Discover the nation’s hub for next-generation innovation: Ohio

A message from: JobsOhio

Ohio is a force of nature.
Ohio has long been a leader across life sciences, technology, industrial innovation and R&D in the U.S. with…
- Renowned universities and federal research institutes.
- 14 top-ranked hospital systems.
- Prominent companies across the state's targeted sectors.
What you need to know: JobsOhio — an economic development corporation committed to helping companies and their people thrive, in partnership with the State of Ohio, leading health care institutions and university partners — launched one of the nation's most ambitious and comprehensive economic development initiatives.
- This $3 billion investment from public and private stakeholders was designed to catalyze the growth of cutting-edge health care technologies and innovation in Ohio.
Why it's important: These investments supercharge an already existing ecosystem by creating partnerships that drive research and discovery in three Ohio Innovation Districts.
Looking ahead: Ohio is the place for next-generation entrepreneurs, inventors and industries to make strides — and JobsOhio is here to help connect businesses to what they need to succeed.
Here's how the state's three Innovation Districts provide unique opportunities for research, collaboration and innovation:
👉 Cincinnati
The University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital contribute $450 million each year towards research for discoveries that become the basis for innovative startups in the tech and health care sectors.
Here's what else:
- The University of Cincinnati's 1819 Innovation Hub introduces innovative programs, upskilling and reskilling boot camps, and research projects.
- Plus, the university's Venture Lab — designed for startups — has grown substantially and generated significant funding and revenue.
👉 Cleveland
The Cleveland Innovation District is at the forefront of advancement in technology and health care, with world-leading partners like Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland State University, MetroHealth and University Hospital.
Some examples:
- The Cleveland Clinic Quantum Innovation Catalyzer Program was designed to open the power of quantum computing to startup and early-stage life sciences companies. Plus, the program features the first quantum computer dedicated to health care research.
- Cleveland Clinic's new comprehensive imaging research center in Fairfax will develop innovative imaging and health care IT technologies to improve diagnosis, care and outcomes for patients.
- Plus, Case Western Reserve University is developing advanced holographic technology to reduce the need for costly cadaver labs.
👉 Columbus
The Columbus Innovation District is a collaboration between Ohio State University and Nationwide Children's Hospital — and as Ohio's geographic and economic center, Columbus has unique opportunities to lead innovation across multiple industries.
The proof:
- The Ohio State University's new Energy Advancement and Innovation Center is a hub for research on renewable energy, smart energy systems and green mobility.
- The university just announced the creation of a $22 million battery cell research and development center, slated to open in April 2025.
- Plus, Clarametyx Biosciences, Inc. — a Columbus-based clinical-stage company — completed a $33 million Series A round with the help of partners like JobsOhio.
The takeaway: "There's so much happening in Ohio," says J. Michael Oakes, Ph.D., SVP for Research and Technology Management at Case Western Reserve University.
- "We have an energy and interest in growing in Life Sciences and beyond. None of this would be successful without creativity, an appetite for risk, and collaborative, open leadership."