A newly announced $1 billion state investment aimed at expanding Indiana’s life sciences sector will be guided in part by an organization with strong ties to Fishers leadership.

The Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (CIRDA), co-founded by Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness—who remains active in the organization—has been designated by Gov. Mike Braun as the first regional steward to help coordinate the initiative. The effort is expected to position Indiana as a global leader in life sciences while creating more than 100,000 jobs over the next decade.

The announcement, made by Braun along with Secretary of Commerce David Adams and CIRDA leaders, centers on a record $1 billion in tax credits targeting plant, animal and human health industries. State leaders say the investment is designed to accelerate research, innovation and advanced manufacturing across Central Indiana and beyond.

CIRDA will play a key role in aligning public and private partners to execute the plan. The region already serves as a major hub for life sciences, anchored by companies and institutions such as Indiana University and Purdue University, along with a growing network of research and commercialization assets.

Jennifer Messer, CIRDA’s executive director, said the initiative has the potential to benefit communities across the region.

“Governor Braun’s transformative investment in life sciences will allow CIRDA to continue to build out the region’s life sciences ecosystem and enable all our communities to grow jobs and wages,” Messer said. “Whether in Indianapolis, Anderson, Zionsville or Franklin, every community can benefit from this important investment.”

Data compiled in partnership with the Indiana Business Research Center indicates Central Indiana is well positioned to support all phases of life sciences development, from research through production, across human, animal and plant health.

Industry leaders also voiced support for the initiative. Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco Animal Health, said the investment will strengthen Indiana’s role at the intersection of multiple scientific disciplines.

Meanwhile, the Indiana Corporate Partnership, through its BioCrossroads and AgriNovus initiatives, said the funding will accelerate innovation in both food and medical sciences, helping drive additional jobs and investment statewide.

CIRDA is expected to complete its “Catalyze” strategic planning process this spring, outlining a coordinated approach to expand the region’s life sciences ecosystem. State officials say the newly announced funding will serve as a cornerstone of that long-term strategy.