A Bloomington-based not-for-profit, the Applied Research Institute (ARI), is playing a crucial role in Indiana's economic development and innovation initiatives. ARI collaborates closely with the Indiana Economic Development Corp (IEDC) to craft long-term strategies, secure federal funding, and provide industry expertise to attract investments to the state. Established in 2015, ARI acts as an 'innovation orchestrator,' bringing together academia, industry, and government stakeholders to foster collaboration and drive intentional innovation in areas such as defense, energy, and technology. The partnership between ARI and IEDC includes running multimillion-dollar programs, such as the state's federally designated tech hubs like the Silicon Crossroads Microelectronics Commons Hub, the Heartland BioWorks Hub, and the Midwest Alliance for Clean Hydrogen Hub. ARI's involvement in securing federal funding for these hubs, including a potential $1 billion grant for the Hydrogen Hub, showcases Indiana's collaborative spirit and commitment to innovation. The aim is to boost workforce development, research initiatives, and technology commercialization in the state. While ARI leads the hub program, IEDC plays a crucial role in fund allocation to ensure the research leads to tangible outcomes. The goal is to sustain the impact of the hubs by fostering ongoing investment, collaboration, and innovation. The collaboration between ARI, IEDC, and other stakeholders not only benefits Indiana but also the broader Midwest region. ARI's neutral third-party stance facilitates industry stakeholder engagement and fosters partnerships with neighboring states, enhancing the region's economic development prospects. Overall, Indiana's innovative approach to economic development, supported by organizations like ARI, signifies a positive trajectory for the state in the realm of innovation and technology.