INDIANAPOLIS – As the mobile industrial robots (MiR) quietly whizzed around and the smart robot workcells showcased their programming precision, Ivy Tech Community College, Eli Lilly and Company, and 16 Tech Innovation District celebrated the official opening of the new Ivy Tech Manufacturing Innovation Training Center at the Emerging Manufacturing Collaboration Center (EMC2) on December 11. This state-of-the-art facility marks another milestone in Ivy Tech’s commitment to preparing students for Indiana’s rapidly evolving manufacturing workforce.
The morning began with a light breakfast and networking, where industry leaders, elected officials, Ivy Tech staff and faculty, and 16 Tech and Eli Lilly team members mingled in anticipation of the event. Dr. Stacy Atkinson, chancellor of Ivy Tech Indianapolis, opened the ceremony with welcoming remarks, followed by inspiring addresses from Dr. Sue Ellspermann, president of Ivy Tech Community College; Georgian Simion, director of advanced manufacturing from NineTwelve; Ed Hernandez, EVP Manufacturing at Eli Lilly and Company; and Emily Krueger, president and CEO of 16 Tech.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony symbolized the culmination of three years of partnership and the launch of a new era in manufacturing education. Attendees toured the cutting-edge facility, which houses Amatrol equipment, including the Mechatronic Smart Factory Enterprise, learning systems for process controls, table-top mechatronics, and a smart robot workcell. Guests observed live demonstrations of the equipment, gaining insight into how Ivy Tech students will use these advanced tools to learn the latest in manufacturing technology.
This new training center builds on the success of Ivy Tech’s Biopharma Science and Technology Lab, which opened in April in partnership with Eli Lilly at Ivy Tech Indianapolis’ Illinois Fall Creek Center. Together, these facilities are pivotal in addressing Indiana’s need for skilled workers in advanced manufacturing and biopharma industries.
Highlighting the event was Marlena Jackson, an industrial technology student and Lilly Scholar. Jackson, one of the first Ivy Tech students to study and work in the Manufacturing Innovation Training Center, shared her inspiring journey during the event. Her story is a testament to how opportunities like these empower students to thrive as innovators in their fields.
The Ivy Tech Manufacturing Innovation Training Center represents the College’s ongoing dedication to equipping students with hands-on experience and meeting the needs of Indiana’s workforce. As Dr. Ellspermann noted, “This facility isn’t just a building; it’s a bridge to the future of manufacturing.”
This partnership between Ivy Tech, Eli Lilly, and 16 Tech continues to pave the way for transformative educational opportunities, fostering innovation and workforce readiness in Indiana.
About Ivy Tech Community College
Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana's largest public postsecondary institution and the nation's largest singly accredited statewide community college system, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission. Ivy Tech has campuses throughout Indiana and also serves thousands of students annually online. It serves as the state's engine of workforce development, offering associate degrees, long- and short-term certificate programs, industry certifications, and training that aligns with the needs of the community. The College provides a seamless transfer to other colleges and universities in Indiana, as well as out of state, for a more affordable route to a bachelor's degree.
