Innovation in Ohio
While the Ohio Discovery Corridor is a powerful network of innovation, it doesn’t stop there. The desire to create, uncover, and innovate is happening across the state, and it goes beyond the life sciences. Ohio is pushing breakthroughs across industries and helping companies gain access to the talent, resources, and collaboration they need to grow and thrive.
Ohio’s Talent Pipeline
At the core of Ohio’s thriving economy is a highly skilled and dynamic talent pipeline that drives innovation across diverse industries. Ohio has the 7th largest labor force in the U.S. with a workforce of over 5.5 million. Each year, more than 100,000 graduates from Ohio’s universities enter the workforce, ready to shape the future and lead in tomorrow’s economy.
Higher Education
Ohio offers a wealth of higher education opportunities, including 14 public universities with 24 branch campuses, 23 community and technical colleges, and over 50 private four-year colleges and universities.
Ohio spends more than $1 billion annually to support education and workforce efforts. These ongoing initiatives can be a sustainable resource for your company.
- 49 Ohio Technical centers awarded almost 13,777 credentials, certificates, or degrees for the 2020-2021 school year (Ohio Department of Higher Education)
- Ohio is home to five R1 Carnegie Research Institutions: Ohio University, Kent State University, University of Cincinnati, The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University (IPEDS)
- Ohio is 4th in the U.S. for the number of institutions with R1 or R2 Carnegie Status (IPEDS, 2023)
Innovation Spotlight
Intel’s Investment and Collaboration
Intel is building its most advanced semiconductor manufacturing facility in Central Ohio, creating 3,000 jobs at Intel and tens of thousands more across local suppliers and partners in the coming years. Intel is playing a major role in developing Ohio’s STEM workforce:
- Intel has committed $50 million for Ohio semiconductor manufacturing education and research programs and institutions.
- Intel Semiconductor Education and Research Program for Ohio, funding a new, collaborative, multi-institution research and education program emphasizing real-world experiential learning and innovation in semiconductor fabrication.
- Through this program, Intel partnered with community colleges in Ohio to create the industry’s first one-year semiconductor technician program.
Innovation Hubs
While our three Innovation Districts are centered in our three largest cities, the goal of Ohio’s Innovation Hubs is to bring economic impact statewide.
Ohio’s Innovation Hubs are transforming mid-sized cities across the state into vibrant centers of research, development, and economic opportunity. These hubs are designed to harness Ohio’s existing strengths and legacy industries, driving innovation that creates jobs, attracts investment, and positions Ohio as a national leader in technology and industry. Supported by the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program, these collaborative ecosystems bring together industry leaders, academic institutions, and local communities to solve challenges.
Innovation Spotlight
Northwest Ohio Glass Innovation Hub
Supported by $31.3 million in state funding, this hub is reviving Ohio’s long-standing legacy as the “Glass Capital of the World” while advancing critical innovations in glass and solar industries.
Toledo, Ohio
Innovation Spotlight
OnMain Innovation Hub
The OnMain Innovation Hub will focus on advancing digital transformation technologies, with key partners including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the University of Dayton, and Premier Health.
Dayton, Ohio
Innovation spotlight
Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub
Akron’s hub is focused on the future of polymer science and manufacturing. This hub leverages Akron’s century-long expertise in polymer science to drive innovation in healthcare, mobility, electronics, semiconductors, industrial materials, and energy.
Akron, Ohio