WARSAW — Indiana University and Warsaw-based Zimmer Biomet have entered into a new partnership designed to accelerate technologies that improve joint replacement, bone healing, and mobility. 

The agreement will result in collaboration on research and development, technical training and credentialing, as well as workforce development initiatives. 

[caption id="attachment_130126" align="alignright" width="420"] IU President Pamela Whitten (in red clothes) and Zimmer Biomet CEO Victor Tornos, show off copies of a new agreement on Monday. Photo provided.[/caption]

“This is a significant moment for Indiana University,” said IU President Pamela Witten during Monday’s announcement.

“It's exactly the kind of partnership that reflects who we are as a university. (0:27) More innovative, more engaged, and more determined than ever to move great ideas into things that have real-world impact,” she said.

It appears the agreement could serve as a direct boost to Warsw’s massive collection of orthopedic firms beyond just Zimmer Biomet.

IU's statement on Monday says the focus will be on meeting the evolving needs of Indiana's orthopedic sector.

Zimmer Biomet President Victor Tornos also celebrated the announcement that further deepens the orthopedic leader’s roots in Indiana.

“So when you have a bold vision, you need bold partners. And that's what Indiana University has right here. A bold vision, with bold partners, with great students,” Tornos said.

“Today is a very exciting day, not just for the university, for the state of Indiana, but for the world,” he added. 

A central component of the collaboration is Zimmer Biomet’s support and engagement in the Indiana Musculoskeletal Health Partnership for the Advancement of Care & Treatment, or IMPACT, an IU-led statewide consortium shaping Indiana’s leadership as a global hub for orthopedic innovation, the news release said.

The consortium, named a finalist in the National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines competition, brings together more than 100 partners across academia, industry and government to bridge the gap between patients’ unmet medical needs and the technologies that can solve them, including smarter implants and wearable diagnostics.

Zimmer Biomet will also engage with faculty and students from the IU Kelley School of Business on applied, interdisciplinary projects focused on practical challenges in the orthopedic sector, including supply chain optimization, operational efficiency and innovation strategy, the news release said.

The IU portion of the partnership will be led by the IU Launch Accelerator for Biosciences, known as IU LAB.

“IU LAB exists to turn Indiana University’s research strengths into solutions that matter in the real world,” IU LAB President and CEO David Rosenberg said. “The partnership with Zimmer Biomet does exactly that: embedding industry insight, shared infrastructure and market urgency directly into our research and talent pipeline.

“Together with Zimmer Biomet, we are shortening the distance between discovery and deployment while cementing Indiana as the world’s leader in orthopedic innovation,” Rosenberg said.

The post Indiana University and Zimmer Biomet launch research, workforce partnership appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WINONA LAKE — Medtech experts and the public are invited to a meeting later this month that will showcase area manufacturing with a focus on orthopedics.

"MADE HERE: A Manufacturing Showcase" will shine a spotlight on the Orthopedic Capital of the World as it brings together orthopedic industry professionals from around the globe on Thursday, Dec. 18, at Rodeheaver Auditorium in Winona Lake.

The event is co-hosted by the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation (KEDCO) and OrthoWorx and powered by local orthopedic company Priority Medical.

"With 130 years of orthopedic excellence, our industry ecosystem stands as a global model for innovation, collaboration, and expertise," said OrthoWorx President & CEO Ryan Christner. "This showcase brings together the brightest minds and bold ideas to shape the future of orthopedics and MedTech right where it all began. When innovation connects with expertise and education, the possibilities are limitless."

It’s the first of a multi-showcase series focusing on the rich orthopedic medical device ecosystem that supports the Orthopedic Capital of the World®.

"Five generations of manufacturing excellence will come together under one roof to answer the question: ‘Why produce your orthopedic medical devices anywhere else? If it’s orthopedics, it’s MADE HERE’," said Travis Christman, Priority Medical Operations & Quality Lead.

