WHIN's mission is to develop its ten-county regional community as a very large scale, living laboratory for education and scientific research related to Internet of Things (IoT) technologies. The Wabash Heartland Innovation Network is an alliance of 10 counties in north-central Indiana, funded by the Lilly Endowment, devoted to working together to fuel prosperity by harnessing the power of internet-enabled sensors to develop our region into a global epicenter of digital agricultural and next-generation manufacturing.

Wabash Heartland Innovation Network is focused upon serving 10 counties: Pulaski, White, Cass, Benton, Carroll, Tippecanoe, Warren, Fountain, Montgomery, and Clinton. By promoting smart technology throughout these 10 counties, WHIN is aiming to become the first recognized smart region in the nation.

Internet of Things (IoT)

The IoT is a network of internet-connected objects able to collect and exchange data using embedded sensors. Any stand-alone internet-connected device that can be monitored and/or controlled from a remote location is considered an IoT device. Cars, kitchen appliances, and even heart monitors can all be connected through the IoT. WHIN envisions our entire region becoming a leader in preparing a workforce that is so fluent and adept with IoT that our region attracts new employers seeking to expand their IoT capabilities.

"The First Wave of the Internet was bringing the world online. The Second Wave has been about building apps and services on top of the Internet. But now the Third Wave has begun, as the Internet integrates seamlessly and pervasively through every aspect of our lives, changing how we work, how we learn, how we stay healthy, how we get around, and even how we eat." —Steve Case

Next-Generation Manufacturing

Enable real-time analytics of manufacturing process and delivery systems, and develop manufacturing IoT test-beds.

• Develop Manufacturing Testbeds (DMET): Purdue's Michael Golden Labs/Indiana Manufacturing Institute, enabling real-time analytics of manufacturing processes and delivery systems
• Education: Develop content to increase regional employees' productivity using smart, IoT-empowered tools
• Implementation: Develop digital supply chain network model for participating manufacturers that can be used by procurement managers

Digital
Agriculture

Engage agriculture producers and businesses in the Wabash Valley region and develop agriculture IoT testbeds.

• Develop Ag Testbeds: Purdue/Ivy Tech (ABE, ACRE, Ivy Tech farm, and regional sites)
• Education: Career-ready certificates & ag producer/business trainings for digital readiness
• Implementation: Sensor application/adoption

Regional
Cultivation Fund

Invest in innovative, place-making projects that increase education, vitality, and prosperity in the region.

• Education: Provide and increase job readiness, training, and educational opportunities for current and future workforce
• Vitality: Increase attractiveness/usefulness of physical space for community benefit
• Connectivity: Engage and connect residents in the Wabash Heartland Region