(WISH) — A nonprofit designed to connect technology innovators, businesses and governments has estimated over $8.5 billion in economic growth for Indiana over the next decade in its latest report. The 2024 annual report highlights the impact of Applied Research Institute’s innovation prog rams and tech hubs. A news release says the hubs have secured more than $150 million in federal funding to launch three hubs in the Midwest including Indiana: Silicon Crossroads for microelectronics, Heartland BioWorks for biosecurity, and Mid-Atlantic Clean Hydrogen 2 for hydrogen energy. The economic impact study, conducted by Hidden River Group, said institute-backed initiatives will create approximately 19,000 jobs over the next 10 years. The average wage of new direct jobs in Indiana is projected to be 25% higher than the state average, 22% higher than the Midwest’s average, and 8% greater than the national average. The study says all new direct jobs will be in “economy of the future” positions. The institute has Indiana offices in Bloomington, Indianapolis and Odon; an Illinois office in Champaign; and a European office in Brussels. Opportunity Indiana, an initiative powered by the institute, provides pro-bono support to help communities compete for federal and philanthropic funding. Its first success was in Noblesville, where it helped secure a $2 million Department of Transportation planning grant to construct a bridge for underserved residents. ...read more read less