Governor Braun announces launch of Crossroads Health Ventures, $21 million+ early-stage fund

Indiana Governor Mike Braun today announced the launch of Crossroads Health Ventures (CHV), a new early-start venture fund designed to accelerate the growth of Indiana’s life sciences startups and strengthen the state’s global leadership across human, animal and plant health innovation.

Gov. Braun emphasized the importance of early-stage capital in translating Indiana’s research strengths into high-growth companies and high-wage jobs.

“Indiana continues to lead by bringing together public and private partners to support innovation at every stage,” said Gov. Braun. “Crossroads Health Ventures will help ensure the next generation of life sciences companies can start, scale and succeed right here in Indiana.”

The fund has secured more than $21 million in commitments from strategic and institutional partners, including Lilly Ventures, Corteva, Elanco, Indiana University, Parkview Heath and the State of Indiana through the Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC) within the Office of Commerce. CHV will begin deploying capital in early 2026.

“This collaborative initiative is a transformative opportunity to propel Indiana’s already strong One Health economy,” said Secretary of Commerce David J. Adams. “Through Crossroads Health Ventures, the state – in partnership with industry and regional leadership – is lifting up entrepreneurs and startups to drive innovation across human, animal and plant health, creating next-generation solutions and solidifying Indiana’s global leadership.”

“Indiana is one of the nation’s strongest and most vibrant life sciences hubs, and Crossroads Health Ventures is an important next step in fueling our state’s innovation economy,” said Vince Wong, President and CEO of BioCrossroads and Crossroads Health Ventures. “With the State of Indiana’s transformational commitment and the leadership of our industry, academic, and investment partners, Crossroads Health Ventures fills a critical early-stage funding gap to help translate breakthrough ideas into high-growth Indiana companies that ultimately make a global impact.”

Indiana’s life sciences sector continues to experience historic momentum, ranking #1 in the nation for life sciences exports and supported by global industry leaders, world-class research universities and a highly skilled workforce. Access to early-stage capital is important to startups, and CHV is designed to address this need. By providing targeted early-stage investment and strategic support, CHV will help ensure more of Indiana’s life sciences discoveries grow into Indiana-based companies, creating jobs, attracting private investment and advancing solutions that improve health outcomes worldwide.