Indiana IoT Lab

What Indiana IoT Lab does

Indiana IoT Lab is a 501(c)(3) non-profit innovation facility located at 9059 Technology Lane, Fishers, Indiana. Opened on March 21, 2018 as the first municipally-inspired IoT lab in the United States, the 24,500-26,000 sq ft facility operates as a public-private partnership between Launch Fishers, the City of Fishers, the Indiana Economic Development Corporation, Indiana University, Comcast Business, and Allegion. Its core offering is a membership-based coworking and prototyping environment with shared access to fabrication equipment including laser cutters, CNC machines, 3D printers, and soldering stations, plus ideation spaces, meeting rooms, and event space for up to 75 people. The Lab targets IoT entrepreneurs, hardware startups, corporate innovation teams, and Indiana's traditional industries (manufacturing, agriculture, logistics), guiding members through a Discover-Define-Develop-Deploy IoT solutions framework supported by design thinking workshops, prototyping training, and a member network exceeding 50 companies, universities, and sponsors.

The Lab monetizes through individual memberships starting at $1,000 annually, dedicated desks and private suites at higher price points, event space rentals, sponsored programs, and public lease funding from the City of Fishers. Beyond workspace, the organization produces the annual State of IoT report, hosts the Indiana Festival of Autonomy in partnership with AUVSI, operates an IoT Lab Roadshow reaching manufacturers across the state, and runs corporate design thinking engagements. Founding partnerships with Verizon, AT&T/FirstNet, Nordic Semiconductor, Arrow Electronics, Silicon Labs, and Conexus Indiana extend its programming into 5G, cellular IoT, and advanced manufacturing. The Lab is governed by a small core team (1-10 staff) including Founder John Wechsler (departed July 2022), CFO and Executive Director David Bolling, Director of Marketing and Communications Rachel Drake, Member Experience and Technical Support Manager Jake Deiwert, and Community Manager Doug Applegate (appointed October 2022), with overlapping leadership shared with parent organization Launch Fishers.

Name

Indiana IoT Lab

Legal name

Indiana IoT Lab

Website

https://indianaiot.com

Company type

Private

Founded year

2018

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Indiana IoT Lab is a 501(c)(3) non-profit coworking and prototyping facility in Fishers, Indiana, serving IoT entrepreneurs, startups, and corporate innovation teams with shared fabrication equipment, membership programs, design thinking workshops, and an annual State of IoT report.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Fishers

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Operations, Personnel, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Membership Fees: Individual memberships starting at $1,000 annually. Dedicated desks available at additional cost. Suite holders and dedicated desk members have priority access to facilities and services.
2. Event Space Rental: Meeting rooms available for rent with priority for members. Conference rooms seat 4-20 people. Event space capacity up to 75 people for IoT or tech-oriented events.
3. Sponsorships: Funding from public-private partnership including City of Fishers lease payments, corporate sponsors (Comcast Business, Allegion, Indiana University), and organizational sponsorships.
4. Events and Programs: Revenue generated from events, workshops, seminars, hackathons, and educational programming including design thinking sessions and prototyping training.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels7 records

Core offering

Indiana IoT Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit coworking and innovation space providing 24,500+ square feet of prototyping-equipped workspace, structured IoT development programs, member services, event venues, and educational programming. Members and visitors access laser cutters, CNC machines, 3D printers, soldering tools, ideation spaces, training workshops, design thinking sessions, and a curated IoT ecosystem connecting entrepreneurs, startups, corporate sponsors, and universities.

Product overview

Indiana IoT Lab is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public-private partnership coworking and innovation space in Fishers, Indiana — the first municipally-inspired IoT lab in the nation. It is not a single software product but a suite of physical-space services and programs centered on IoT innovation. Core offerings include a 24,500+ sq. ft. coworking and prototyping facility (with laser cutters, CNC machines, 3D printers, and soldering equipment), the Discover-Define-Develop-Deploy IoT Solutions framework, meeting and event space rental, and membership programs. Key programs include the annual/quarterly State of IoT Report publication covering manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture; the Indiana Festival of Autonomy; the IoT Lab Roadshow; and Design Thinking workshops. The Lab also features the KODEX Corner (an interactive touchscreen member discovery kiosk) and mandatory prototyping equipment training for members.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• State of IoT Report: Annual/published report analyzing Indiana's tech ecosystem and highlighting people and organizations designing, connecting, and deploying Internet of Things technology throughout the state and beyond.

