- Purdue University and Elanco Animal Health announced plans for a 150,000-square-foot One Health Research Institute within the One Health Innovation District in Indianapolis.
- The facility will include advanced research laboratories, shared scientific equipment, incubator space and collaborative areas for academic and industry partners.
- Purdue will serve as the academic and research anchor, while Elanco will provide industry expertise and commercialization capabilities.
- Research priorities will include therapeutics, diagnostics, digital health technologies, sustainable agriculture and translational science.
- The institute will be located adjacent to Elanco’s global headquarters along the White River.
- Additional companies and research organizations are expected to participate, with multiple memoranda of understanding already signed.
Purdue University and Elanco Animal Health are moving forward with the development of a new One Health Research Institute in Indianapolis, marking another milestone in the expansion of the city’s One Health Innovation District.
Announced October 6, 2026, the planned 150,000-square-foot facility will provide shared laboratory, research and incubator space designed to connect academic scientists, veterinary researchers, industry partners and entrepreneurs.
The institute will be anchored by Purdue University and Elanco Animal Health, combining university research capabilities with industry expertise in animal health product development and commercialization.
The initiative is intended to accelerate scientific discovery and the development of practical solutions addressing interconnected challenges in animal, human, plant and environmental health.
Research Facility Designed for Collaboration and Commercialization
The One Health Research Institute will feature advanced research laboratories, shared scientific infrastructure, specialized equipment and collaborative workspaces.
The facility will also include resources supporting animal health and veterinary partners, along with space for emerging companies and entrepreneurs working to translate research discoveries into commercial applications.
Purdue University will serve as the institute’s academic and research anchor, connecting faculty, students and researchers with industry collaborators.
As an R1 research university, Purdue brings extensive scientific capabilities across agriculture, veterinary medicine, engineering, life sciences and related disciplines.
Elanco will serve as the industry and innovation anchor, contributing expertise in animal health research, product development and commercialization.
The partners envision an environment where researchers and industry teams can work together to move promising discoveries from laboratory investigation toward clinical and commercial use.
One Health Research Across Multiple Disciplines
The institute’s research activities will focus on the One Health concept, which recognizes the interconnected relationships among human, animal and environmental health.
The district’s broader approach also emphasizes plant health and sustainable agricultural systems.
Planned areas of innovation include:
- Development of new therapeutics for animal and human health applications.
- Advanced diagnostic technologies and disease detection tools.
- Digital health platforms and data-driven research.
- Sustainable agricultural technologies.
- Translational research connecting scientific discoveries with practical applications.
- Commercialization of new technologies and scientific products.
By placing researchers, clinicians, industry specialists and entrepreneurs in a shared environment, the district aims to encourage collaboration across disciplines that traditionally operate independently.
The model is intended to reduce barriers between academic research, product development and commercialization.
Purdue Expands Research Presence in Indianapolis
The institute represents another step in Purdue University’s efforts to expand its research and technology presence in Indianapolis.
Mitch Daniels, interim president of Purdue University, said the project aligns with the university’s land-grant mission and its role in supporting research-driven economic development.
“The One Health Innovation District fits squarely into both Purdue’s historic land-grant mission and our present-day position as the state’s research and technology flagship university,” Daniels said.
He described the institute as an important step in expanding Purdue’s contribution to Indiana’s research and innovation economy.
Purdue’s participation will connect the institute with university faculty, students and research programs while creating opportunities for collaboration with private-sector organizations.
The partnership is also expected to support workforce development by bringing students and researchers into closer contact with animal health companies and other life sciences employers.
Elanco Builds on Global Headquarters Investment
The planned research institute will be located adjacent to Elanco’s global headquarters along the White River in Indianapolis.
The company opened its headquarters within the One Health Innovation District in 2025, establishing an anchor for the district’s broader development.
Jeff Simmons, president and CEO of Elanco, said the new institute represents progress toward creating a collaborative destination for research and innovation.
“Just one year after Elanco opened our new global headquarters within the One Health Innovation District, today is an exciting milestone in our vision to create a collaborative destination for innovators,” Simmons said.
He emphasized the potential benefits of combining Purdue’s research capabilities with Elanco’s industry experience across animal health and related One Health disciplines.
Elanco’s involvement is expected to provide connections to scientific talent, industry partnerships and established pathways for developing and commercializing animal health technologies.
District Seeks to Attract Additional Research and Industry Partners
Beyond Purdue and Elanco, the One Health Research Institute is being designed to accommodate additional companies, research organizations and entrepreneurial ventures.
The broader One Health Innovation District aims to integrate research, diagnostics, clinical trials, continuing education, manufacturing and commercialization within a connected innovation ecosystem.
According to the announcement, multiple memoranda of understanding have already been signed with organizations interested in participating in the district.
The names of those organizations and details of their planned involvement have not yet been disclosed.
Additional company announcements are expected as agreements and development plans are finalized.
The project is intended to strengthen Indianapolis’ position as a destination for One Health research, scientific talent and private-sector investment.
Implications for Veterinary and Animal Health Innovation
For the veterinary and animal health industries, the institute could create new opportunities for collaboration among academic researchers, pharmaceutical developers, diagnostic companies and emerging technology businesses.
Shared research infrastructure may help participating organizations access specialized equipment and expertise without independently establishing every component of a research operation.
The institute’s emphasis on translational science could also support the progression of discoveries toward diagnostic tools, therapeutics and other technologies with potential applications in veterinary medicine.
Its focus on collaboration between animal, human and plant health disciplines reflects growing interest in research approaches that address challenges extending beyond individual species or sectors.
Although the announcement outlines the institute’s planned size and capabilities, a construction completion date, total project cost and anticipated opening date were not specified.
Additional information about the initiative is available through Elanco Animal Health and Purdue University.
Information sourced from Elanco Animal Health and Purdue University’s announcement dated October 6, 2026.
