WHY D!NG?
Indiana is known as the "Crossroads of America" and D!NG was designed with that in mind. "The Crane to Fort Wayne Highway", an initiative adopted by founding members, is a vital strategic corridor connecting key defense and innovation hubs in Indiana. We pride ourselves on being a strong voice for Indiana and the Midwest in national defense and innovation discussions, ensuring our region's strengths and opportunities are recognized. By championing the Midwest's innovative spirit and securing support and investment, D!NG aims to position our region as a leader in defense innovation.
OUR STORY
In late 2017, D!NG Executive Director, Heath Murray, and Board Member Greg Sapp embraced the concept of "Defense Innovation" in the heart of the Midwest, defying conventional expectations in the DoD realm. They fostered a community centered around uniting individuals through discussions and aiming to enhance the Midwest Defense Ecosystem by connecting small businesses throughout the state of Indiana to bring best-in-class technology to the warfighter.
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Despite skepticism about innovation in the Midwest, Heath faced a challenge head-on after being told it was merely a "flyover state" and "not ready for real innovation," by someone unfamiliar with the Midwest. Determined to prove otherwise, Heath, Greg, and their team of DoD innovators intensified their efforts, culminating in plans to host the Defense Entrepreneurs Forum 2020 Conference. However, the eruption of the Covid-19 pandemic abruptly halted their progress, forcing a pivot and restructuring.
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Amid the chaos, the team regrouped and, in April 2023, D!NG, supported by the Ivy Tech Foundation, was born. Through various events in 2023, the group gained momentum and was awarded the Community Collaboration Fund Grant (CCF) presented by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation in October 2023.
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With this grant, D!NG's "Defense Innovation Rural Roadshow" was born with the aim of taking defense innovation and education, to underserved, rural communities in the Indiana Uplands regions. D!NG's big plans for its Rural Roadshow were far exceeded, garnering acclaim from the DoD and rural communities throughout the state.
In 2024, D!NG was awarded the second round of the Community Collaboration Fund Grant (CCF) to expand its education and outreach program by establishing a state-wide roadshow, which will kick off later this year, and bring together small businesses, large prime contractors, academic institutions, other economic development nonprofits, and most of all, the people behind these organizations who work to grow the Midwest Defense Ecosystem every day.
D!NG's collaborative and immersive environment create fun and impactful networking opportunities for students, entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and everyone in between.