This Month's Latest Tech News in Indianapolis, IN - Saturday May 31st 2025 Edition

Indianapolis is at the epicenter of a profound tech transformation as a data center boom reshapes the city's landscape, bringing both opportunity and intense debate.

The surge, fueled by global giants like Meta, Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, has seen nearly 30 new projects announced statewide, including a proposed 467-acre campus in Franklin Township - which has drawn vocal community opposition over environmental and quality-of-life concerns.

Residents worry about increased flooding, depletion of well water, and rising utility expenses, echoing the sentiment of local business owner Meredith Sharp:

“We'd be paying billions of dollars for these tax-exempt corporations to come in and ruin our state.”

While these hyperscale data centers promise thousands of construction jobs, the permanent workforce often numbers in the dozens, and utility regulators are struggling to manage the staggering energy and water needs as construction rises 69% year-over-year.

At the same time, local workforce initiatives - like AI training programs from Blazing Academy and Indiana Wesleyan - are democratizing technology education, aiming to prepare Indianapolis residents for the evolving digital economy.

For a deep dive on community concerns and the scale of current projects, see WFYI's report on Franklin Township's pushback against a new data center, the latest data center campus proposals near Indianapolis, and an in-depth look at how the Midwest's data center growth is shaping Indiana.

Indiana is experiencing an unprecedented data center boom, as tech giants like Amazon, Google, Microsoft, and Meta invest billions in massive new facilities across the state.

This rapid growth is sparking debate over its true impact: updated grid connection rules approved by Indiana regulators now require data centers to fund their own infrastructure upgrades, yet concerns remain about resource use.

According to a recent IndyStar report, ten new data centers could soon need nearly 9,700 megawatts - about one-third of Indiana's summer power capacity - while relying mainly on fossil fuels threatens to extend the state's coal use and drive up greenhouse gas emissions.

Despite the infusion of capital and construction jobs, critics argue the centers offer relatively few permanent positions compared to their massive energy and water footprints, and communities from Pittsboro to Franklin Township are raising alarms over light, noise, and transparency.

The environmental stakes are further complicated by an Indiana legislative session that enacted new laws shaping energy, water, and emissions policy; a summary of key bills affecting data center infrastructure is detailed below.

As the Midwest's data centers prepare to use more electricity than all Hoosier households by 2030, calls for formal, public commitments on resource limits, sustainable design, and local benefit-sharing are growing louder, with advocates urging:

“Economic development should not come at the cost of our environment, our farmland, or our community values.”

For a comprehensive look at growth, tension, and community pushback, see Axios's breakdown of Indiana's data center boom.

Bill	Subject	Status	Notes
HB 1007	Energy generation resources	Awaiting Governor signature	Limits coal plant closures; tax credits for SMRs
SEA 423/424	Small Modular Nuclear Reactors (SMRs)	Passed	Utilities can pass costs to customers even if plants unbuilt
SEA 422	Advanced transmission technologies	Passed	Utilities to enhance grid efficiency, lower bills expected
SEA 178	Natural gas/propane as clean energy	Passed	Controversial; environmental group objections due to emissions
SEA 4	Water matters	Passed	Regulates long-haul water transfers; strengthens oversight

Purdue University's leadership in artificial intelligence-powered pharmaceutical manufacturing reached a milestone in May 2025, as it formally launched a national initiative to onshore medicine production and revolutionize drug discovery and delivery.

At a Capitol Hill event, Purdue joined forces with Eli Lilly, Merck, Google Public Sector, and key public policy leaders to sign a collaborative accord focused on leveraging AI and advanced technologies to lower production costs, improve supply chain resilience, and speed the development of essential medicines in America.

This historic alliance is buoyed by Eli Lilly's commitment of up to $250 million over eight years - the Lilly-Purdue 360 Initiative - to accelerate the pipeline from laboratory research through clinical trials and manufacturing, while also advancing workforce development across Indiana's booming “Hard Tech Corridor.” As Purdue President Mung Chiang noted,

“As we stand at the crossroads of artificial intelligence and life sciences, we are witnessing a profound transformation - not just in how we discover new therapies, but also in how we produce and deliver them with unprecedented speed, precision and scale.”

In partnership with major industry players, Purdue's initiatives are expected to generate high-wage jobs and foster innovation through integrated AI, smart factories, and digital solutions.

