In the heart of the country, a revolution is reshaping America’s life science industry. Life science, the study of living organisms and life processes to improve human health and wellbeing, has often been associated with America’s coasts – particularly California and Massachusetts. Indiana, however, has just surpassed California as the #1 life science exporter in the nation with $27 billion worth of life science exports (think pharmaceuticals, medical devices, etc.) in 2024 alone—up $5 billion from the previous year. 

This shift is more than a gold medal for Indiana. It’s a signal that heartland states are transitioning into the power player roles in high-value, high-growth industries that improve global health and wellness. Indiana’s rise as the leading life science exporter was spearheaded in part by BioCrossroads, a Central Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP). CICPs were founded in 1999 to “bring together the chief executives of Central Indiana’s prominent corporations, foundations and universities in a strategic and collaborative effort dedicated to the region’s continued prosperity and growth.” BioCrossroads, in particular, is focused on advancing Indiana’s life sciences by fostering corporate, academic and philanthropic partnerships, which have acted as a primary catalyst for and driver of Indiana’s growth and success in life sciences. 

Investigating approaches like those of CICP and opportunities for cross-sector collaboration outlines a beneficial roadmap for industry growth in heartland states as they continue to compete nationally for top spots as sector leaders.  

• Health and Wellness: Indiana’s leadership in life sciences is more than just export dollars—it shows how the state plays a vital role in heartland, U.S. and global health. Pharmaceutical breakthroughs, cutting-edge therapies and advanced manufacturing of medical devices from Indiana are improving health, wellness and quality of life worldwide. This direct impact is additionally matched by the fact that life sciences contributed $99 billion to Indiana’s economy in 2024 alone. 
• Regional Competitiveness: As the state with the highest concentration of manufacturing employment in the U.S., Indiana has found ways to capitalize on existing strengths. With over 70,000 Hoosiers employed across more than 3,000 establishments in the state’s life science sector, Indiana has created a sustainable ecosystem of research, manufacturing and commercialization. By investing in infrastructure and partnerships, Indiana has built a model that other heartland regions can look to for inspiration. For example, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation worked with life science companies to add over 2,000 jobs and $8.7 billion in property, equipment and technology to the Indiana ecosystem in 2024, a great example of fruitful public-private partnerships.
• Talent Pipeline: Indiana is focused on both current and future success in the life science sector, as it develops its workforce to sustain current growth. Through collaborations with research institutions and universities like Indiana University’s Launch Accelerator for Biosciences (IU LAB) and mentoring programs like the BioCrossroads AXIS program, Indiana is not just filling jobs but preparing students and employees for lifelong careers in a quickly-developing sector. In fact, 75% of industry leaders are optimistic about the growth of life science—optimism that is built on strong revenue projections and margin expansions. In this environment, Indiana will ensure it is ready to meet that demand with skilled and highly qualified Hoosier talent.

Indiana’s story of success is clear: when a state invests in specialized, high-growth industries that align with existing workforce strengths, university expertise and a willingness to build together, resilient and globally competitive economies are born. As more heartland states learn about the potential of the life science industry, the entire country and world stand to benefit. Indiana’s record breaking year and Oklahoma’s life science momentum is a call to action for other heartland states. With continued investment in high-growth industries that contribute to health and wellness, regional competitiveness and talent pipeline development, heartland states can lead global industries that impact everyone.