Hardtech Innovators Network
Igniting Indiana’s Innovation Economy
The Hardtech Innovators Network, powered by the Huntington Bank, is an educational platform designed to facilitate new connections and interactions between innovators within advanced manufacturing and logistics companies and hardtech entrepreneurs to create a thriving innovation economy.
We are building a new community of hardtech innovators across the state, made up of entrepreneurs, engineers, product developers, corporate innovators and intrapreneurs. Indiana’s advanced manufacturing and logistics (AML) industries are the largest combined sectors in the state—providing over 30% of GDP and more than 500,000 jobs—engagement with outside sources of innovation, such as entrepreneurs and startups, is vital to the health and vitality of our AML firms.
Why Convene Our Hardtech Innovators?
These events are the perfect opportunity to expand your network and gain valuable insights into Indiana’s innovation economy. If you’re in a role or department that touches innovation within manufacturing and logistics, engineering, product development or you’re a hardtech entrepreneur, join us! Get ready to dive into discussions about the latest trends in hardtech innovation and product development, share your ideas and collaborate with like-minded individuals.
Upcoming Events
Check back soon!
Past Events
August 14, 2025
The Hardtech Innovators Network @ Launch Fishers, Fishers, IN
On Thursday, August 14 at Launch Fishers we hosted 100 hardtech innovators and heard from subject matter experts on the innovation theme, Made Here: The Power of Local Product Development. Industry partners from Amoon Spirits, Indesign, LLC, and Outside Source took the stage to share their insights on innovating a vodka bottle, something that hasn’t changed in over a decade.
Event Sponsors:
Huntington Bank
and the Indiana IoT Lab
May 8, 2025
The Hardtech Innovators Network Powered by the IEDC @ Electric Works, Fort Wayne, IN
On Thursday, May 8 at Electric Works in Fort Wayne, Indiana, we hosted 96 manufacturing and logistics innovators, entrepreneurs and product development experts and heard insights from thought leaders on the topic of best practices and trends in corporate innovation and new product development.
Event Sponsor:
JUNCTION 36,
POWERED BY INDIANA TECH
March 27, 2025
Purdue University XMO Manufacturing Happy Hour + The Hardtech Innovators Network @ 16 Tech
On Thursday, March 27, we hosted 76 manufacturing and hardtech innovators for the Boilermaker Manufacturing Happy Hour + the Conexus Indiana Hardtech Innovators Network at 16 Tech. Attendees networked with manufacturing friends and hardtech entrepreneurs over drinks, appetizers and fellowship.
Event Sponsor:
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
Q1, 2025: February 13
The Hardtech Innovators Network, Powered by the IEDC @ SEP
On Thursday, February 13, 115 hardtech innovators gathered for an exciting afternoon of education and networking at SEP in Carmel, Indiana. The group of manufacturing and logistics innovators, entrepreneurs and hardtech product development experts heard from subject matter experts on the topics of embedded software development, product innovation and bridging the gap between hardware and software.
Event Co-Sponsors:
IU INNOVATES AND
IU LUDDY SCHOOL OF INFORMATICS,
COMPUTING, AND ENGINEERING SHOEMAKER INNOVATION CENTER
Q4, 2024: November 19
The Hardtech Innovators Network Powered by the IEDC @ Rose-Hulman Ventures
On Tuesday, November 19, at Rose-Hulman Ventures in Terre Haute, Indiana, 70 hardtech innovators connected with fellow manufacturing and logistics leaders, entrepreneurs and product development experts and hear insights from thought leaders on the innovation themes of prototyping and de-risking your supply chain for manufacturing scale-ups.
Event Sponsors:
Rose-Hulman Ventures &
Sony DADC
Q3, 2025: AUGUST 7
The Hardtech Innovators Network Powered by the IEDC @ 16 Tech
On Wednesday, August 7 from 4 pm – 6:30 pm, we hosted 110 hardtech innovators from all across Indiana at The AMP at 16 Tech. Attendees connected with fellow manufacturing and logistics innovators, entrepreneurs and product development experts and heard insights from thought leaders at Glassboard and Rose-Hulman Ventures on the innovation theme of rapid prototyping.
Event Sponsor: Glassboard
Check out the recaps of our recent Hardtech Innovators Network Events:
From Hardware to Code: Hardtech Innovator’s Network explores trends and best practices in embedded software development
Get Involved
If you’re interested in getting involved, fill out the form below to let us know.