Products and services

• Coworking and Prototyping Space 24,500-26,000 square foot physical innovation facility with ideation spaces, prototyping equipment, and collaboration areas for entrepreneurs and startups developing IoT technologies. Located at 9059 Technology Lane, Fishers, IN 46038.
• IoT Solutions (Discover-Define-Develop-Deploy Framework) Structured four-phase consulting/program service guiding members from ideation through design thinking, prototyping, and deployment of IoT products, supported by the lab's partner and sponsor network.
• Events and Meeting Space Rental Rentable meeting and event space for workshops, meetups, seminars, hackathons, and meetings, with capacity up to 75 people, including small and large meeting rooms equipped with touch screens and whiteboards. Members receive priority booking.
• Membership Programs Annual membership subscriptions for individuals (from $1,000/year), dedicated desks (additional cost), and private suites, with 24/7 key-fob access, prototyping equipment training, and access to the lab's partner and sponsor network.
• State of IoT Report Annual and quarterly publication analyzing Indiana's tech ecosystem, focusing on IoT's impact on manufacturing, logistics, and agriculture, featuring contributions from Hoosier companies and thought leaders.
• KODEX Corner (Lab Members Experience Kiosk) Interactive touchscreen kiosk using KODEX's Mosaic Experience template to showcase all in-house member companies with photos, videos, and websites for member discovery by visitors.
• Indiana Festival of Autonomy Annual public festival featuring hands-on activities, exhibits, demos, and displays of robotics, drones, self-driving vehicles, and unmanned machinery, co-hosted with AUVSI and Pierce Aerospace.
• IoT Lab Roadshow Free traveling event series bringing manufacturing and technology experts to Indiana-based manufacturers and entrepreneurs to discuss Industry 4.0 technology integration and advanced manufacturing solutions.
• Design Thinking and Ideation Workshops Corporate team workshops using design thinking methodology, immersive technology, prototype materials, and facilitators to help organizations develop executable innovation plans and explore IoT use cases.
• Prototyping Equipment Training Mandatory training program for members on prototyping equipment including laser cutters, CNC routers, 3D printers, and other tools, required before independently building IoT prototypes at the facility.

Named customers12 records

Segments5 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature4 records

Partnerships

28 partnerships are on record, tiered major, core and minor.

• KODEX / VisionThreeTechnology or Integration · 1 February 2022Software donation of KODEX platform for creating interactive experiences. VisionThree developed the KODEX Interactive software and VR training experience. Powers the Lab Members Experience touchscreen kiosk.
• Indiana University FRST ChallengemajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2022Indiana IoT Lab joined Indiana University's FRST (Fostering Radical Science Talent) Challenge Leadership Team to support STEM education and innovation.
• May MobilitymajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 July 2021Autonomous shuttle service company that joined the lab and launched autonomous shuttle service at the facility.
• PerceptInmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 November 2019Autonomous vehicle company relocating headquarters to the IoT Lab accelerator in Fishers to launch autonomous vehicles pilot program, creating 50 new jobs by 2022.
• AUVSI (Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International)majorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 16 August 2019Co-host of the Indiana Festival of Autonomy along with Pierce Aerospace. AUVSI is a major industry association for unmanned and autonomous systems.
• AT&T / FirstNetmajorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 20 April 2018Co-hosted the AT&T #IoTCivicHackathon with Launch Fishers and the Indiana IoT Lab. FirstNet is the nation's first nationwide public safety communications platform built in public-private partnership with the First Responder Network Authority.
• Launch FisherscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 March 2018Co-developer and operator of the Indiana IoT Lab. Launch Fishers is a launchpad for high-potential enterprises and the parent organization behind the IoT Lab initiative. John Wechsler founded both organizations.
• City of FisherscoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 March 2018Municipal partner providing public funding through lease payments. Mayor Scott Fadness was key advocate for the IoT Lab as part of Fishers' tech-hub strategy. First city-funded IoT lab in the nation.
• Indiana Economic Development Corporation (IEDC)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 March 2018State economic development corporation providing support and recognition as part of Indiana's innovation agenda. Aligns with Governor Holcomb's Next Level Legislative Agenda.
• Indiana UniversitycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 March 2018Founding partner providing academic support, research capabilities, and access to next generation of engineers and business leaders. Indiana University First Lady Laurie Burns McRobbie involved in programs like Launch(ed) Women in Tech.
• Comcast BusinesscoreTechnology or Integration · 21 March 2018Founding sponsor exploring smart-city infrastructure support and partnering to launch next-generation LoRaWAN network for wirelessly connecting battery-operated IoT devices to the internet. Hosts events like Celebrity Chef Robert Irvine evening.
• AllegioncoreTechnology or Integration · 21 March 2018Founding sponsor - security products company based in Carmel, IN that recently announced $50 million venture capital fund for early-stage companies focused on security innovation. Contributes expertise in smart home and building security.
• Outside SourcecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 November 2017First tenant at the IoT Lab (joined late 2017). App and connected device development company. Hosts Indy IoT Meetups on user experience topics.
• Outside SourcecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner1st Maker Space, and Indiana First participated in the Launch(ed) Women in Tech event tour of the IoT Lab.
• City of FisherscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCity of Fishers provided COVID-19 safety guidelines and support during lab reopening phases in 2020.
• Ball State UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdvisory board involvement from Ball State University's Department of Management. Several team members (David Bolling, Jake Deiwert, Rachel Drake) are Ball State alumni.
• Purdue UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPurdue Agricultural Program provides distinct skill set. Purdue Foundry helped launch Perceive, Inc in 2016.
• Ice Miller LLPminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerLegal firm that hosted Internet of (Legal) Things webinar series as an IoT Industry Group sponsor. Provides legal guidance on IoT-related matters including commercial agreements, data ownership, security, and IP.
• gener8torminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerVenture and startup accelerator firm. Former gBETA Indiana Director Doug Applegate joined the IoT Lab as Community Manager after wrapping up his time at gener8tor.
• Rover CodeminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated in Indiana Festival of Autonomy with programmable robots for kids and educational activities.
• 1st Maker SpaceminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated in Indiana Festival of Autonomy with hands-on robotics activities for youth.
• IndianaFIRSTminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerParticipated in Indiana Festival of Autonomy with LEGO robotics and educational devices for kids.
• VerizonmajorTechnology or IntegrationHost of Verizon Future of Mobility and 5G Roadshow at the lab. Co-host of 5G Tech & Innovation Tech Talk with ITIA.
• Conexus IndianaminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-hosted Conexus Indiana Emerging Tech Showcase at the lab.
• Indiana UniversitymajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnered for IUPUI Sustainability Summit 2020 and FRST Challenge leadership team. Supports Launch(ed) Women in Tech events for 6th-8th grade girls.
• Rose-Hulman Institute of TechnologyminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAssociate Professor Thomas James contributes to State of IoT reports on hardware-driven startups and manufacturing education.
• The State of IoT Report ContributorsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOver 20 Indiana companies contributed to the State of IoT reports including global entities and innovative IoT startups.
• TechPointminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHost of Mira Awards (Indiana's tech awards). Indiana IoT Lab members and companies participate in award nominations.

