IN AI: Braun unveils artificial intelligence business portal

by Mackenzi Klemann, Indiana Capital Chronicle
April 28, 2026

Hoosier employers looking for practical ways to incorporate artificial intelligence to boost productivity and job growth can now tap into a new statewide network for advice.

The CEOs of Indiana Corporate Partnership are leading the effort, known as IN AI, in cooperation with Gov. Mike Braun’s administration to connect small businesses and large corporations alike with practical AI applications and technical advice designed to keep Hoosier employers competitive.

“There’s a lot of uncertainty regarding AI,” Braun told reporters Tuesday. “I believe the best way to ensure Hoosier workers benefit from this technology is to proactively support human-centered applications of it.”

Governor wants wage, job growth

Commerce Secretary David Adams said the initiative aims to reach 1 million Hoosiers — offering assurances AI is about “equipping people, not replacing them.”

The site offers employers examples of practical AI use cases, technical support and advice, as well as access to workshops and peer support groups.

The CICP, which is executing the initiative, is planning a series of workshops, virtual demonstrations and direct outreach via regional partners and industry networks to assist Hoosier employers in the initial rollout of the project.

Braun said his goal is for employers to accelerate AI adoption to boost productivity, wages and overall job growth — alluding to his own entrepreneurial success by eagerly adopting new technologies — so Indiana becomes “the most AI-ready state in the nation.”

He did not commit state funding toward the initiative, telling reporters funding will depend on state cashflow and the economy.

Research on AI productivity gains

The governor cited a recent analysis that found workers saved an hour a day on menial tasks when they integrated AI into their workflow, allowing them to focus on more important tasks.

He pointed to another study from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce that found AI adoption allows small businesses to compete with larger corporations, a key objective of Braun’s administration.

Still, researchers from the University of California-Berkley found AI may intensify work by broadening the scope of a person’s job and pressuring employees to continue working through breaks, resulting in unsustainable productivity gains if adopted haphazardly.

The Indiana Chamber of Commerce praised the effort, calling it a “growth multiplier” for small business.

“For small businesses, in particular, AI can be a growth multiplier — helping them do more with less, reach new customers and compete with larger players,” Chamber President and CEO Vanessa Green Sinders said in a statement. “IN AI helps translate that promise into practical steps so that small businesses can become more competitive, more resilient and better positioned to grow in their local communities.”

“A lot of it is unknown to us,” Braun said when asked about fears of job displacement. “But if you don’t embrace it and get to know it, you don’t know where it’s going to go. I can tell you, the rest of the world is looking at (AI) too, and they want to get there first. So that is the way I look at it is as an opportunity.”

How are businesses using AI?

Chad Harter, chief information officer of the Jasper Group, said the commercial furniture manufacturer uses AI to scan thousands of engineering images and documents — saving five months of manual work.

Hyndman Industrial Products in Fort Wayne started using AI for market research, business intelligence and inventory management.

“The outcome so far is faster decisions, better throughput and the confidence to keep hiring and keep investing in our Indiana business,” owner Joe Hyndman said. “A statewide initiative matters for business like ours. It takes us from understanding AI to applying and make sure traditional industries are not left behind. To my fellow owners in traditional industries — map the workflow first, build a solution around the business and put it to work.”

Indiana Capital Chronicle is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Indiana Capital Chronicle maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Niki Kelly for questions: info@indianacapitalchronicle.com.