led coalition named NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana to advance treatment of musculoskeletal health conditions
Consortium of more than 170 Indiana industry, clinical and university partners will receive up to $160 million over 10 years to turn research into real-world solutions
For Immediate ReleaseJul 14, 2026
INDIANAPOLIS — An Indiana University-led coalition of industry, workforce, clinical, government and research partners is now part of a major U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) initiative that will build a regional innovation ecosystem in Indiana focused on the care and treatment of musculoskeletal health conditions such as arthritis and osteoporosis, and acute and interventional needs like bone fractures and traumatic injuries
NSF Engine in Indiana brings together more than 170 Indiana industry, clinical and university partners to connect expertise in musculoskeletal health with the orthopedic community across the state. Photo by James Brosher, Indiana University
The IU-led NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana has been selected for the second cohort of NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines), a highly competitive program designed to accelerate research — moving innovations from the lab to the marketplace while driving economic growth, job creation and talent development. The NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana aims to connect Indiana’s world-class orthopedic industry, top universities and health data resources to speed life-changing musculoskeletal innovations to the market.
It builds on the work of the Indiana Musculoskeletal Health Partnership for the Advancement of Care & Treatment (IMPACT), which has convened more than 170 collaborators statewide to connect the people and infrastructure needed to commercialize hard tech and clinical tools that improve patients’ and consumers’ movement, function and quality of life. Nearly half of all Americans suffer from a chronic musculoskeletal disorder, according to the United States Bone and Joint Initiative
“Through the NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana, we’re bringing together research, clinical care and industry to accelerate musculoskeletal innovation,” said Pamela Whitten, president of Indiana University. “Indiana is simply unrivaled in the strengths needed to quickly turn musculoskeletal breakthroughs into new technologies, new companies and high-quality jobs. And most importantly, that means these new, innovative treatments will reach the patients who need them most.”
“NSF Engines investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America’s innovation infrastructure for decades to come,” said Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF director. “The NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana will advance U.S. leadership in biotechnology by connecting world-class revations to market, resulting in new therapies, smarter implants and quicker patient diagnostics.”
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Indiana is already one of the central manufacturing and innovation hubs for orthopedic devices worldwide. The NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana will ensure that this industry’s growth is matched with increased workforce capacity through focused efforts to train students, upskill workers, and align K-12 and higher education with industry needs to support the sector. The coalition aspires to train over 1,900 workers, launch over 85 startups, bring at least 30 innovations to market and deliver more than $535 million in economic impact to the state.
Melissa Kacena, right, is director of the IU School of Medicine’s Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health and principal investigator for the NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana. Photo by Chris Meyer, Indiana University
The principal investigator for the NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana is Melissa Kacena, a nationally recognized leader in bone research and director of the IU School of Medicine’s Indiana Center for Musculoskeletal Health. Jim Lancaster, a former executive of Zimmer Biomet and thought leader in orthopedic innovation, serves as interim CEO of the engine. Amrou Awaysheh of the IU Kelley School of Business serves as the chief technology and innovation officer, and Jill Fehrenbacher of the IU School of Medicine serves as the chief learning officer. Awaysheh and Fehrenbacher are also co-principal investigators. The NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana will be headquartered in the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences building, known as IU LAB.
“This NSF designation reflects the strength of the consortium we have built and its potential to dramatically improve outcomes for the millions of people dealing with conditions that limit their ability to move, work, and live independently,” Kacena said. “Sustained federal support will allow us to invest in these existing strengths, moving discoveries into practice faster and supercharging an already vital sector of Indiana’s economy.”
Established through the bipartisan CHIPS and Science Act of 2022, co-sponsored by U.S. Sen. Todd Young of Indiana, the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program represents one of the nation’s largest investments in place-based innovation
“Indiana already leads the world in orthopedic manufacturing, and this designation builds on that foundation to cement our leadership in musculoskeletal innovation,” Young said. “Through the CHIPS and Science Act, we made a deliberate investment in places like Indiana, where research excellence, industry strength and talent come together to compete globally. This engine will accelerate innovation, grow high-quality jobs and ensure Indiana remains at the forefront of this critical sector.”
