INDIANAPOLIS – The Indiana Technology & Innovation Association (ITIA) released its 2026-2027 policy priorities to support and grow Indiana’s technology, innovation and entrepreneurial ecosystem during its annual Legislative Update with TechPoint.

The event brings together Indiana’s technology and innovation leaders with state legislators on Organization Day to mark the ceremonial start of the 2026 legislative session.

Legislators, including Senator Jeff Raatz (R-Richmond), Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder (D-Bloomington), Representative Dave Heine (R-Fort Wayne) and House Minority Caucus Chair Carey Hamilton (D-Indianapolis), spoke at the event and gave a preview of the upcoming legislative session.

“The tech and innovation industry continues to grow across all corners of our state, providing high-wage jobs and opportunities for Hoosiers,” stated Jennifer Hallowell, ITIA executive director. “Emerging technologies like artificial intelligence present enormous opportunities for both the private and public sector to improve products and services alike. Now is the time to lean in on the momentum Indiana’s tech ecosystem has seen over the recent years and meet the challenges of the future.”

“We will continue to advocate for programs and investments that expand access to venture capital for Hoosier startups, skill up the tech talent pipeline, and make Indiana one of the best states in the nation to start and grow an innovation driven enterprise. We look forward to working together with the legislature and administration to advance the innovation economy in the upcoming session and beyond,” she added.

ITIA’s 2026-2027 policy priorities include:

• Expanding access to the Venture Capital Investment (VCI) Tax Credit to capture more Hoosier high-growth companies. Increasing the cap to ensure innovation-driven companies and funds have continued access to the credit.

• Continuing Indiana’s startup investments, including the 21st Century Research & Technology Fund, which supports Innovation Vouchers, the SBIR/STTR matching grant program, and direct startup investment. Supporting the growth of the Innovation Voucher Program.

• Promoting AI literacy by supporting efforts to responsibly introduce students to Artificial Intelligence, ensuring they are prepared to participate in the economy of the future.

• Expanding high-quality STEM education opportunities statewide and supporting the continued efforts to improve student proficiency in math and sciences.

• Supporting the Indiana Career Apprenticeship Pathway (INCAP) to provide students with work-based learning opportunities in fields including information technology, advanced manufacturing, life sciences, and others.

• Supporting Indiana’s Certified Technology Park program to fuel regional entrepreneurship, small business growth, and new business creation.

• Promoting data-driven regional economic development by supporting a coordinated effort across state agencies to establish and share a comprehensive view of economic activity, business formation, and industry scale. 

ITIA will work with legislative and administration partners to advance these and other policy priorities in 2026 and beyond.

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