collaboration Center (EMC2) at 16 Tech, a multi-tenant technology innovation hub for advanced manufacturing, digital transformation, and fostering entrepreneurship and economic growth in Indiana.
The Ivy Tech Manufacturing Innovation Training Center will also serve as a work and learning hub for the Lilly Scholars, high-achieving Ivy Tech students who intend to pursue a career in pharmaceutical manufacturing after receiving a certificate or associate degree in fields such as industrial technology and smart manufacturing and digital integration (SMDI). Ivy Tech’s Smart Manufacturing Digital Integration degree was the first associate degree in the nation to train students for certifications demonstrating competencies in the exciting world of autonomous system integration.
"The launch of the Ivy Tech Manufacturing Innovation Training Center is a testament to our commitment to equip students with cutting-edge skills for thriving careers in smart manufacturing. This center symbolizes a strategic collaboration with industry leaders to ensure our students are prepared to meet the evolving demands of Indiana’s dynamic manufacturing sector and contribute meaningfully to the global economy."
– Dr. Sue Ellspermann, President, Ivy Tech Community College
“With the opening of this state-of-the-art training facility, Ivy Tech is reinforcing its mission to serve the Indianapolis community by providing unparalleled opportunities in education and workforce development,” said Dr. Stacy Atkinson, chancellor of Ivy Tech Indianapolis. “This initiative not only bridges the gap between education and industry but also empowers students from diverse backgrounds to access high-quality, hands-on learning experiences that pave the way for successful, in-demand careers.”
The new center is fully automated with state-of-the-art integrated training systems from Amatrol, a Jeffersonville-based company and the world’s leader in skills-based, interactive technical learning. Its comprehensive training solutions align with industry needs to teach hands-on skills in the latest Industry 4.0 automated systems.
“We are proud to partner with Ivy Tech and 16 Tech to open this new training center where students can gain the skills they need to succeed in the manufacturing jobs that improve people’s lives,” said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. “We believe in investing in education and career opportunities that give our community and future employees a chance to learn and grow, and this facility is a big step towards that goal."
The Ivy Tech Manufacturing Innovation Training Center aims to attract and prepare diverse talent for careers in advanced manufacturing, with an emphasis on pharmaceutical manufacturing. The center seeks to connect neighbors from 16 Tech’s surrounding communities to high-quality education and training opportunities that lead to high-demand jobs. The collaboration underscores a shared commitment to locating key training and innovation assets close to where diverse talent lives to reduce barriers to entry to the industries of the future.
“The Ivy Tech Manufacturing Innovation Training Center adds a key resource to the growing education, workforce and talent programs available in 16 Tech that support pathways to jobs in advanced industries,” said Emily Krueger, 16 Tech president and CEO. “It is collaborative and innovative partnerships like this that ensure the accessibility of resources and reduce the barriers of entry to the industries of the future.”
The Ivy Tech Manufacturing Innovation Training Center is supported by Lilly, 16 Tech Community Corporation and the Indiana Economic Development Corporation.
Since 2020, Lilly has invested $23 billion in global manufacturing, including $9 billion in Indiana-based manufacturing sites. The Lilly Scholars at Ivy Tech program is one component of the company’s strategy to ensure it has the skilled workforce it needs to meet the global demand for its medicines.
Individuals interested in applying for Lilly Scholars at Ivy Tech can learn more about the program by visiting IvyTech.edu/Lilly-Scholars. New scholarships are awarded to eligible students every 8-week term at Ivy Tech locations throughout Indiana.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
