The State of Indiana has been designated as the Toyota Mobility Foundation’s first Future Mobility District in the U.S.

The partnership between the Hoosier State and the Japan-based non-profit devoted to mobility advancement seeks to promote innovation and drive research and development.

Indiana Secretary of Commerce Jim Schellinger attributes the newly formed relationship to the world recognizing the state’s pro-growth business climate.

“As Indiana’s pro-growth business climate continues to gain recognition around the world, we’re committed to embracing innovation and investing in emerging areas like advanced mobility in order to remain competitive and position our industries for long-term growth,” Schellinger said in a press release issued by the Indiana Economic Development Corporation on Oct. 19.

“With the launch of the Indiana Future Mobility District, Indiana will be able to attract more diverse companies while leading in the development of mobility-enabled technologies.”

“We’re grateful for our long-standing relationship with Toyota, which helped cultivate this exciting opportunity, and look forward to supporting TMF as it works to address some of the mobility challenges facing our communities.”

The IEDC and Energy Systems Network are backing the Indiana Future Mobility District, and TMF will let companies specializing in new advanced mobility innovations and services to conduct business in the state.

TMF plans to work with local stakeholders to boost opportunities for advanced mobility and is currently studying options in the central part of the state.

Ryan Klem, director of programs at TMF, praised the partnership.

“ESN has a long history of supporting sustainable transportation projects in and around central Indiana with a focus on equity,” Klem said in the release.

“Toyota as a company has a long-standing relationship with Indiana, and we as the Toyota Mobility Foundation are delighted to have the opportunity to work together with local communities to help bring the latest innovations in mobility solutions to serve Hoosiers.”