INDIANAPOLIS - David Rosenberg, Indiana secretary of commerce and president and CEO of the Indiana Economic Development Corp., has been named the inaugural president and CEO of the Indiana University Launch Accelerator for Biosciences at 16 Tech. Known as IU LAB, the academic-industry initiative is supported by a $138 million grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. and will harness the state's extensive resources to make Indiana a national leader in bioscience discovery, commercialization and talent development.
David Rosenberg will be the inaugural president and CEO of the Indiana University Launch Accelerator for Biosciences at 16 Tech. Photo courtesy of David Rosenberg
"We are thrilled to have David Rosenberg join the leadership team at Indiana University in his role as president and CEO of IU LAB," IU President Pamela Whitten said. "Secretary Rosenberg brings a track record of successful partnerships and major investments into our state. His leadership will help unlock the massive potential of Indiana's leadership in biosciences."
Rosenberg will begin serving in the role Jan. 10 and report directly to Whitten. In this role, he will help set the vision for the initiative and secure industry partnerships focused on biosciences research and entrepreneurship. Today the Indiana State Ethics Commission approved a standard post-employment waiver for Rosenberg to take the position.
"IU LAB represents an enormous opportunity to distinguish Indiana and the greater Indianapolis region as an international leader for biosciences research and innovation," Rosenberg said. "I'm excited to join the IU team and strengthen partnerships with industry and the state as we work collaboratively toward this audacious goal."
IU LAB will bring together many of the state's leading organizations in biosciences, including IU, IU School of Medicine, 16 Tech Community Corporation, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, BioCrossroads, Indiana Biosciences Research Institute, Regenstrief Institute, and IU Health, as well as leaders in entrepreneurship, venture capital and established industries. These partners will work together to improve human health by strengthening Indiana's life sciences ecosystem through innovation, discovery and commercialization.
The $138 million grant from Lilly Endowment will fund construction of a state-of-the-art facility for IU LAB that will integrate education, research and development, and business incubation and acceleration at the 16 Tech Innovation District in Indianapolis. IU LAB will also offer educational programs for residents of neighboring communities and participate in 16 Tech's Community Investment Fund, which provides grants to support opportunity and revitalization of neighborhoods near the 16 Tech Innovation District.
Rosenberg served as secretary of commerce for the state of Indiana starting in August 2023, where he led the IEDC in guiding the strategy and growth of the state's economy and its related economic development efforts. He previously served as chief operating officer and chief of staff for the IEDC, deputy chief of staff for Indianapolis Mayor Greg Ballard, and operations officer for Indianapolis Public Schools. He currently serves on the boards of the 2025 WNBA All-Star Host Committee and KIPP Indianapolis Schools, and he was awarded the Sagamore of Wabash in 2024.
In addition to Rosenberg, IU has hired three staff members for IU LAB. Jillian Turner will serve as senior advisor and vice president for strategy and operations; Matt Jaworowski will serve as director of operations and program development; and Kurt Fullbeck will serve as director of IU LAB initiatives and partnerships.
