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How Silicon Valley has Invested in Warsaw, Indiana to Become the “Orthopedic Capital of the World”

Brandon Noll of Plug and Play shares how Warsaw became the Orthopedic Capital of the World and why Silicon Valley is betting on Indiana startups.

Podcast Summary

On today’s show I sat down with Brandon Noll, director of Indiana operations for Plug and Play.

We discuss the vibrant med tech and orthopedic industry in Warsaw, Indiana, the impact of global innovation platforms like Plug and Play, and Noll's personal journey from a small rural farm in Pleasant Lake, Indiana, to leading startup acceleration efforts.

Our conversation covers the growth of startups in Indiana, the role of investment and corporate partnerships, and the importance of community support in fostering innovation.

Noll also dives into his background, from working in finance to coaching middle school football, and the vision for Indiana's future in the global innovation landscape.

If you like this episode and want to hear more Get IN. episodes where I interview Hoosiers making a difference, visit getindiana.com/podcast

You are going to learn about:

  • Why Warsaw Is the “Orthopedic Capital of the World”

  • The Impact of Global Innovation Platforms

  • The Growth of Startups in Indiana

Thank you to our partners:
Rare Saint

Check out these great clips from the show:
00:52 Guest Introduction: Brandon Noll, Plug and Play Indiana
01:34 Growing Up in Rural Indiana
05:04 College and Early Career
11:36 Challenges and Opportunities in Finance
29:37 Economic Development and Plug and Play
39:45 The Lucky Building and Its Startups
40:17 Expanding to Sunnyvale: Plug and Play's Growth
40:45 Global Accelerator Programs and Investments
42:11 Corporate Innovation and Industry Verticals
42:45 Med Tech Startups in Indiana
49:50 The Role of Venture Capital in Indiana
01:01:15 Warsaw: The Orthopedic Capital of the World
01:10:02 Hidden Gems and Future Plans
01:15:24 Final Thoughts and Indiana's Potential

Guest(s)

Brandon Noll

Date Published

December 22, 2025

This podcast is sponsored by

Sweetwater

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

Sweetwater, located in Fort Wayne, Indiana, is a large music store and online retailer that specializes in musical instruments and pro audio equipment. It's known for its extensive inventory, expert staff, and dedication to customer service.

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Know someone with a great Indiana story? Nominate them as a guest for the Get IN podcast and help us share real Hoosier voices.

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A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.
A person in casual attire poses with a person in a vibrant red mascot costume wearing a baseball jersey that reads "Indians," both against a blue backdrop with text promoting "Get Indiana" with Nate Spangle.