Quantum Leap Award

Launching ideas to commercialization

The Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) embarks on its second consecutive year of presenting the distinguished Quantum Leap Award. We are pleased to announce a collaboration with Eli Lilly and Company as our Quantum Leap Award sponsor 2024-25.

In 2023, the IBRI introduced the Quantum Leap Award in partnership with Roche Diagnostics, marking a significant milestone in fostering innovation. This collaborative initiative is directed at catalyzing transformative scientific breakthroughs in the Indiana biosciences ecosystem that might not otherwise have materialized.

The translation of innovative ideas into viable ventures poses considerable challenges and risk for startup biotechs. Recognizing this, we have crafted a competition that surpasses mere provision of lab space; it aims to empower innovative scientific progress through enhanced capabilities and collaborative engagement.

The recipient of the Quantum Leap Award enjoys a comprehensive package: exclusive use of IBRI wet lab biology benches and workspace for a year, access to co-working desks with conference facilities, enrollment in our AXIS Mentoring Program, and a $50,000 grant to bolster research efforts.

Moreover, the Quantum Leap Awardee gains access to shared IBRI instrumentation and resources showcased in our state-of-the-art laboratory. Additionally, awardees benefit from the opportunity to:

  • Collaborate with the IBRI on its advanced scientific platforms, including small molecule, peptide and antibody drug discovery, bioinformatics, computational biology, advanced cellular pharmacology, and IPSC technology.
  • Utilize IBRI's innovative drug discovery laboratory facilities.
  • Access discounted pricing for licensing drug discovery platforms like the Schrödinger Suite of Tools and CDD Vault, as well as laboratory supplies.

This unique partnership with Eli Lilly and Company marks a pivotal step forward in advancing scientific excellence and innovation at the IBRI, reinforcing our commitment to transforming ideas into impactful solutions for the biosciences industry. In addition, Quantum Leap Awardees will gain access to mentorship by dedicated Lilly scientists and leaders who have expertise in areas related to the startup’s research focus.

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About the IBRI

Established in 2013, the Indiana Biosciences Research Institute (IBRI) is a distinguished non-profit research institute situated in Indianapolis. Our cadre of scientists at IBRI is passionately committed to confronting complex biomedical challenges, including diabetes, Alzheimer’s disease, and pediatric rare diseases. Through relentless daily endeavors, we pursue groundbreaking discoveries aimed at tackling these critical health concerns head-on.

Moreover, IBRI serves as a pivotal hub for molecular innovation and the development of antibody drug discovery platforms. We also specialize in pioneering enabling technologies that serve to harmonize current research efforts with the evolving needs of future patients.

About Eli Lilly & Company

Lilly is a medicine company turning science into healing to make life better for people around the world. Lilly has been pioneering life-changing discoveries for nearly 150 years, and today Lilly medicines help more than 51 million people across the globe.

Harnessing the power of biotechnology, chemistry and genetic medicine, Lilly scientists are urgently advancing new discoveries to solve some of the world's most significant health challenges: redefining diabetes care; treating obesity and curtailing its most devastating long-term effects; advancing the fight against Alzheimer's disease; providing solutions to some of the most debilitating immune system disorders; and transforming the most difficult-to-treat cancers into manageable diseases.

With each step toward a healthier world, Lilly employees are motivated by one thing: making life better for millions more people. That includes delivering innovative clinical trials that reflect the diversity of our world and working to ensure Lilly medicines are accessible and affordable.

IBRI scientist working in lab

Welcome to Our Open Space Laboratories

The IBRI is a leading translational research institute that advances academic and industry science through collaboration to improve patient health outcomes.