For additional details, see this comprehensive overview of Purdue's national effort to expand AI-enabled medicine production, the full scope of the Lilly-Purdue 360 Initiative accelerating drug discovery with AI, and Eli Lilly's official statement on the partnership's impact on jobs, AI innovation, and domestic drug manufacturing in Eli Lilly expanding partnership with Purdue University.

Arrive AI, based in Indianapolis, has made headlines with its direct listing on the Nasdaq Stock Exchange (ticker: ARAI), a reflection of the city's burgeoning status as a leader in autonomous delivery innovation.

The company's platform leverages AI-driven, patented Arrive Points™ technology to enable secure, real-time tracked, and chain-of-custody-verified last-mile delivery via drones, robots, or human couriers, and integrates seamlessly with smart home devices to streamline recipient experiences.

This milestone was fueled by nearly $12 million in crowdfunding and $40 million from an institutional investor, supporting Arrive AI's vision for a universal network of intelligent endpoints in logistics.

As summarized in an official statement,

“Arrive AI's Nasdaq listing marks the culmination of a significant journey... Today signifies a new dawn of secure, autonomous package delivery. We owe this milestone to our nearly 5,000 investors who believed in us since the start.”

The company's foundational patent was filed four days before Amazon's similar submission, strengthening its intellectual property position and expanding into climate assistance and anti-theft features.

For a detailed look at Arrive AI's public debut and technology, see the official Nasdaq press release on Arrive AI's listing, an analyst review of the Arrive AI IPO direct listing mechanics, and an overview of their patented delivery innovations at StockTitan's Arrive AI listing analysis.

The Mark Cuban Foundation, in partnership with Corteva, is bringing its acclaimed free Artificial Intelligence (AI) Bootcamp back to Indianapolis for the third year in a row, seeking to open career pathways for underserved high school students.

Designed for 9th to 12th graders from underrepresented communities, first-generation college-bound families, and low- to moderate-income households, the three-Saturday November program requires no prior computer science experience and offers tailored tracks in healthcare, arts and entertainment, business, computer science, sports science, and career readiness.

All participants benefit from complimentary lunch, snacks, transportation assistance, and the use of technology equipment during the camp. Brian Lutz, Corteva's Vice President of Agricultural Solutions, highlighted the initiative's relevance:

“We leverage AI tools throughout our innovation pipeline to deliver leading seed and crop protection products to farmers worldwide... We're excited to collaborate with the Mark Cuban Foundation for the third consecutive year to help students gain experience with AI, and to understand the remarkable capabilities of this technology.”

Mark Cuban added,

“As AI continues to become an undeniable force in all of our lives, it's crucial that we open the door to this knowledge, especially to young people who want to explore it... the bootcamp will offer an avenue to explore this fascinating field of technology to any student, no matter their means.”

More information - including eligibility, key dates, and the application portal - can be found on the official Mark Cuban Foundation AI Bootcamp website.

Corteva, a host company among 25+ U.S. partners, details the program's expansion and its community commitment in its press release on GlobeNewswire, while further background on the AI Bootcamp's national reach is outlined by Owler.

Indianapolis is rapidly emerging as a leader in workforce readiness with InnoPower's ambitious mission to train 1,000 residents in essential AI skills by July 2025 - an initiative prioritizing inclusivity and real-world impact for communities often left behind in the digital economy.

The free training, developed in partnership with Blaizing Academy, Indiana Wesleyan University, and local organizations, employs a "train-the-trainer" model where 50 master trainers - representing small business owners, teachers, and community leaders - each teach 20 fellow residents, scaling knowledge across neighborhoods.

The program's hands-on approach equips participants with practical AI tools to streamline workflows and boost business efficiency, as reflected by a current student who shared,

"It pulls the sources off the internet for me based upon what their specific grief area is... Then, it also gives me frequently asked questions and a guideline and a worksheet. So I can think of the support that she needs in the terms that she may need them."

The table below summarizes core elements of the initiative:

Feature	Details
Target	1,000 Hoosiers by July 31, 2025
Format	In-person workshops, online courses, hands-on training
Focus	Small business owners, underserved communities, career advancers

Supported by a $500 stipend for trainers and a commitment to economic empowerment, this effort underscores how InnoPower's AI education initiative is democratizing access.

The collaborative spirit is further documented by Blaizing Academy and its community partners' goal to create lasting opportunities, while business leaders and local media highlight the workforce benefits in preparing for a future where, as TechPoint CEO Ting Gootee notes, up to 85% of roles will be impacted by AI within five years.

