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Indiana to Form Internet of Things Lab

A new facility just outside of Indianapolis will be dedicated to the advancement of the Internet of Things.

From self-driving vehicles to Internet-connected Crock-pots, Fishers, Ind., hopes to be the next hub for the Internet of Things (IoT), as shown by Indiana Gov. Eric Holcomb and Fishers Mayor Scott Fadness' joint announcement of the Indiana Internet of Things Lab-Fishers.



The space, scheduled to open in summer of 2017, will combine maker spaces, development labs, and testing facilities where companies can push the boundaries of Internet-connected devices. The lab’s founding members include ClearObject and Indiana University. For an admission price of $1,000, however, companies that do not want to be members will be able to bring their device to the lab for members to assist with.

“With the rapid speed of innovation in this sector, the Internet of Things provides the greatest threat to our current economy, but it also provides the greatest opportunity for our future,” said Fadness.

The facility will be dedicated to bringing together the four key components to IoT solutions: ideation, cloud data, edge hardware and development. Technology-driven growth has been a key focus area of Holcomb’s Next Level Legislative Agenda, which proposes investing $1 billion over the next 10 years to make Indiana a global hub for innovation and entrepreneurship.

“Indiana’s economy is built on our proven ability to grow things, make things and move things. These very industries of agriculture, manufacturing and transportation logistics are the ones we know can benefit most from the IoT revolution,” said Holcomb. “To ensure we maintain our position as a leader in the new economy, IoT must be part of our strategy for the next generation of Hoosiers.”

Ryan McCauley was a staff writer for Government Technology magazine from October 2016 through July 2017, and previously served as the publication's editorial assistant.