Scale indicators10 records

Recent moves7 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Cambridge Innovation Center (CIC): Operator of large-scale innovation and coworking campuses serving startups and corporates; comparable to Indiana IoT Lab as a multi-tenant innovation space with structured membership tiers and event programming.
• 1871: Chicago-based tech innovation hub that operates as a public-private partnership with university and corporate sponsors, providing coworking, programming, and events for startups — closely comparable to Indiana IoT Lab's municipally-backed innovation-space model.
• The Ion: Houston-based innovation hub focused on technology and entrepreneurship, providing coworking, events, and corporate programming — comparable as a city-backed, multi-stakeholder innovation space targeting startups and corporate innovation teams.
• Pennovation Center: University-affiliated innovation hub in Philadelphia offering prototyping equipment, coworking, and programming for entrepreneurs; comparable as a similarly structured lab with university and corporate backing supporting hardware and IoT-adjacent founders.
• Fab Foundation: Global network operator of Fab Labs that share equipment, programming, and community-based operating models. Directly comparable to Indiana IoT Lab's makerspace and prototyping-equipment operations.
• Innovation Depot: Birmingham, Alabama's largest startup incubator and innovation hub, offering coworking, programs, and event space for tech and product startups — comparable as a regional, public-private innovation facility serving similar member profiles.

Broad incumbents

• MassChallenge: Global non-profit startup accelerator with industry-specific programs; comparable as a non-profit innovation operator but with a primarily accelerator-led model rather than a coworking-and-makerspace focus.
• Techstars: Large global accelerator with industry-vertical programs; a broader incumbent with overlapping startup and corporate-innovation engagement but a fundamentally different (equity-taking accelerator) operating model.
• Galvanize: Multi-city operator of tech campuses combining coworking, education, and events for startups and enterprise teams. Broader in scope and geography than Indiana IoT Lab but competes for similar members and corporate programming budgets.

Others

• Launch Fishers: Parent organization and co-developer of Indiana IoT Lab, operating a larger Fishers-based coworking and launchpad facility. Comparable ecosystem operator but a distinct entity rather than a direct competitor for IoT-specific programming.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/indiana_iot
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/11437132

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles5 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Indiana IoT Lab