Small businesses in Indianapolis are leading a technological transformation, with the latest Verizon 2025 State of Small Business Survey revealing that 38% of U.S. SMBs are actively integrating artificial intelligence into everyday operations - from marketing and written communications to customer service and cybersecurity.

The survey, which sampled 600 businesses nationwide, paints a picture of digital acceleration: 47% recently upgraded cybersecurity solutions, 58% are now leveraging TikTok, and 76% affirm that social media positively impacts performance.

However, over half (54%) of respondents report challenges maintaining fresh online content amidst rapidly evolving trends. AI is also viewed as a workforce solution, with 56% believing it can help address staffing constraints and 53% highlighting its role in staff retention.

The results were summarized by GlobeNewswire's coverage of the Verizon survey, emphasizing the importance of digital tools for business growth and resilience.

Aparna Khurjekar, Chief Revenue Officer for Verizon Business Markets and SaaS, captured the moment:

“Small business owners are entering a new chapter of digital business with the rise of AI.”

For those seeking to dive deeper into technology adoption trends and practical implications for Indiana's local business community, additional resources and data tables are available from the official 2025 State of Small Business Survey report by Verizon.

Grassroots opposition is shaping the trajectory of data center development in Indianapolis, as residents from Franklin Township to Hancock County mobilize against massive projects they fear will disrupt local environments and strain resources.

Concerns revolve around overwhelming water usage, increased flooding, compromised well water, and the conversion of agricultural land for industrial purposes, along with transparency issues - many developers remain anonymous or provide scant details to affected communities.

Local campaigns such as Protect Franklin Township and community petitions have amassed thousands of signatures, while public meetings and civic leagues debate proposals that promise few long-term jobs in exchange for significant tax breaks and potentially higher utility bills.

Highlighting resident sentiment, Brittany York described the recurring flooding dilemma:

“People jokingly say they live in houseboats because they have to drive through water just to get to their house.”

Developers like Deep Meadow Ventures have agreed to alter building heights and address storm water, but skepticism lingers, particularly around job quality and lasting ecological impacts.

These Indianapolis-area disputes mirror statewide and national trends, with Indiana now hosting over 60 data centers and nearly 30 proposed or under consideration - community resistance has already thwarted or stalled similar developments in other counties and states, signaling that local advocacy wields real influence over even the largest tech infrastructure plans.

For deeper insights on the Franklin Township conflict and its broader context, read WFYI's investigation on grassroots data center opposition, explore Mirror Indy's coverage of resident action and developer negotiations, and examine statewide trends in InkFreeNews's report on how activism is stalling Indiana's data center wave.

Purdue University is making waves in workforce development with the launch of new AI-infused degrees aimed at strengthening Indiana's chemistry and pharmaceutical sectors.

Initiatives like the Dual BS/MS in Advanced Chemistry, a Professional Master's in Advanced Pharmaceutical Engineering, and a cross-disciplinary Biomolecular Design program are tailored to provide hands-on training with cutting-edge technologies such as AI-driven drug discovery and advanced robotics, ensuring graduates are job-ready for evolving industry demands.

A landmark collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company - marked by Lilly's commitment of up to $250 million over eight years - will accelerate pharmaceutical innovation, blending Purdue's academic hub with industry resources through on-site researcher exchanges and joint projects designed to enhance medicine delivery, supply chain resiliency, and next-gen workforce skills.

As Purdue leads at the national level, these efforts converge in the newly launched Young Institute Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Consortium, formed with Lilly and Merck, focused on pioneering advances such as autonomous experimentation, digital twins, and robotics for real-time product quality monitoring.

As Purdue President Mung Chiang states,

“As potentially the largest single university-industry research agreement in American history, Lilly and Purdue are blazing a new trail to the endless frontier ... this marks a monumental watershed in job creation, workforce development, and innovation along America's Hard Tech Corridor.”

The vision for these programs and collaborations is detailed in Purdue's One Health initiative and aligns with national pushes to onshore pharmaceutical manufacturing and train future industry leaders.

For an in-depth look at these advancements, see the official announcement of Lilly's $250 million investment in Purdue, program details for Purdue's new degree offerings and industry partnerships, and a comprehensive overview of the Young Institute Consortium's Pharma 4.0 aspirations.

Initiative/Program	Focus Area	Partnerships/Funding
Dual BS/MS in Advanced Chemistry	Clean chemistry, scalable pharma solutions	Eli Lilly, One Health Initiative
Professional Master's in Advanced Pharmaceutical Engineering	AI, automation, manufacturing challenges	Eli Lilly & Merck, Young Institute Consortium
Biomolecular Design Program	AI-driven molecule design, personalized medicine	Interdisciplinary faculty hires

Lilly announces $250 million expansion in Purdue partnership, Purdue's new AI and pharmaceutical degrees foster workforce growth, and Inside the Young Institute Consortium's vision for pharmaceutical innovation.

