Northeast Indiana Innovation Community

A proud moment for Northeast Indiana today.

The Rockefeller Foundation announced a new fellowship focused on how communities create jobs and opportunity in the future economy.

Fort Wayne has been invited to be part of that conversation.

https://www.rockefellerfoundation.org/fellowships-convenings/big-bets-fellowships/

It’s a sign that the work happening here is starting to be recognized beyond our region.

We’re just getting started at the Northeast Indiana Innovation Community, but this is an exciting step forward for all of us on the international stage.

Northeast Indiana organization selected for Rockefeller Foundation’s 2026 Big Bets Fellowship The 5-month leadership development program focuses on expanding economic opportunity through community-driven solutions.

We had an exciting time sharing the new NIIC Discovery Workshop with the Spanish speaking entrepreneurs at Manchester Alive: Main Street Chamber Alliance in partnership with the Wabash County Diversity Coalition!

Don't miss the upcoming English sessions this month and next!
Visit the NIIC.net to register!

🚀 Our purpose is to empower people, companies, and communities to thrive through innovation. That means inclusive support, collaborative coaching, and region-wide progress.

Learn more about our mission and vision at NIIC.net.

📈 The NIIC offers programs and coaching for founders ready to take their next step — whether you’re first considering an idea or scaling your startup.

See how our entrepreneurship support can help you at NIIC.net.

Pictured is the 2025 Mirro Founder Award Winner Jill Haskins, owner of Kainos Microschool. She is pictured with NIIC coaches Rosalina Perez and Angela Harrison.

✈️ Built for Flight, Backed by Community: Erickson Motors credits the NIIC for delivering capability and credibility to push advanced R&D forward. (Read the whole story at https://niic.net/2025/11/17/built-for-flight-backed-by-community-the-niic-helps-erickson-motors-push-rd-forward/)

Are you building something bold? Let’s talk — drop by the NIIC or check out our programs at niic.net

💡 We are the Northeast Indiana Innovation Community — a place where builders, founders, and corporate leaders turn ideas into impact. Innovation starts with connection. Learn how connection fuels ideas.

Visit our website to see how you can plug into the NIIC community.

💡niic.net

🌟 From Launch to Leadership: When Jennifer Hunter wanted a roadmap to launch her design business, the NIIC helped empower her big ideas into real momentum. (Read Jennifer's story at https://niic.net/2025/11/17/from-launch-to-leadership-the-niic-empowered-gensyn-designs-start/)

If this resonates with your entrepreneurial journey, connect with us — explore a Discovery Workshop at NIIC.net.

Congratulations to our award winners who were recognized at our recent Innovation@Work event.

Jill Haskins, owner of Kainos Microschool, received the Mirro Founder award
Jan Diaz, President and CEO of the Better Business Bureau Serving Northern Indiana, received the Dr. Daryl Yost Community Impact Award.
Dr. Andrea Robinson, Economic Development Administrator for the City of Fort Wayne, received the Mirro Medal.

Thank you to everyone who attended this year's celebration. We are so grateful for the past 25 years and excited for what the next 25 years has in store for innovation in Indiana.

niic.net

We’re counting down the final days to Innovation@Work — where we’ll present the prestigious Dr. Daryl Yost Community Impact Award to one of our incredible nominees!

Be there to celebrate their achievements and connect with innovators, entrepreneurs, and community leaders from across the region.

🎟 Tickets may still be available at niic.net/innovationatwork or by emailing [email protected]