Insights · IN
Hardware in Indiana
Where to prototype, which events to attend, and which programs back small manufacturers in Indiana. Researched 2026-10-12, with a source on every entry.
Start a designMakerspaces and fab labs
Build a first prototype
Shared shops where you can print, cut, and wire a prototype before you publish the design.
- BloominglabsCommunity space at 1840 S. Walnut Street whose site lists woodworking, electronics, welding, sewing and 3D printing.Bloomington · Website
- Think It Make It LabIU Indianapolis lab with Trotec laser engravers, a CNC router and a plasma cutter for university students and faculty.Indianapolis · Website
- 4-H INDY StudioFairgrounds makerspace with 3D printers and a Glowforge laser cutter, aimed at youth and family programs.Indianapolis · Website
Programs
Labs, incubators, accelerators
- Purdue FoundryPurdue Research Foundation hub that supports Purdue-affiliated startups, including past hardware ventures such as Rabbit Tractors.West Lafayette · Website
Manufacturing specialties
What Indiana makes
Support
Help for small manufacturers
- Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Purdue MEP)Indiana's MEP center offers lean, quality, cybersecurity and innovation help to manufacturers, though a 2025 op-ed expected its federal funding to end.Website
With 01
A Indiana design, made by the right shops
Publish a design from Indiana. 01 matches each part to a shop by process, buyers fund the run through a waitlist, and every part is traced to the buyer.
FAQ
Indiana questions
Where can I prototype hardware in Indiana?
Indiana has makerspaces and fab labs such as Bloominglabs in Bloomington, Think It Make It Lab in Indianapolis and 4-H INDY Studio in Indianapolis. Check each space for current equipment and membership rules.
What support exists for small manufacturers in Indiana?
Purdue Manufacturing Extension Partnership (Purdue MEP) offers support to small manufacturers and inventors. See each program for what it covers today.
Sources
Every entry above links to the page it came from. Details change. Confirm a space’s hours, an event’s dates, and a program’s terms with the organizer.
- mddionline.com/orthopedic/indianas-medical-device-mecca-has-good-bones
- assemblymag.com/blogs/14-assembly-blog/post/86224-polar-opposites-in-the-hoosier-state
- bloominglabs.org
- herron.indianapolis.iu.edu/about/facilities/lab.html
- extension.purdue.edu/county/marion/4-h/indystudio.html
- purdue.edu/newsroom/releases/2019/Q2/four-startups-advance-through-investments-totaling-80,000-from-elevate-purdue-foundry-fund.html
- mep.purdue.edu/about-us/about-mep
More states
Building in Indiana?
Publish the design. Let the waitlist fund the run.