Indiana launches IN AI, a statewide initiative to drive employer AI adoption

Earlier this week, Indiana Governor Mike Braun announced IN AI, a statewide initiative aimed at helping employers across the state apply artificial intelligence in their operations. The program will be executed by the CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership (CICP), the state's nonprofit corporate alliance.

According to the announcement, IN AI offers businesses a single entry point to identify where AI could improve operations, access tools and technical support, and connect with talent to implement projects. The state says the program will prioritize main street businesses while also serving larger companies looking to scale AI across their operations.

Braun said the goal is to grow wages, create high-quality jobs, and make Indiana "the most AI-ready state in the nation."

The initiative is expected to reach more than 1 million Hoosiers and engage thousands of employers, according to the governor's office. Specific budget figures, funding sources, and a detailed implementation timeline were not disclosed.

Melina Kennedy, CEO of the CICP, framed IN AI as a coordination layer over efforts already underway across the state. The program, she said, is designed to "turn interest into action and ensure that adoption leads to real growth.".

Secretary of Commerce David Adams described the program's focus as "human-centered," saying the goal is to make companies more productive while moving workers into higher-value tasks.

The state pointed to companies already applying AI as examples of the work IN AI hopes to scale. Jasper Group, based in the Indiana Uplands region, shared in the statement that it had used AI on an engineering problem to convert manual work into a more scalable process, according to Chief Information Officer Chad Harter. In Fort Wayne, Hyndman Industrial Products owner Joe Hyndman said a statewide effort like IN AI is "critical" for traditional industries that risk being left behind on AI.

IN AI will roll out in phases, according to the announcement, beginning with employer engagement and initial projects before expanding across industries and regions. CICP plans to reach businesses through roadshows, virtual sessions, and partnerships with regional economic development organizations, universities, and workforce intermediaries.

A central digital platform is live at inaiready.com, where the state says business leaders can access practical use cases, peer case studies, and connections to AI talent.