Michael Andretti has been named as one of more than a dozen defendants in a lawsuit filed by Indiana technology entrepreneur Barbara Bessolo, who alleges that her intellectual property was used without permission in subsequent business ventures.
Bessolo, founder of Carmel-based software company DynamoEdge, filed the lawsuit in Marion County in March 2026. The complaint accuses the Indiana Economic Development Corp. (IEDC), Andretti and several other individuals and companies of breach of contract, defamation and intellectual property theft. TJ13 has been in contact with Bessolo regarding further developments that will be published in the coming days.
As yet, the allegations have not been proven in court. Andretti is among the defendants accused by Bessolo of using technology developed by her company after discussions about a potential business partnership.
Andretti accused over proposed technology partnership
Addressing the known background of the allegation ahead of further details yet to be published, some history of the situation: according to the lawsuit, Bessolo had discussions with Andretti in 2020 about forming a company together. She claims the relationship progressed sufficiently for her to rebrand DynamoEdge as AndrettiEdge and include Andretti in meetings with potential investors.
Bessolo alleges that Andretti subsequently launched an AI company using vehicle performance prediction technology developed by her business.
The lawsuit claims the technology was connected to Bessolo’s slogan, “Predicting the Unpredictable.” At the time, she was pursuing a patent for the technology, although the patent had not yet been granted.
Bessolo also alleges that Andretti helped induce some of her business partners to breach agreements with DynamoEdge before the technology was subsequently incorporated into another project.
These are allegations contained in Bessolo’s complaint, rather than findings by a court.
Dispute also involves IEDC-funded technology project
The lawsuit extends beyond Andretti and names several individuals and organisations connected to Indiana’s economic development and autonomous racing initiatives.
One of the central disputes involves 9-12, a contractor that previously worked with the IEDC. Bessolo claims DynamoEdge had a subcontract with the company relating to the development of a mobile 5G technology proof-of-concept for the Indy Autonomous Challenge.
According to the complaint, that subcontract was terminated in September 2021. Bessolo disputes the explanation given at the time that her company had failed to deliver the required technical plans.
She alleges that 9-12 subsequently launched a transportation project involving AT&T and Purdue University that incorporated DynamoEdge intellectual property.
Paul Mitchell, founder of the Indy Autonomous Challenge and one of the defendants, previously told The Indianapolis Star who published this story back in March, that he only learned of Bessolo’s agreement after it had been signed.
He said the IAC had already reached an agreement with another company to exclusively operate the same technology.
The Star says that Mitchell could not immediately be reached for comment following the filing.
Former IEDC executive rejects allegations
David Roberts, a former chief innovation officer at the IEDC, is also named as a defendant.
Bessolo alleges that Roberts failed to adequately protect her intellectual property and made false statements about DynamoEdge’s technology and business prospects to third parties.
Roberts’ attorney, Paul Jefferson, rejected the allegations in comments to The Indianapolis Star.
“The lawsuit is based on a fundamental lack of knowledge of the facts,” Paul Jefferson, a lawyer for Roberts, told IndyStar. “We are confident in our position, and look forward to educating the Plaintiff. Mr. Roberts performed his duties in alignment with his legal and ethical obligations, and the Plaintiff’s claims are wholly misplaced.”
The lawsuit names more than a dozen defendants, including technology company Palantir. Bessolo alleges that Palantir also duplicated elements of her intellectual property.
She is seeking exemplary and punitive damages, as well as an accounting of IEDC contracts involving the defendants dating back to 2016.
Lawsuit adds scrutiny to Indiana development agency
The case comes as the IEDC faces wider scrutiny over its management and relationships with organisations receiving state support.
A forensic review commissioned by Indiana Governor Mike Braun previously identified inadequate management and potential conflicts of interest at the agency, stating that the findings “raises concerns about the potential for favouritism and misuse of public funds.”
The IEDC has previously faced criticism over the concentration of funding among organisations and individuals with close connections to the agency.
The Indianapolis Star has also reported on other Indiana business owners who claimed they were disadvantaged by state-supported organisations, including entities connected to the Indy Autonomous Challenge.
At this stage, the claims against Andretti and the other defendants remain allegations. The court will determine whether Bessolo’s claims are supported by the evidence.
Watch this space for further details on the case later this week.
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