NIBRT Welcomes Heartland BioWorks Tech Hub as the Newest Member of the NIBRT Global Partners Programme
Picture left to right: U.S. Senator Todd Young, Killian O’Driscoll (CCO, NIBRT), Michelle Dennis 9Regional Innovation Officer Heartland BioWorks), and Vince Wong (CEO and President, BioCrossroads) at the BioCrossroads Life Sciences Summit.
DUBLIN, IRELAND (18 November 2025) – In a groundbreaking move for Indiana’s life sciences sector, the National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is proud to announce that Heartland BioWorks Tech Hub has signed the NIBRT Global Partners Agreement. This pivotal agreement was unveiled live at the BioCrossroads Annual Life Sciences Summit by United States Senator Todd Young of Indiana and ARI CEO, Andrew Kossack.
The NIBRT licence marks a significant milestone in establishing Heartland BioWorks (HBW) as a distinct regional hub for biomanufacturing workforce development. Supported by funding from the US Economic Administration’s Regional Tech Hubs Programme, delivery of NIBRT’s world-leading training programmes will position Indiana as a central nexus for biomanufacturing training and innovation, solidifying the state’s role in the growing life sciences industry.
Heartland BioWorks (HBW) joins NIBRT’s expanding network of global partners, which includes CASTL (the Canadian Alliance for Skills and Training in Life Sciences, Canada), San Jacinto College Center for Biotechnology (USA), BioHub Maryland (USA), Institut Pasteur de Dakar (Senegal), and Korean-NIBRT (South Korea).
Key Highlights of the Agreement
● Exclusive Training Providers: HBW and its partners will serve as the exclusive providers of NIBRT’s globally recognised biomanufacturing training curriculum across the Midwest, serving states including Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, and Kentucky.
● Hands-On Training Opportunities: The NIBRT curriculum will offer Hoosiers and beyond hands-on biomanufacturing training, co-created and vetted by industry experts, equipping participants to enter life-changing careers in biomanufacturing and support Indiana’s expanding life sciences sector.
● BioWorks Headquarters: The NIBRT curriculum will be delivered at the BioWorks HQ, set to open in May 2027, with preliminary offerings being developed across the state. The HQ has been designed in collaboration with NIBRT to ensure alignment with their programming and training needs.
“This transformative agreement with NIBRT is a testament to Indiana's commitment to leading the way in biomanufacturing workforce development. By partnering with industry leaders and educational institutions, this will not only prepare our workforce for the jobs of tomorrow but also ensure that Indiana remains a vital hub for life sciences innovation,” said United States Senator Todd Young.
“This agreement represents years of collaboration and commitment from all partners involved,” said Andrew Kossack, CEO and President of the Applied Research Institute (ARI). “NIBRT's world-class training programme will empower Hoosiers with the skills they need to succeed in high-demand biomanufacturing careers.”
“We are delighted to welcome Heartland BioWorks to the NIBRT Global Partners Programme. This partnership reflects our shared commitment to advancing biopharma training and workforce development on a global scale. Indiana’s world-leading life sciences ecosystem makes it an ideal collaborator, and we look forward to working together to support innovation, skills development, and industry excellence,” said NIBRT CEO, Darrin Morrisey.
“Through this partnership, we are establishing a world-class biomanufacturing training programme," said Edgardo Hernandez, executive vice president and president of Lilly Manufacturing Operations. "The NIBRT licence will give Hoosiers and talent from across the region access to globally recognised hands-on training, preparing them for in-demand careers in biomanufacturing. Together we are strengthening Indiana’s leadership in life sciences and manufacturing as we build the skilled workforce needed to support innovation and growth for years to come.”
This announcement marks a new chapter in Indiana’s life sciences landscape and underscores the collaborative efforts of ARI, BioCrossroads, Eli Lilly and Company, Ivy Tech, Purdue University, and many others to foster a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the biomanufacturing industry.
**End of press release**
Video featured on Inside Indiana Business by IBJ Media
About the Applied Research Institute (ARI)
The Applied Research Institute (ARI) is a neutral, third-party non-profit that unites innovators and accelerates technological advancement across critical sectors. A trusted partner to the State of Indiana and federal agencies, including the Department of Defense, ARI leads major national initiatives in collaboration with the Defense Innovation Unit, NSWC Crane, DARPA Connect, and the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office.
Through its Rapid Acquisition Marketplaces and the deployment of cutting-edge technologies, ARI strengthens America’s defence and economic foundations, advancing national security, driving competitiveness, and fuelling long-term growth.
About NIBRT:
The National Institute for Bioprocessing Research and Training (NIBRT) is a global centre of excellence for training and research in biopharmaceutical manufacturing. NIBRT is located in a world-class facility in Dublin, Ireland. This facility is purpose built to closely replicate a modern bioprocessing plant with state-of-the-art equipment and enables NIBRT to offer the highest quality training and research solutions. NIBRT’s mission is to support the growth and development of all aspects of the biopharmaceutical manufacturing industry. For more information, please visit www.nibrt.ie.
About NIBRT Global Partner Programme
The NIBRT Global Partner Programme supports an international alliance of leading training and education organisations to help address the global shortage of a skilled biopharma workforce. The Global Partners Programme enables qualified organisations to license NIBRT’s expertise to provide biopharma training and education capability in their region. The Programme operates on a licence model, where NIBRT provides set-up and ongoing support to partners.
Media Contact:
Name: Emer Norton
Title: NIBRT Marketing and Communications Manager
Email: emer.norton@nibrt.ie
Phone: +353 1 215 8100