Emceeing the evening will be Jameil "Jay" Pendleton of the MedTech Voice, and the agenda will include dedicated time for connection and networking, a panel discussion with orthopedic surgeon Dr. Mark Klaasen, Brian Hodorek of Ignite Orthopedics, and Erik Kanalas of OrthoPediatrics, and a unique showcase highlighting 14 local contract manufacturers.

"Our goal is to welcome OEMs (Original Equipment Manufacturers) and guests to forge new and meaningful relationships while unlocking new possibilities within this vibrant industry," said Christman. "Whether seeking a strategic supplier, technical partner, or a glimpse at the future of orthopedic manufacturing, MADE HERE is where it begins."

Orthopedic OEMs attending will gain access to consolidated supplier discovery and qualification, opening the door to streamlined strategic sourcing opportunities—where connecting with one supplier often leads to connections with many. The event also helps strengthen relationships across the ecosystem, gives attendees a clearer view of the region’s talent pipeline, and offers insights that support long-term growth.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the exceptional talent and expertise within our orthopedic ecosystem," said KEDCO CEO Peggy Friday. "When you create the right energy and bring the right people together, that’s when great business happens and lasting relationships are built."

Ticket registration is still open, but seats are filling quickly. Tickets can be purchased online at: https://bit.ly/MADEHERE2025.

The post Manufacturing showcase will spotlight region and role of orthopedic capital appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — OrthoWorx has announced it has been awarded a $1 million grant from the Don Wood Foundation, which will support the expansion of regional talent development initiatives and career exploration experiences for students across Northern Indiana.

The multi-year investment will expand access to hands-on, immersive career discovery experiences for thousands of students across the region.

With this transformational funding, OrthoWorx, in partnership with Indianapolis-based immersive experience company iXplore, will develop an immersive MedTech startup storefront in Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana’s JA BizTown facility located in Fort Wayne, a simulated, interactive town where students take on real-world roles and responsibilities in a professional economy.

The storefront, named Momenta MedTech, will introduce students to the world of orthopedic innovation by giving them hands-on experience in running a medical technology company.

“We’re thrilled to welcome OrthoWorx to JA BizTown and to provide students with a first-of-its-kind experience in the MedTech space,” said Karen Cooper, VP of Experiential Learning Centers at Junior Achievement of Northern Indiana.

“Partnerships like this helps us bring the world of work to life and prepare students to think like entrepreneurs, engineers, and future leaders in our economy,” she said.

JA BizTown combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated city, where students explore business ownership, financial literacy, civic engagement, and careers. OrthoWorx’s addition of a MedTech-focused business will expose thousands of young learners to the high-tech, high-impact world of orthopedic innovation, right in the heart of the Orthopedic Capital of the World.

In addition to the JA BizTown storefront, the Don Wood Foundation grant will also fund the development of two additional virtual reality job shadowing modules through OrthoWorx’s continued partnership with iXplore.

The new modules, focused on Design Engineering and Quality Analysis, will complement the existing lineup of immersive experiences in CNC Machining, Polishing, and Entrepreneurship, which have already reached thousands of students this year at events across Northern Indiana.

“The Don Wood Foundation values strong partnerships with organizations like OrthoWorx and Junior Achievement that expand career exploration opportunities for students of all ages,” said Laura Macknick, President and CEO. “We are especially enthusiastic about programs that are hands-on and emphasize leadership development, entrepreneurial thinking, and advanced manufacturing—skills that are vital to the future workforce.”

These immersive modules let students explore real orthopedic careers through interactive tasks and guided challenges that make learning active, memorable, and meaningful. With continued tech development, new curriculum resources, and additional roadshows planned throughout the region, OrthoWorx will extend its reach even further, introducing thousands more Indiana students to meaningful, purpose-driven careers in MedTech.

“This partnership with iXplore is helping us meet students where they are, on devices, in classrooms, and now in immersive simulations like JA BizTown,” said Brooke Friedberg, Talent Director at OrthoWorx. “The addition of Design Engineering and Quality Analysis expands our ability to show students the many career paths available in orthopedics, and we’re excited to bring these tools to more students across the region.”

