Big Bet: Create stable, well-paying jobs in Indiana by turning real industry challenges into new companies, connecting employers, entrepreneurs, and research to build and scale ventures rooted in regional demand.
Project: From Problems to Prosperity creates a new model for job creation by starting with real, unsolved problems inside existing companies and transforming them into opportunities for new ventures. The project brings together employers, universities, and entrepreneurs to co-develop solutions, apply research, and launch scalable businesses aligned to market demand. By shifting from a supply-driven to a demand-driven system, it ensures investments in talent and innovation translate into real economic opportunity. Starting in Indiana, the model is designed to be replicated in other communities to strengthen ecosystems and drive long-term resilience.
John P. McDonald is President and CEO of the Northeast Indiana Innovation Community (NIIC), where he leads efforts to drive innovation-led economic growth and upward mobility. A former IBM executive and founder of ClearObject, he scaled the company nationally before its private equity exit. John has also held leadership roles at Tulsa Innovation Labs and NEXT Studios, advancing venture development and regional innovation strategies. His work focuses on connecting real industry problems with entrepreneurs and emerging technologies to create scalable solutions, with a focus on innovation-driven job creation in mid-sized communities.