Indiana Launches $60M Initiative to Attract Israeli Tech Companies

The 'Iron Nation-Indiana' program aims to create a 'strategic bridge' between the state and Israel.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 2:07pm

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A photorealistic studio still life featuring a laptop computer, an Israeli flag, and a miniature model of the Indianapolis skyline, symbolizing the new initiative to build business connections between Indiana and Israel.A new public-private partnership aims to leverage Indiana's business ecosystem to attract cutting-edge Israeli tech companies and drive innovation.Indianapolis Today

Indiana Gov. Mike Braun announced the launch of a new $60+ million investment and commercialization initiative called 'Iron Nation-Indiana' that is designed to strengthen Indiana's position as a destination for innovation-driven growth by attracting Israeli tech companies to establish operations in the state.

Why it matters

This partnership is expected to help Israeli tech companies build operations in Indiana, connecting them with the state's corporations, healthcare systems, universities, and communities. It reflects Indiana's commitment to competing and winning in industries shaping the future.

The details

The Iron Nation-Indiana initiative is anchored by a $15 million investment from the state of Indiana, as well as a more than $30 million commitment from Iron Nation, a venture investment firm. Through this initiative, Israeli companies will have new opportunities to establish U.S. headquarters or other meaningful U.S. operations in Indiana, build commercial relationships with Indiana-based partners, and engage directly with the state's business, healthcare, research, and industrial ecosystem.

  • The program was announced on April 13, 2026.

The players

Mike Braun

The Governor of Indiana who announced the launch of the Iron Nation-Indiana initiative.

Iron Nation

A venture investment firm that is partnering with the state of Indiana on the $60+ million Iron Nation-Indiana initiative to attract Israeli tech companies to the state.

Gil Friedlander

A co-founder and managing partner of Iron Nation, who stated that the initiative is building a bridge to connect Israeli entrepreneurs with Indiana's business, healthcare, and research ecosystem.

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What they’re saying

“'Indiana is committed to competing and winning in the industries shaping the future. Iron Nation–Indiana reflects the kind of partnership we want to pursue–one that combines public leadership, private capital and real commercial opportunity to bring more investment, more innovation and more long-term value to our state.'”

— Mike Braun, Governor of Indiana

“'With Iron Nation–Indiana, we are building more than an investment platform. We are building a bridge that connects exceptional Israeli entrepreneurs with Indiana's outstanding business, healthcare and research ecosystem, as well as the local Jewish community. That creates an opportunity for our companies and for Indiana to engage innovation earlier and more directly.'”

— Gil Friedlander, Co-founder and Managing Partner, Iron Nation

What’s next

Additional details regarding partners and future engagement opportunities for the Iron Nation-Indiana initiative are expected to be announced later.

The takeaway

This new $60+ million partnership between Indiana and Israeli tech firms reflects the state's commitment to positioning itself as a hub for innovation and growth in emerging industries. By attracting Israeli startups to establish operations in Indiana, the state aims to leverage its strong business, healthcare, and research ecosystem to drive long-term economic development.