Launching fully in the 2026-2027 school year, the Momenta MedTech storefront will include age-appropriate curriculum, interactive role-play scenarios, VR simulations tailored for 5th- and 6th-grade learners, and touchscreen games designed to spark curiosity and reinforce learning — offering students a dynamic, full-circle experience of life inside a MedTech startup.

This initiative directly supports OrthoWorx’s mission to build and retain a strong talent pipeline for the orthopedic industry by engaging students early and often in their career discovery journey.

“We believe exposure leads to ambition,” added Friedberg. “By helping students imagine themselves in high-impact careers, we’re planting the seeds for a stronger, more vibrant workforce in the years to come.”

About OrthoWorx

OrthoWorx is an initiative formed in 2009 in the Orthopedic Capital of the World® through initial funding from Lilly Endowment Inc., to fill a critical void in the industry, serving as a connector for industry, education, and our community, leveraging resources to drive positive change.

The post OrthoWorx receives $1M to expand talent development across northern Indiana appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Local leaders are still buzzing about the impact of having a Silicon Valley-based venture capital firm opening an office at Zimmer Biomet’s world headquarters.

The post Plug and Play potential: New investment could benefit economy quickly appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — OrthoWorx has announced the appointment of Allyn Decker as the Vice President of Operations & Engagement, reinforcing its dedication to equipping the next generation and enriching community to support the Orthopedic Capital of the World for years to come.

In his new role, Erin Serafino, OrthoWorx’s Talent Director, and Amaris Ackermann, OrthoWorx’s Marketing & Communications Manager, will report to Decker.

By leveraging his extensive experience and broad skillset, he will oversee and contribute to OrthoWorx’s key initiatives: Talent Pipeline, Community Enrichment, and Innovation.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to join the OrthoWorx team and look forward to contributing to the many initiatives underway and yet to come,” Decker said.

“This is an exciting time to be focused on OrthoWorx’s mission to build a strong orthopedic pipeline, enrich our community’s amenities so more families and prospective employees want to live and work here, and foster continual innovation so our community remains the Orthopedic Capital of the World. I trust that my leadership experience in industry, higher education, and community development will complement the work of this amazing team.”

Prior to joining OrthoWorx, Decker served as the Director of Community Engagement at Ivy Tech Community College’s Warsaw campus where he was responsible for strengthening existing partnerships and developing new ones within the community, industry, secondary education, and higher education.

In addition to his many roles in higher education, he has crafted programming and training pathways for professional and organizational development including “Lake City University” while serving at Lake City Bank. Decker has also served as the moderator of the Kosciusko Leadership Academy for over 15 years and continues to do so.

In addition to his professional experience, Decker has been extremely active in the community with an extensive list of volunteer roles. He has served on the Board of Directors for Lakeland Christian Academy, the Kosciusko Economic Development Corporation and others.

He has also served on committees and coalitions for the Kosciusko Chamber, LaunchPad, Martin Luther King Jr. community committee, Kosciusko County Tobacco Free Coalition, OrthoWorx’s Diversity and many others. Mr. Decker was also named Man of the Year in January of 2023 during the Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce’s Annual Awards Dinner.

Bob Vitoux, OrthoWorx President & CEO added, “It’s been a remarkable year for OrthoWorx with the announcement of the $30 million Orthopedic Industry Retention Initiative coming from the state of Indiana in fiscal 2025, the reconstruction and expansion of the OrthoWorx Board of Directors, the hiring of several new talented team members, and now the addition of Allyn Decker as the new leader responsible for our operations and engagement with our higher education partners. I’m confident Allyn’s leadership and addition to our team will begin to be recognizable and measurable in short order, as we continue to strive to be known as Northern Indiana’s Orthopedic Catalyst: Equipping the Next Generation, Enriching Community, and Accelerating Industry.

The post Decker joins OrthoWorx as VP of Operations & Engagement appeared first on News Now Warsaw.

WARSAW — Four years ago, Lutheran Health Network considered the obvious — that Warsaw's hometown hospital and a medical device titan within the orthopedic capital — should be joined at the hip.

