A Voice for the Good: Northeast Indiana Innovation Center
3Rivers is proud to support so many of the non-profit organizations that are committed to making our community a better place to live, work, and play, and we want to help spread the word about the difference they're making in our region. We’ve teamed up with 97.3WMEE to bring you A Voice for the Good, a series in which we feature local organizations on our website in the form of an informative articles as well as on-air segments highlighting the non-profits’ missions.
This article features the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC), a local non-profit "committed to building an inclusive, innovation-driven economy that empowers people, strengthens communities, and fuels long-term regional prosperity by supporting entrepreneurs, enabling corporate innovation, expanding research capacity, and activating collaborative infrastructure."
We talked with NIIC to learn more about the important work they're doing in our region.
How did Northeast Indiana Innovation Center (NIIC) come to be? What’s the history/story behind how the organization initially got started?
The NIIC was created 25 years ago by a group of civic and business leaders to help people turn ideas into opportunity. Shortly thereafter, this manifested into development of a physical technology office park, anchored by a small business incubator facility. We’re now evolving into a community-wide effort to make entrepreneurship, innovation, and business growth more accessible across Northeast Indiana. Over time, it became clear that innovation isn’t just about startups—it’s one of the most powerful tools communities have for creating economic opportunity and upward mobility.
What is the official mission of NIIC, and how is it currently being put into play?
The official mission of the NIIC is “We Are for Innovators.” That means we support innovators at every stage, from startup to existing businesses in our community, by providing practical tools, coaching, and connections that help ideas turn into real economic opportunity. We do this through hands-on workshops, business model coaching, coworking access, and partnerships that help people build businesses, create jobs, and improve long-term outcomes for themselves and their families.
How do you see the mission and vision of NIIC evolving in the future in the Northeast Indiana community? Where do you see your organization a year from now, or even five years from now?
Looking ahead, NIIC is continuing to shift from being known as a single location to being recognized as a regional innovation resource. Our focus is on meeting people where they are—whether they’re launching something new, growing an existing business, or adapting to change—and helping innovation translate into real pathways for economic mobility across Northeast Indiana. That means being active in every community in our region where we find innovators.
Are there any exciting new developments, updates, or changes that have recently taken place at NIIC?
Probably the most subtle but important change was that we renamed the organization from the Northeast Indiana Innovation Center to the Northeast Indiana Innovation Community. We are about building the community of innovators, not building buildings. That then allows us to use our facility as a community center for innovators, starting with opening the first free coworking space in Fort Wayne. In addition, we are expanding entrepreneurship programming to include not only startups, but also existing businesses that want to innovate, grow, or remain competitive. We’re also placing a stronger emphasis on storytelling and impact tracking so the community can better see how innovation efforts lead to job creation, business growth, and new opportunities.
Could you share a standout story or two that really illustrates the impact of NIIC and/or its programs has on those in our community?
One of the most rewarding parts of this work is how often we meet people who say, “NIIC helped me years ago,” and then describe businesses they’ve gone on to build—companies that now employ people and contribute meaningfully to the regional economy. We’re committed to capturing and sharing those stories, because they show how innovation creates opportunity, builds wealth, and supports upward mobility in very real ways.
How can those interested in your services get the process started or get in touch?
The best first step is visiting niic.net, where people can learn about workshops, coaching, coworking access, and events, or to stop by the Center and visit our coworking facility. From there, our team can help guide individuals to the right next step based on where they are in their journey.
Are there other local non-profit organizations that NIIC works/partners with to enhance their programs?
Yes. NIIC works closely with nonprofits, educational institutions, financial partners, employers, and community organizations to strengthen the regional innovation ecosystem and expand access to opportunity. Many nonprofits are interested in more entrepreneurship and innovation for the communities they serve, or even for themselves, and we stand ready as our region’s “public utility for innovation” to help wherever we can.
Are there opportunities for community members to volunteer at NIIC—and if so, how can they go about learning more
Yes. Volunteers play an important role as mentors, advisors, and event support. Many volunteers are experienced entrepreneurs or professionals who want to help others build pathways to success.
In what other ways can community members support NIIC? Do you have any kind of wish lists or are you tied to any donation giveback programs (Kroger Community Rewards, etc.)?
Community members can support NIIC by participating in programs, sharing stories, attending events, volunteering, or contributing financially. Helping spread awareness of innovation happening locally is also incredibly valuable.
What’s the best way for our readers to learn more about NIIC or about getting involved?
Visit niic.net, stop by the Center, attend an NIIC event, or follow along on social media to see how innovation is creating opportunity across Northeast Indiana!
Interested in featuring your non-profit on our website and on 97.3WMEE’s A Voice for the Good? Text "VOICE" to 46862! Please note that this may lead you to incur standard text messaging rates or other applicable charges consistent with your wireless carrier/mobile phone plan.