AI innovation on Indiana campuses is flourishing, driven by both faculty vision and student engagement. At Indiana University's Kelley School of Business, educators are integrating generative AI and machine learning throughout the curriculum, preparing students with hands-on application and market-ready skills.

As clinical professor Alex Barsi Lopes explains,

“At Kelley, we wanted to design a curriculum that not only will allow our students to be involved in different parts of the AI production chain but also to consider issues related to value generation for stakeholders.”

The university's commitment to AI extends far beyond business: the Luddy Center for Artificial Intelligence - funded by a $35 million investment - supports multidisciplinary research in areas like robotics, health, and data science and is projected to drive a 50% growth in AI-related enrollments through the Luddy Center for AI Education.

Meanwhile, Indiana University's partnership with the NSF-funded Jetstream2 cloud computing resource gives students and faculty access to high-performance computing power, enabling real-world projects in scientific research and AI development via Jetstream2's advanced cyberinfrastructure.

Across the state, Indiana University of Pennsylvania hosted its second annual AI Summit, offering workshops and panels that address the full scope of integrating AI into teaching, research, and creative practice, equipping the next generation with ethical frameworks and critical technical skills as highlighted at IUP's 2025 AI Summit.

These initiatives underscore Indiana's universities as national leaders in preparing students for the era of artificial intelligence.

Comcast Advertising has launched an innovative AI-powered TV ad creation platform in partnership with Waymark, targeting small and local businesses in Indianapolis looking to break into TV and streaming advertising without the traditional barriers of high costs and complex production timelines.

By scanning a business's website, the platform instantly generates fully customizable commercials - adjustable for messaging, graphics, voiceovers, language, and seasonal or audience-specific campaigns - enabling advertisers to create premium video ads in mere minutes.

According to Dawn Williamson, Chief Revenue Officer for Comcast Advertising's Media Solutions,

“Making media buying easy and impactful is a core mission... Advertisers now have a fast and affordable way to build TV-ready ads for delivery across news, entertainment, live sports, and other premium video destinations.”

The platform has already empowered thousands of new ad campaigns, winning praise from small business owners who describe the process as “insanely easy” and a “gamechanger,” especially for first-time TV advertisers.

This development is part of the broader Comcast Media Solutions initiative, streamlining access to TV, streaming, and multiscreen advertising for businesses of every size.

For further details on this launch and user experiences, see the TV Technology overview of Comcast's new AI ad-creation platform, the official press release with business testimonials, and this detailed analysis of how AI is reshaping TV ad production for small businesses.

Indianapolis stands at a crucial intersection of rapid technological advancement, talent challenges, and broadened economic potential. While the city is forecasted to outpace state and national GDP growth in 2025, bolstered by massive investments from companies like Eli Lilly and vibrant innovation districts such as 16 Tech, a recent Ivy Tech Community College report on Indiana workforce shortage and skilled talent decline highlights that Indiana must upskill 82,000 workers annually to close its widening skills gap - particularly as 69% of future jobs will require credentials beyond high school.

The opportunity is vast: since 2020, Indiana's tech ecosystem has attracted $2.8 billion in venture capital, and organizations like TechPoint and Elevate Ventures report continued optimism in sectors like AI and digital health, with investors expecting robust activity and founders benefiting from a collaborative, resource-rich environment (2025 Indiana venture capital investment details).

However, workforce growth is uneven: despite overall job growth in sectors like transportation and healthcare support (16.7% and 10.8% respectively from 2019-2023), high-wage jobs in science and technology are contracting.

The table below illustrates key occupational changes:

Occupation	2019 Employment	2023 Employment	% Growth
Life, Physical & Social Sciences	10,180	8,940	-12.2%
Computer & Mathematical	34,140	32,950	-3.5%
Transportation & Material Movement	124,650	145,510	+16.7%
Healthcare Support	37,080	41,090	+10.8%

As policy, industry, and education leaders unite to address these mismatches with more accessible training and dynamic bootcamps, the region's inclusive innovation goals remain clear.

As described in Indiana's innovation updates by Elevate Ventures,

"Innovation drives job creation and attracts major tech firms,"

charting a path for residents and newcomers to advance alongside Indy's evolving tech landscape.