Purdue And Elanco Broke Ground On Research Hub

The new Indianapolis institute aims to strengthen the food supply chain through collaborative research.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Pet Health

Foundation of a new construction project with exposed soil and steel support beams under a clear afternoon sky.
Purdue University and Elanco Animal Health officially broke ground on the new 150,000-square-foot One Health Research Institute in Indianapolis this week. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Do you believe university-corporate partnerships are beneficial for your local community?

Purdue University and Elanco Animal Health have officially broken ground on the new One Health Research Institute in Indianapolis. The 150,000-square-foot facility serves as a centerpiece for the city's One Health Innovation District.

Why it matters

The project seeks to bolster the food supply chain and develop innovative solutions to help farmers increase production value. By housing research labs and collaborative spaces, the institute hopes to bridge the gap between academic research and commercial agriculture.

The new research facility measures 150,000 square feet and is designed to host laboratories, incubators, and collaborative learning areas. It serves as a central component of the broader One Health Innovation District in Indianapolis.

The players

Purdue University

A public research university in West Lafayette, Indiana, known for its extensive agricultural and engineering programs.

Elanco Animal Health

A global company based in Greenfield, Indiana, that develops and markets products for the health and nutrition of farm and companion animals.

The details

The facility is a joint partnership between Purdue University, Elanco Animal Health, and other industry stakeholders. Students will gain practical experience through provided internship and co-op opportunities offered at the new site.

Timeline

  1. October 6, 2026: The ground-breaking ceremony and formal publication of the project announcement.

Culture Shift

This project represents a significant move toward the consolidation of agricultural innovation within the One Health Innovation District. It highlights a growing trend of institutional partnerships aimed at addressing global food supply challenges through centralized research hubs.

The institute offers students in the Indianapolis area direct access to internships and co-op programs that facilitate entry into agricultural science careers. Residents may also see broader economic benefits as the district attracts additional public and private sector partners.

The takeaway

This partnership demonstrates how academia and industry can combine resources to address large-scale food security issues. Future developments in the district will likely rely on the continued influx of private and public sector funding to sustain growth.

Further reading

Learn more about local industry developments in the Pet Health section.

Live Poll

Do you believe university-corporate partnerships are beneficial for your local community?