INDIANAPOLIS (March 26, 2025) — TechPoint, the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) and Fort Wayne Tech today announced that TechPoint’s Indiana Founders Network is expanding to Fort Wayne. 

“We are so pleased to expand this support to entrepreneurs in northeastern Indiana,” said Chelsea Linder, TechPoint’s vice president for innovation and entrepreneurship. “Founders’ Network gatherings in Indianapolis and Bloomington have proven to be popular as well as helpful, and we are confident we’ll see the same level of activity and excitement in Fort Wayne.” 

The Indiana Founders Network is free-of-charge to join and open to startup founders, including those with an idea but who haven’t yet moved forward with it and those who want to become a co-founder. It is not a space for investors or vendors. It offers connections to other entrepreneurs, access to members-only events, small peer group conversations and meetups, visibility through a membership directory, discounts to other ecosystem events and services, and access to education, coaching and mentors via the TechPoint Venture Support platform. All members (Indianapolis, Bloomington and Fort Wayne) have access to 10 days of co-working space at the 16 Tech Innovation District in Indianapolis. 

The expansion to Fort Wayne is part of NIIC’s “Entrepreneurship For ALL” initiative, which is designed to fill gaps experienced by entrepreneurs and innovators from underserved populations in the region. It also serves TechPoint’s focus on expanding its digital innovation services throughout the state. 

“We’re incredibly excited to collaborate with TechPoint to extend the impact they’ve seen in the central part of the state,” said Jami Thomas, NIIC senior director business development. “This expansion promises to be a major catalyst for our local tech ecosystem.” 

Fort Wayne Tech Founder and President Lindsay Lott agreed. 

“We believe in the power of community, and supporting local founders is key to building a stronger, more connected, and innovative tech ecosystem,” Lott said. “The Fort Wayne chapter will provide tech founders, entrepreneurs, and startups with the support, mentorship, and connections they need to grow and thrive in Northeast Indiana.”  

More than 150 founders have joined the Indiana Founders Network since its launch early in 2024. The first Fort Wayne chapter meeting will be April 16, 2025 starting at 5 p.m. at the NIIC at 3201 Stellhorn Rd. in Fort Wayne. Chapter members will determine a monthly schedule for subsequent gatherings. Fort Wayne area entrepreneurs interested in joining should register here. 

Like the Indianapolis and Bloomington chapters, Fort Wayne’s group will determine its own agenda and schedule of speakers or discussion topics to ensure the members receive the services and information they most want. Fort Wayne members will have access to the Venture Hub, an array of services including training, workshops and mentoring. 

The Founders Network targets founders and innovators in sectors like advanced manufacturing and logistics, agbiosciences, life sciences and healthcare and technology. Learn more about the Founders Network here. 

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About the NIIC: The NIIC is a non-profit organization that fuels entrepreneurial success and drives economic development throughout Northeast Indiana. The NIIC provides business incubation, acceleration, and education programs, along with access to funding, mentors, and professional networks. For more information, visit https://niic.net. Media contact: Jami Thomas, jthomas@niic.net or 260-416-3441. 

About Fort Wayne Tech:  Fort Wayne Tech Inc. is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to retaining tech talent in Northeast Indiana and improving digital literacy across the region. We achieve this through events, hands-on workshops, and community-driven initiatives that connect individuals with professional development, career opportunities, and industry leaders. By fostering an inclusive and innovative tech ecosystem, we equip students, professionals, and businesses with the skills, resources, and networks needed to succeed in an increasingly digital world.  

Media contact: Lindsay Lott, lindsay@fortwaynetech.org or 260-278-1348. 

About TechPoint: TechPoint, is the Central Indiana Corporate Partnership’s industry-led growth initiative for Indiana’s digital innovation economy and overall tech ecosystem. The team is focused on working with public, private and industry partners to expand tech talent pipeline, enhance resource connectivity for enterprise organizations and startups alike, and elevate the industry by activating the community and amplifying stories of success. For more information, please visit www.techpoint.org.  

Media contact:  Cheryl Reed: cheryl@techpoint.org