FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Heartland Bioworks Announces Kristin Eilenberg as New Executive Director

 

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind., October 31, 2024 – Heartland Bioworks, Indiana’s federally-designated Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (“Tech Hub”) today announced the appointment of Kristin Eilenberg as its new Executive Director.

Eilenberg, who currently serves as the Vice President of Life Sciences and Healthcare at Elevate Ventures, brings over 20 years of experience in building and leading successful technology and life sciences companies. In her new role, she will be responsible for driving Heartland Bioworks' strategic vision, fostering collaboration within the local and regional innovation ecosystem, and accelerating the growth and impact of Heartland Bioworks' membership.

"Kristin is an exceptional leader with a proven track record of empowering entrepreneurs and driving innovation," said David Roberts, CEO of the Applied Research Institute (“ARI”) and Chair of Heartland Bioworks' Executive Board.  "Her deep industry expertise, entrepreneurial mindset, and commitment to the Indiana life sciences community make her the ideal candidate to lead Heartland Bioworks into the future."

Elevate Ventures, the state’s venture partner, plays a crucial role in supporting Heartland Bioworks and the broader Indiana startup ecosystem. As the Vice President of Life Sciences and Healthcare, Eilenberg worked closely with early-stage companies, providing mentorship, access to capital, and strategic guidance.

“Recruiting an Executive Director of Kristin’s caliber represents a key milestone as we build Heartland BioWorks leadership team,” said John Fernandez, Regional Innovation Officer. “She brings the expertise and network we need to advance our ambitious plans for Indiana’s biotech growth.”

"Elevate is thrilled to see Kristin take on this new role with Heartland Bioworks," said Christopher “Toph” Day, CEO of Elevate Ventures. "Her leadership and vision will be invaluable in driving continued growth and innovation within the life sciences sector. We look forward to our continued partnership and collaboration to support Indiana's entrepreneurial ecosystem."

 

Eilenberg's appointment comes at a pivotal time for Heartland Bioworks, as the organization looks to implement the recently-announced $51 million implementation funding from the U.S. Economic Development Administration. Under her guidance, Heartland Bioworks will focus on expanding its programming, enhancing its member services, and strengthening its partnerships with key stakeholders, including academic institutions, healthcare providers, and industry leaders.

"I am honored and excited to take on this role at Heartland Bioworks," said Eilenberg. "Indiana's life sciences space is brimming with talent and innovation, and I am committed to leveraging Heartland Bioworks' unique position to unleash the full potential of our region's entrepreneurial spirit. Together with our members, partners, and the broader community, we will continue to drive groundbreaking discoveries and solutions that improve lives."

Kristin Eilenberg will officially assume the role of Heartland Bioworks' Executive Director on November 6, 2024.

 

About Heartland Bioworks

Heartland Bioworks is an Indiana-based regional technology hub that seeks to advance Indiana’s biomanufacturing assets for the benefit of the state and the nation. Designated as Regional Technology and Innovation Hub (“Tech Hub”) in 2022, Heartland Bioworks will harness regional assets in life sciences and biomanufacturing to advance talent development in the life sciences and support scale-up bioinnovators, all with an eye towards enhancing national biosecurity and regional economic prosperity.

About Elevate Ventures

Elevate Ventures empowers entrepreneurs through investment and collaboration. Elevate is the #1 most active early stage VC in the Great Lakes Region and top 10 in the United States. We invest in high-potential, cross-sector innovative companies with a minimum $500M total addressable market (TAM) at the pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. To learn more about Elevate Ventures, visit https://elevateventures.com.

 

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Media Contact:

Amy Ross

Director of Communications, ARI

Amy.ross@theari.us

262-909-9056