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Ascend Indiana Talent Innovation Award Winner Named

Ascend Indiana Talent Innovation Award Winner Named

Congratulations to Eli Lilly and Company (Indianapolis), Ivy Tech Community College (Indianapolis, Bloomington, and Lafayette campuses) and Purdue University (West Lafayette and Indianapolis) on being named the Ascend Indiana Talent Innovation Award winner at the 2026 TechPoint Mira Awards.

The Ascend Indiana Talent Innovation Award honors organizations and programs that inspire and expand access to STEM talent, create meaningful economic opportunity and strengthen the future workforce through innovative talent pipeline development.

Selected from eight finalists, this cross-institutional partnership earned top recognition for its thoughtful, employer-driven approach to expanding Indiana’s tech talent pipeline at scale. Building on initiatives such as the Lilly Scholars program and workforce-aligned training across Ivy Tech Community College, Purdue University and Indiana University, the collaboration creates a more connected, seamless pathway from education to employment.

Judges also noted the program’s ability to extend existing models into new regions and disciplines and its clear alignment with real workforce needs. With strong funding, strategic design and a direct pathway from training to employment, the initiative demonstrates a powerful, statewide blueprint for talent innovation.

Ascend president and CEO Brad Rhorer presented the Ascend Indiana Talent Innovation to Eli Lilly senior director of Strategic Talent Partnerships, Dedric Day, who accepted the award on behalf of the group.

To learn more about the other 16 Mira Awards winners from the April 24 gala, visit techpoint.org/2026-mira-awards-winners-indiana-techpoint.

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