Editor’s note: The posting of this story was delayed because of a server issue. Below is a recap used in Friday’s newscast and is followed by a news release issued afterward by OrthoWorx.
By Dan Spalding
News Now Warsaw
WINONA LAKE — OrthoWorx held its first-ever OrthoWorx Summit Wednesday at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center in Winona Lake.
The event was an opportunity for the community and medical device companies to further engage in helping strengthen the already thriving industry.
It also highlighted the recently announced National Science Foundation grant that’s working to establish what’s being described as an “impact engine” in Indiana.
The project involves a consortium led by Indiana University of more than 170 Indiana industry, clinical, and university partners and will receive up to $160 million (potentially) over the next 10 years to turn research into real-world solutions.
Jim Lancaster, a former executive with Zimmer Biomet, now serves as the CEO of the NSF Impact Engine in Indiana. He highlighted the initiative at the summit.
“Think of it as seed money that the National Science Foundation has put into our region to not drive just one entity, but to drive this collaboration across a very broad region.
Dr. Michael Meneghini, the founder of Indiana Orthopedic Institute, was the keynote speaker and said such collaborative efforts come at a crucial point as technology and innovation gain momentum in the orthopedic industry.
“I will tell you right now that it is happening faster than many of you probably even realize,” Meneghini said.
He compared ithe industry’s need to look foward to that of a quarterback who understands who is looking downfield and anticipating where his receiver is headed.
“When a market is changing this fast, you can’t look at where it is now,” Meneghini said.
“It is changing faster than in my 30 years in medicine than I’ve ever seen it. Ever. Not even close,” he added.
The following is a news release issued by OrthWorx after the event:
OrthoWorx brought together leaders from across orthopedics, education, healthcare, innovation, workforce development, and community development for the inaugural OrthoWorx Summit on Aug. 12 at the Manahan Orthopaedic Capital Center.
Centered around the theme “Engage,” the Summit created a space for meaningful conversation, collaboration, and action around the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of the Orthopedic Capital of the World.
The afternoon began with grounding attendees in the history of OrthoWorx and its role as a catalyst and collaborator within the region’s orthopedic ecosystem. From there, programming explored the forces shaping what comes next, from a historic investment in musculoskeletal innovation to the challenges facing the industry and the opportunities to strengthen the region’s talent, community, and innovation infrastructure.
“The Summit was designed to bring people together, not simply to talk about the future, but to engage with one another and help shape the next chapter,” said Ryan Christner, President and CEO of OrthoWorx.
“The energy in the room reinforced what we know to be true about this community: when we bring different perspectives together and focus on what we can accomplish collectively, there is tremendous potential for impact. Our job at OrthoWorx is to help create those connections and turn that momentum into action.”
One of the day’s first conversations focused on the NSF IMPACT Engine in Indiana, an Indiana University-led initiative selected as a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engine.
The initiative brings together industry, clinical, university, and research partners to build a regional innovation ecosystem focused on musculoskeletal health. The panel explored what the investment could mean for Indiana and, more specifically, for the Orthopedic Capital of the World.
A key message from the conversation captured the collaborative spirit at the heart of the initiative: “If we are going to be successful, it’s going to take everyone coming together to build a connected and sustainable ecosystem across the Hoosier state.”
The Summit’s keynote speaker, Dr. Michael Meneghini, offered a candid look at the future of orthopedics, addressing both the significant opportunities ahead and the headwinds facing the industry. His presentation challenged attendees to think beyond the region’s historic strengths and consider where continued investment, innovation, and adaptation will be necessary to maintain global leadership.
Attendees then participated in focused breakout sessions designed to encourage deeper discussion and generate actionable ideas around the forces shaping the region. The interactive sessions provided an opportunity for participants to share perspectives, explore challenges, and identify ways to become more engaged in the work ahead.
The Summit also celebrated an individual whose leadership has had a lasting impact on the orthopedic industry.
State Rep. Craig Snow was presented with the inaugural Dr. Dane A. Miller Legacy Award, recognizing his contributions to the region and his commitment to advancing the orthopedic industry and the community it calls home.
The afternoon concluded with a charge from Vince Wong, CEO, BioCrossroads, to think beyond individual organizations and communities and embrace Indiana’s collective strength as the BioHeartland. Wong challenged attendees to unite around the opportunity to root and sustain a broader Hoosier life sciences ecosystem, one that can continue to drive innovation, talent, economic growth, and improved quality of life.
For OrthoWorx, the Summit marks the beginning of an ongoing effort to bring people together around the conversations and partnerships that will shape the region’s future.
“Engage was more than a theme for this event, it was a challenge,” Christner said. “We want people to leave this Summit asking themselves, ‘Where can I lean in? What can I contribute? Who else should I be working with?’ The future of the Orthopedic Capital of the World will not be built be one organization or one sector. It will take a joint effort, and we’re excited to keep building on the conversations and seeing action take place in our schools, community, and across our industry.”
The conversations sparked at the Summit will continue through additional opportunities to engage throughout the region. MADE HERE: A Manufacturing Showcase, returning Dec. 9, will bring together manufacturers, innovators, suppliers, educators, and community leaders to showcase the depth of the region’s orthopedic ecosystem.
Looking ahead to 2027, OrthoWorx will also launch its Joint Effort event series, creating opportunities to dive deeper into topics explored at the Summit and bring together partners from across the community to move ideas toward action.
