INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. (April 14, 2026) — Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced the launch of Iron Nation–Indiana, a new public-private initiative backed by more than $60 million in combined investment aimed at driving innovation, commercialization and long-term economic growth across the state.
Anchored by a $15 million commitment from the State of Indiana and more than $30 million from Iron Nation partners, the initiative is designed to position Indiana as a premier U.S. landing point for high-growth international companies—particularly those emerging from Israel’s globally recognized innovation ecosystem.
Iron Nation–Indiana will serve as a strategic bridge connecting Indiana’s corporate, healthcare, academic and industrial assets with leading Israeli technology firms. The initiative is expected to support the establishment of U.S. headquarters, expand commercial partnerships and accelerate market entry for high-potential companies.
Indiana’s diverse economic base—spanning advanced manufacturing, life sciences, healthcare systems, logistics infrastructure and major research universities—provides a strong foundation for scaling innovation.
“Indiana is committed to competing and winning in the industries shaping the future,” said Governor Braun. “Iron Nation–Indiana represents the type of partnership that brings together public leadership, private capital and real commercial opportunity to deliver long-term value for our state.”
Indiana Secretary of Commerce David J. Adams emphasized the initiative’s alignment with broader economic development priorities, including wage growth, talent attraction and business expansion.
“This initiative gives Indiana a practical pathway to engage high-potential companies earlier, build strategic partnerships and translate innovation into sustained economic growth,” Adams said.
According to Dror Bin, CEO of the Israel Innovation Authority, the partnership leverages complementary strengths between the two regions.
“Israel excels at developing cutting-edge technologies, while Indiana offers an ideal environment to scale those innovations through its strong industrial base, global corporations and research institutions,” Bin said.
Originally launched following the October 7 attacks as a venture investment platform supporting Israeli startups, Iron Nation has quickly become one of the most active investment ecosystems in Israel. The Indiana expansion builds on that momentum with a focused strategy to attract capital, innovation and talent into the state.
“Iron Nation–Indiana is more than an investment platform—it’s a bridge connecting Israeli entrepreneurs with Indiana’s business, healthcare and research ecosystem,” said Gil Friedlander, co-founder and managing partner of Iron Nation.
The initiative was founded by entrepreneurs Gil Friedlander, Chen Linchevski and Jason Wolf. Luke Messer, now Senior Vice President and General Counsel at Prolific, will serve as the Indiana partner.
Additional partners and engagement opportunities will be announced in the coming months.
Industry Leaders Back Iron Nation–Indiana Launch
Leaders across Indiana’s manufacturing, life sciences and regional development sectors voiced strong support for the initiative:
- AM General highlighted the opportunity to strengthen defense and dual-use technology collaboration.
- The Central Indiana Regional Development Authority (CIRDA) emphasized the initiative’s role in advancing life sciences and regional growth.
- The Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP) pointed to increased access to capital and innovation-driven job creation.
- The Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis underscored the community and cultural connections that will accompany business investment.
About the Indiana Office of Commerce
The Indiana Office of Commerce was established under Governor Mike Braun to align and accelerate the state’s economic development strategy. The office is led by Secretary of Commerce David J. Adams.
Media Contact:
Charlie Tinkle, Press Secretary
317.864.0992
ctinkle@iedc.in.gov