What they’re saying:
- Indiana Gov. Mike Braun: “Indiana is already a global leader in orthopedic manufacturing, and this NSF designation will help us build on that strength. By bringing together Indiana’s universities, health care leaders and industry partners, we can turn research into new treatments, new companies and new jobs for Hoosiers.”
- U.S. Rep. Jefferson Shreve: “This award is a major win for Indiana. By bringing together world-class research institutions, private industry and healthcare leaders, the NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana will help move groundbreaking musculoskeletal discoveries from the lab to the patient while strengthening Indiana’s leadership in orthopedics, creating high-quality jobs and growing our state’s economy. I was pleased to support Indiana University’s proposal and look forward to seeing the life-changing breakthroughs this partnership delivers for patients in Indiana and across the country.”
- Indiana Secretary of Education Dr. Katie Jenner: “Central to our mission in education is ensuring every Hoosier is prepared for success in life and in their career. The NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana strengthens this commitment by connecting world‑class research, industry leadership and talent development right here in Indiana. This work will expand opportunities for Hoosiers to develop new skills, thrive in the jobs of tomorrow and build a career in an industry dedicated to improving lives. Thank you to Indiana University for leading this important work to expand our state’s research footprint and help power our future.”
- Russell J. Mumper, IU vice president for research: “This designation underscores Indiana’s unique ability to connect innovation, applied research and clinical expertise with industry strength to address serious unmet patient needs. Indiana University and its partners are creating an innovation ecosystem that can move musculoskeletal discoveries into practice faster, strengthen Indiana’s economy and deliver meaningful benefits for patients.”
- David Rosenberg, president and CEO of IU Inc. and IU LAB: “This designation builds on decades of work by IU and partners across Indiana to make our state a global leader in musculoskeletal health. It lets us move faster to commercialize innovations that improve lives and train the leaders who will define this industry going forward.”
- Jim Lancaster, interim CEO of NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana: “This is a powerful recognition of the collaborative work already underway across Indiana. By working together across institutions and sectors, we can continue to position Indiana as a national leader in innovation while making a difference for patients, companies and communities.”
- David A. Ricks, Lilly chair and CEO: “Lilly supports the NSF Engine effort, which brings together the strength of Indiana University’s research capabilities with the state’s deep life sciences and advanced manufacturing base. Musculoskeletal conditions affect millions of Americans and carry an enormous economic and human toll. This cross-sector collaboration has the potential to change lives by uniting academia, industry and government to translate scientific discovery into solutions that reach patients faster.”
- Ivan Tornos, chairman, president and CEO of Zimmer Biomet: “Indiana has everything it takes to lead the future of musculoskeletal health: world-class research, clinical expertise and companies that know how to translate innovation to commercial solutions at scale. That is why this effort matters. At Zimmer Biomet, we are proud to help accelerate what comes next through innovative implants, powerful data, surgical robotics and AI that can help transform musculoskeletal care to alleviate pain and improve the quality of life for people around the world. This state has been our home for nearly 100 years, and we’re proud to help shape the next era of orthopedic leadership right here in Indiana.”
- Melina Kennedy, chief executive of CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership: “This news by NSF to support an IU-led Regional Innovation Engine bolsters our Indiana BioHeartland region as a powerhouse bringing together world-class industry, higher education and health care institutions to innovate in orthopedic discoveries and solutions. When our state comes together, we get big things done when it comes to health innovation and impact.”
- David Ingram, IU Health chief medical officer: “Indiana’s life science infrastructure is second to none, and we are at our best when we collaborate. As part of this Innovation Engine, IU Health will offer our clinical and research expertise to ensure the advancements this team makes will contribute to the overall health of Hoosiers and all Americans.”
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