American pharmaceutical firm Eli Lilly and Company is investing an additional $1.6 billion and add another 200 new jobs at its two new manufacturing sites within LEAP Innovation Park in Boone County, bringing the company's total commitment to $3.7 billion and up to 700 new jobs.

The company has also committed $15 million over five years to the Ivy Tech Foundation to fund up to 1,000 scholarships for individuals interested in pursuing careers in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Lilly's commitments within LEAP Innovation Park represent the largest manufacturing investment at a single location in the company's history. The up to 200 additional jobs announced represent positions for highly skilled workers, such as engineers, operating personnel and lab technicians, who will utilise advanced technology to create innovative medicines.

The new $15 million Lilly Scholars programme with the Ivy Tech Foundation, will create a scholarship and an experiential learning programme at Ivy Tech Community College for high school and college students with diverse backgrounds who intend to pursue careers in pharmaceutical manufacturing.

Over the next five years, the company's collaboration with Ivy Tech will provide scholarships to individuals interested in pursuing two-year degrees or certificates in manufacturing, quality or related fields.