UC’s chief innovation officer receives Upward & Onward! Award

Each year, REDI Cincinnati — local economic development experts who bring the area’s top business and community leaders together to enhance the regional economy — presents its Upward & Onward! Award to an individual who has made a lasting economic impact on the Cincinnati region.

The award is named after the late Bill Robinson, one of REDI Cincinnati’s founders and a person who dedicated his entire career to creating economic prosperity. The recipient of this award embodies:

• Regionalism, which is the backbone of our REDI mission

• Advocacy, as a member of a dynamic and close-knit community

• Passion for this vibrant region we call home

• Optimism for each new goal and project taken on


“As we write the next and best chapter of our local and state innovation story, David Adams has been a key connector and driver, pushing forward to reimagine what’s next," said UC President Neville G. Pinto, who appointed Adams as UC’s first Chief Innovation Officer in July 2017. "He has forged ahead with new ideas and new relationships that are setting the foundation for even greater momentum.

“His addition to the university’s leadership team came in the months leading up to UC’s launch of its Next Lives Here strategic direction, which emphasizes a renewed commitment to the university’s culture of innovation and impact.” 

While Adams was a member of REDI Cincinnati’s executive committee he never had the opportunity to meet William T. Robinson personally, but said he quickly learned about Robinson’s long-standing reputation for being an individual that catalyzed change, was highly collaborative and always brought an optimistic, can-do attitude. 

”It is an honor to be recognized with an award that bears his name,” adds Adams. “I think he summarized well the best measure of one’s success wrapped into one simple question, ‘How do we make a positive difference in the lives of those we have had the privilege to serve?’ Well said, Bill. Thank you!”

REDI Cincinnati hosted its seventh annual meeting virtually with more than 200 guests to celebrate the region’s 2020 project wins, present its annual awards and look at what to expect for the region’s economic development efforts in 2021.


Since its inception in 2014, REDI Cincinnati has been a collaborative think-tank driven to help support local and regional companies with their growth and expansion efforts. Today, REDI is the first point of contact for burgeoning companies considering the 16-county, three-state Cincinnati region as a perfect place to locate and grow.  

“In his role at the University of Cincinnati, David Adams is responsible for leading the Cincinnati region’s efforts for the Cincinnati Innovation District,” says Kimm Lauterbach, president and CEO of REDI Cincinnati. “As an outgoing member of REDI Cincinnati’s executive committee, David has generously given his time, talent and knowledge to other organizations working to grow the Cincinnati region.”

Since taking the helm as the university’s lead on innovation, Adams has successfully attracted multiple Fortune 500 and midsized companies to the booming and prospering ecosystem. In addition, he has led the dramatic acceleration of startup development from two to almost 50 in just three years. The Cincinnati Innovation District®, a statewide model, is a catalyst for organizations to gain direct access to student talent, research talent and collaboration, adds Lauterbach. 

A recent study from the Brookings Institution further validates this claim. According to the Global Institute on Innovation Districts, Cincinnati is listed among only 20 U.S. markets and 100 cities worldwide at the forefront of a new geography of innovation.

“On behalf of my team, the University of Cincinnati and our community, I want to thank the entire REDI organization for honoring me as this year’s recipient and for their collective efforts to strengthen our region,” says Adams. “This is clearly a collective effort and it’s a team sport. And as I say, stay tuned — we’re just getting started.”

• More about REDI Cincinnati 

• More about David J. Adams  


Featured image at top: UC Chief Innovation Officer David J. Adams in his office overlooking the construction of the Digital Futures Complex buildings. photo/Greg Glevicky/UC Office of Innovation