5 reasons to partner with UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub

The building offers all the critical components for launching or growing a business, from access to raw talent to prototype development and mentorship opportunities. 1819 is also known as the Center for the Silicon Heartland due to its prominent role in stirring up business dynamism throughout the Midwest.

While it’s worth strolling through the Hub, that’s just the beginning for business owners and entrepreneurs. The simplest way to take advantage of UC’s vast resources and wealth of expertise is by partnering your company with 1819.

Below, we’ll explain why entrepreneurs, students and large businesses such as Procter & Gamble, Kao Corporation and Western & Southern flock to the 1819 Innovation Hub — and we’ll give five reasons why your business should, too.

It’s no secret that entrepreneurs and executives alike thrive based on connections. Extensive networking opportunities can lead startup founders to potential investors and help larger businesses make unforeseen sales.

On top of that, networking is a prime method for finding company mentors. Sometimes it’s best to seek out someone who can take a holistic look at your business from an outsider’s perspective. The simplest way to find that person? Set up your company in a space filled with like-minded businesspeople like the 1819 Innovation Hub.

In our building, you’ll find employees from dynamic corporations such as:

• Fifth Third Bank
  
• Kao Corporation
• Kroger
• Procter & Gamble
• Western & Southern Financial Group

That’s not even mentioning the countless startups and solo entrepreneurs who’ve chosen to base themselves at 1819. Our space has a creative, entrepreneurial buzz that business-minded individuals regularly cite when choosing our building to launch or expand their companies.

Matthew Sias, founder of responsible AI startup Innovation Acceleration, based his business at the 1819 Innovation Hub due to its thriving business ecosystem. “The 1819 Innovation Hub is not just about providing space,” he said. “It’s creating a vibrant community where ideas flourish and partnerships transform into groundbreaking innovations.”

What does all this mean for you? Put simply, it’s easy access to career-ready talent. Bearcats graduate with both an exceptional education and with multiple years of full-time job experience. As the connection point between UC students and Cincinnati’s corporate community, the 1819 Innovation Hub is the top place for your business to discover young and gifted talent.

As one of Ohio’s most prominent and innovative universities, UC offers countless opportunities for business leaders to learn, grow and connect. The 1819 Innovation Hub is your entry point for tapping into the wealth of resources available at our city’s public, urban university.

Once you’re here, it’s worth stopping by UC’s Tech Transfer team to learn how to connect your company with new and innovative insights. 1819’s corporate and startup partners receive guidance on navigating UC’s bevy of capabilities, researchers and related intellectual property to help them solve their problems.

The UC Learning Lab, a think tank that helps businesses develop actionable solutions to real-world challenges, is another valuable resource at the 1819 Innovation Hub. Thought leaders are empowered to craft holistic plans and ideas through immersive, multifunctional sessions that promote deep collaboration.

UC had a $10.6 billion economic impact on Greater Cincinnati in 2023 and contributed $22.7 billion to Ohio as a whole. UC supports over 125,000 jobs in our region, showing the weight of its impact on our Cincinnati community. With an economic and research powerhouse sitting minutes away from your business, why not enjoy its resources?

Let’s be honest: starting a business from scratch is challenging. That’s why UC set up the Venture Lab, a nine-week startup pre-accelerator based in the 1819 Innovation Hub.

This extensive program helps aspiring entrepreneurs gain insights into the viability of their potential products, introduces cohort members to possible mentors and provides clarity around market dynamics along with the ins and outs of starting, running and scaling a business.

Sias sees tremendous value in working with 1819. In his view, “Partnering with UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub and the Venture Lab means tapping into a powerhouse of talent and resources, where businesses can innovate, collaborate and scale in an innovation ecosystem designed for success.”

Beginner entrepreneurs gain the skill set necessary to launch their startups at 1819, but they’re also able to network with founders in similar positions. Setting up your business at the 1819 Innovation Hub means receiving access to invaluable guidance from the Venture Lab, Cincinnati’s leading startup accelerator program.

The UC Makerspace, housed on the bottom floor of the 1819 Innovation Hub, is billed as “the most advanced makerspace in the region” and offers all the tools needed to prototype and fabricate products successfully. This collaborative workspace is equipped with 3D printers, laser cutters, woodworking stations, soldering stations and various other tools.

Employees of 1819’s partner companies receive free access to all resources in the UC Makerspace, while others can sign up for monthly membership. Doing so will equip your business with an innovative space to model and test out potential products while designing new creations.

Partnering with UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub lets your company enjoy unparalleled university resources, discover ambitious and talented potential hires and expand networking opportunities. That’s in addition to access to the Makerspace, the Learning Lab, the Venture Lab and UC’s Tech Transfer team.

1819 is more than just a building; it’s your gateway to nearly limitless benefits as a business owner. Whether you’re an executive or an entrepreneur, the 1819 Innovation Hub lets you connect, collaborate and pioneer what’s next for your business.

Featured image at top: Faraway shot of UC's 1819 Innovation Hub. Photo/UC Marketing and Communications