That came to fruition in grand style Thursday when Lutheran Health Network unveiled its new orthopedic hospital along US 30 in Warsaw that uses Zimmer Biomet’s cutting-edge AI and robotic technology.

The event included speeches, a ribbon cutting and an up-close look at the newest technology via tours of a surgical room designed for Zimmer Biomet’s newest technology.

The ambulatory surgery center is the first in Indiana to be outfitted with Warsaw-based Zimmer Biomet’s Omni Suite.

The Intelligent Operating Room uses advanced technologies including artificial intelligence capabilities to optimize workflow and minimize manual activities, allowing more time for patient care, according to a news release from Lutheran Health Network.

The center’s three operating rooms feature cameras equipped with artificial intelligence (object recognition) capturing key workflow steps: touch screen monitors that display vital information available at the surgeon’s fingertips; smart tourniquets that adjust to patients' unique biometrics to provide personalized pressure; and smart knee implant technology that allows surgeons to view patients’ post-surgical progress, the company said.

“Given Warsaw’s recognition as the ‘orthopedic capital of the world,’ it was only fitting that we worked with global orthopedic leader, Zimmer Biomet, to bring the industry’s most advanced technologies to the residents of Warsaw and surrounding areas,” said Lorie Ailor, CEO, The Orthopedic Hospital.

“I am very pleased that this community will have the opportunity to have access to the standard of care that The Orthopedic Hospital is recognized for,” Ailor said.

The Orthopedic Hospital - Warsaw Surgery Center will focus on joint replacement and other outpatient orthopedic surgeries and procedures, and is adjacent ito Optimum Performance Therapy, Fort Wayne Orthopedics’ medical offices and OrthoStat walk-in clinic.

The celebration included comments from Bryan Hanson, CEO of Zimmer Biomet, who began by taking a shot at his biggest global competitor, DePuy Synthes, the Johnson and Johnson subsidiary headquartered just to the west of the new surgical center.

He then referenced Ashley McEvoy, the worldwide chair of the medical device subsidiary, J&J Medtech.

Hanson pointed out that there are no J&J products in the new surgery center.

"I'm going to take a picture of that and the location of the surgery center and I'm going to send it to Ashley, who is the chairman of J&J on the Medtech side, (and) I'm going to say, ''Where are you?' "

"That's just for fun," he added.

On a more serious note, Hanson also pointed to the ties between the company and community.

"We truly do feel like we are an ingrained part of this community. As a result of that, we want to make sure we are doing more every day to be part of the community,” Hanson said.

“I can’t see any better way to do that than to be a partner of … a world class surgery center right here in Warsaw, Ind. – our home,” he said.

[caption id="attachment_80691" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Pictured (L to R) are Merrilee Dirickson, Zimmer Biomet associate director; Bryan Hanson, Zimmer Biomet CEO; Mark Medley, Community Health Systems regional president; Shelly Miller, CEO, Fort Wayne Orthopedics; Dr. David Feaker, Fort Wayne Orthopedics; Dr. Phillip Penny, Fort Wayne Orthopedics; Lorie Ailor, The Orthopedic Hospital CEO; Lynn Mergen, Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital CEO; Marielle Lael CNO, The Orthopedic Hospital; Rob Parker, Kosciusko Chamber of Commerce CEO; and Dr. John Teevan, Grace College. Photo provided.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_80693" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Bryan Hanson, Zimmer Biomet CEO, talks to an assembled crowd Thursday at an open house for The Orthopedic Hospital - Warsaw Surgery Center. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

[caption id="attachment_80692" align="aligncenter" width="740"] Aaron Wilcoxson, associate director of product marketing for Zimmer Biomet, shows how the ROSA robotic surgical assistant would operate on a knee during Lutheran Health Network’s open house for The Orthopedic Hospital – Warsaw Surgery Center Thursday in Warsaw. News Now Warsaw photo by Dan Spalding.[/caption]

The post New Lutheran Health Orthopedic Hospital features Zimmer Biomet technology appeared first on News Now Warsaw.