UC 1819 Innovation Hub is the heartbeat of the Cincinnati Innovation District
An ecosystem of trailblazing entrepreneurs
The University of Cincinnati's 1819 Innovation Hub is the heartbeat of the Cincinnati Innovation District, as reported by the Cincinnati Business Courier’s sister publication, Cincy Inno.
Attendees at Cincy Inno event. Photo/Greg Glevicky
This ecosystem fosters the growth of trailblazing entrepreneurs, drawing students, researchers and innovators to Cincinnati.
Serving the region as a comprehensive resource suite, the 1819 Innovation Hub programming and networking opportunities include investor connections, mentorship, industry expertise and licensing support.
Cincy Inno's "Inno on Fire" event occurred on Aug. 19. Dozens of startup founders and industry professionals gathered at the 1819 Innovation Hub to explore Cincinnati’s active startup ecosystem.
The event featured a panel discussion led by Cincy Inno Editor Liz Engel, with insights from Emma Off, CEO and president of CincyTech; J.B. Kropp, CEO of Cintrifuse; and Ryan Hays, UC's executive vice president and chief innovation and strategy officer. Engel's discussion delved into the current state of Cincinnati's startup industry, its new leaders' vision and the local ecosystem's future direction. These leaders underscored the critical role that UC and its partners play in driving Cincinnati's entrepreneurial landscape, channeling funds and resources into the region’s burgeoning talent pool.
Feeding the talent needs not just for our startups but for our big companies is something we take a lot of pride in as a public institution.
Ryan Hays UC executive vice president and chief innovation and strategy officer
Ryan Hays, UC executive vice president and chief innovation and strategy officer. Photo/Andrew Higley/UC Marketing + Brand
High-quality research, particularly in the social sciences, is a magnet for innovative startups and local investors like CincyTech and Main Street Ventures, both of which are key partners in UC's 1819 Innovation Hub.
Engel asked about talent in the region.
Panelist Ryan Hays spoke about how UC's 1819 Innovation Hub, a key player in nurturing local talent, feeds that pipeline. "If you look at innovation ecosystems around the country, you've got talent, technology, and capital. We see our role as filling the entire gamut," said Hays. "Feeding the talent needs not just for our startups but for our big companies is something we take a lot of pride in as a public institution. We think it's our mission to help with that economic development piece of talent, workforce development, and it's something we think about every day."
As interest in emerging technologies like artificial intelligence continues to grow, investors are increasingly eager to support ventures in this space, positioning Cincinnati as a potential leader in the field.
The event brought together the people, companies and organizations that are igniting innovation and fueling growth, a testament to the region's vibrant startup scene and its potential to produce the following big success stories.
Featured image at top: Ryan Hays (far right) speaks to attendees along with panelists J.B. Kropp (far left) and Emma Off (center). Photo/Greg Glevicky
Impact Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
These teeny spiders are social media stars
August 28, 2026
The New York Times turned to a University of Cincinnati professor to explain the appeal of jumping spiders on social media.
An internal divide among unions on AI impacts the Wisconsin gubernatorial race
August 28, 2026
Anne Lofaso, a professor in the Donald P. Klekamp College of Law at UC, spoke with Wisconsin Public Radio, about the schism among unions over AI and whether it is a plus, a negative, or somewhere in between when looking at job creation.
DAAP professor and artist turns grass clippings into biodegradable art
August 27, 2026
Through biodegradable bioplastic made from grass clippings, Supermrin shows how creativity can connect science, sustainability and everyday life.