University of Cincinnati takes center stage as sponsor of SXSW 2026 Workplace Track
Championing innovation, talent, and real-world impact on the future of work
As the world of work accelerates toward an age defined by rapid technological change, adaptability, and innovation, the University of Cincinnati is stepping up as the proud sponsor of the Workplace Track at SXSW 2026. From March 12–18 in Austin, Texas, UC will bring its trailblazing spirit to the forefront of global conversations on the future of employment, career development, and workforce evolution. This sponsorship underscores UC’s role not just as an educator, but as a catalyst for real-world innovation, where students and industry partners collaborate to shape tomorrow’s economy.
SXSW, renowned for its fusion of technology, film, music, and interactive media, hosts an innovation conference that draws professionals from around the world to network, learn, and advance their careers. The Workplace Track, sponsored by UC, delves into the core elements of modern work life: from navigating the evolving job market and fostering a sense of community, to innovating physical workplace designs, upskilling in the age of emerging technologies like AI, and redefining flexibility, purpose, and meaning in professional roles. Attendees with platinum or Innovation badges gain full access to these sessions, offering invaluable insights for employees and employers alike. For the latest schedule of Workplace Track sessions, visit SXSW’s official lineup.
At the heart of UC’s presence will be an all-day activation lounge, an experiential space designed to immerse attendees in the university’s three core pillars: access to talent, a thriving innovation ecosystem, and a partnership model that drives regional and national growth. Here, visitors can engage with interactive displays, network with UC representatives, and explore how the university is turning disruption into opportunity by embedding real-world problem-solving into education.
UC: Building the future of work
As a top-tier public research university enrolling over 53,600 students, UC isn’t just predicting the future of work—it’s actively constructing it. Ranked #4 nationally for its cooperative education (co-op) program by U.S. News & World Report, UC generates a staggering $22.7 billion in statewide economic impact. Through its prototype model of integrating education with industry, UC prepares graduates who are “ready on day one,” equipped with hands-on experience and innovative mindsets that employers crave.
The 1819 Innovation Hub stands as a cornerstone of UC’s ecosystem, fostering applied research and development (R&D), design, and prototyping through corporate partnerships that yield tangible outcomes. This collaborative approach aligns workforce development with economic growth, creating synergies that benefit communities, industries, and the nation.
Opening session at SXSW 2025. Photo/Alisha Sutcliffe
UC’s SXSW programming kicks off with a highlight panel session on Friday, March 13, from 2:30-3:30 p.m., featuring industry leaders Jeremy Jarrett, president and chief executive officer of Kinetic Vision and LeeEllen Dreschler, senior vice president for Procter & Gamble (P&G). The discussion will explore cutting-edge workforce innovation strategies, drawing on real-world success stories from UC’s industry partnerships. Attendees are also invited to a track speaker reception immediately following the panel for networking.
UC alumni attending SXSW are invited to gather with fellow Bearcats for an evening of connection and networking on Thursday, March 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Salty Sow. The event is complimentary and provides a great opportunity to connect with alumni who live in the area or are visiting for the conference; advance registration is requested. Alumni may also take advantage of a 15% discount on Platinum, Innovation, Film & TV, Music, and SXSW EDU badges for SXSW 2026. Learn more about this exclusive offer.
Our students will engage visitors on topics like the future of work, changes in consumer behaviors, and AI’s impact on business and society.
Professor Aaron Bradley Director of the NEXT Innovation Scholars Program and Associate Professor and Director of Innovation Ecosystem Advancement
Student leaders driving innovation on-site
Adding a dynamic layer to UC’s sponsorship are five student leaders from the NEXT Innovation Scholars Program, representing an array of majors. These scholars will embody UC’s innovation ecosystem at the activation lounge, sharing insights on how external partners can collaborate through sponsored projects, research, and co-location at the 1819 Innovation Hub. As Professor Aaron Bradley, director of the NEXT Innovation Scholars Program and associate professor and director of innovation ecosystem advancement, explains: “Our students will engage visitors on topics like the future of work, changes in consumer behaviors, and AI’s impact on business and society. They’ll conduct ‘person on the street’ interviews with attendees, livestreaming select conversations and packaging others as short-form content for social media and our podcast, Undisciplined by Design.”
This student-led initiative highlights UC’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary thinkers who bridge academia and industry, ensuring the next generation is at the table for global discussions.
Showcasing UC’s innovative students: real-world impact through co-ops and beyond
Caption: Addie Salvador, UC Mechanical Engineering student. Photo/Brooke Buchan, NREL.
UC’s sponsorship isn’t just about presence—it’s a showcase of the highly trained, innovative students emerging from its programs, ready to tackle pressing challenges. Through its acclaimed co-op model, UC students alternate classroom learning with paid, professional experiences, accumulating real-world expertise that drives breakthroughs across industries.
Take Michael Tito Manianchira, a junior chemical engineering student whose co-op at Shepherd Color Company involved optimizing pigment manufacturing processes. By installing a thermal camera in a rotary calciner and troubleshooting equipment like kilns and blenders, Manianchira enhanced efficiency, safety, and sustainability—skills directly aligned with the evolving demands of advanced materials industries.
In cybersecurity, senior Matthew Price’s co-op as a cyber threat intelligence analyst at Royal Caribbean in Miami demonstrated UC’s skill in preparing students for high-stakes digital defense. Leading a proof-of-concept project for a new security tool, Price collaborated with interns nationwide, resulting in its adoption by the company. His leadership in UC’s Cyber@UC club further amplified his impact, growing the organization and hosting events like capture-the-flag challenges.
Environmental studies major Alyssa Wagner brought her passion for conservation to life during her co-op at Flutterby Farm and Gardens. Removing invasive species, planting native vegetation, and experimenting with plant viability, Wagner used Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to map ecosystems—tools that enhance decision-making in sustainability careers.
Mechanical engineering students are also pushing boundaries. Addie Salvador’s co-op at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) involved automating electron microscopy with AI, accelerating discoveries in energy storage and microelectronics.
Meanwhile, Ilyas Malik contributed to Firefly Aerospace’s Blue Ghost Mission 3, supporting NASA’s lunar experiments and honing CAD and communication skills for space innovation.
Biomedical engineering student Aidan Saylor redesigned a critical anthropometry tool for the U.S. Air Force, improving stability and accuracy to enhance military readiness. And in a nod to lifelong learning, entrepreneur Nick Baynes returned to UC after 13 years to complete his bachelor of arts in professional studies while running his barbershop, exemplifying how UC’s flexible programs empower nontraditional students to balance career and education.
These stories illustrate UC’s formula for success: blending academic rigor with industry immersion to produce graduates who innovate from day one.
Join UC at SXSW: where education meets the future
As the sponsor of the Workplace Track, UC invites SXSW attendees to explore how higher education and industry can co-create adaptable, innovative workforces. Whether through the activation lounge, panel discussions, or student interviews, UC’s presence at SXSW 2026 promises to inspire and connect. For more on UC’s sponsorship, visit the official SXSW page.
Featured image at top: South by Southwest 2025 session. Photo/Anna Resing
Connect with Bearcats at SXSW 2026
Join us at the Salty Sow on Thursday, March 12 (5–7 p.m.) for a complimentary alumni networking event. Whether you’re a local or in town for the conference, we’d love to see you there! Please register in advance.
Exclusive Discount: Save 15% on SXSW 2026 badges, including Platinum, Innovation, Film & TV, Music, and SXSW EDU.
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