UC welcomes Microsoft to the 1819 Innovation Hub

“Microsoft is one of the biggest and best brands in the world — and the fact they chose to partner with 1819 only underscores the power and promise of the Cincinnati Innovation District,” said Ryan Hays, executive vice president and chief innovation and strategy officer for UC.

Microsoft joins five other Fortune 500 companies at the 1819 Innovation Hub, including Procter & Gamble, Kroger, Fifth Third Bank, Great American Insurance Group and Western & Southern.

UC President Neville Pinto believes the partnership with Microsoft is a game-changer for the region.

“Having one of the top companies in the world choose 1819 — especially for their cutting-edge AI work — is a tremendous vote of confidence in our region and our innovation agenda,” Pinto said.

J.P. Nauseef, president and CEO of JobsOhio, applauded the addition of Microsoft.

“The partnership between UC and Microsoft creates momentum and opportunity for Ohioans within the industries and jobs powered by artificial intelligence.” Nauseef said. “This collaborative effort will bring new experiences, training and resources for students and startups in Ohio’s Innovation Corridor that will be essential to driving the future of AI development.”

Microsoft’s collaboration with 1819 will enable a diverse mix of stakeholders to experiment with AI tools, access customized training and workshops as well as leverage a massive network of talent and resources related to AI, machine learning and cloud computing.

Additionally, Microsoft will provide 1819 with access to key programs such as Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub and Microsoft Learn for Student Ambassadors.

Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub is a dynamic platform that supports founders from the moment they have an idea. As their startup grows, founders unlock new benefits and features that help them hit their technical milestones and tackle business challenges.

Microsoft Learn for Student Ambassadors is a global community of students who are passionate about building AI-driven solutions with Microsoft technology

Beth Dann, general manager, U.S. education at Microsoft, envisions an even greater potential.

"Our collaboration with the 1819 Innovation Hub exemplifies our dedication to making technology accessible to all," Dann said.

"We view this as a chance to reach individuals from diverse backgrounds by hosting events and workshops that offer access to advanced AI and developer tools while fostering an inclusive environment for innovation," Dann added. "The accessibility of this space will inspire a broad spectrum of participants to delve into AI applications, participate in customized training, workshops, hackathons and leverage an extensive network of talent and resources."

The 1819 Innovation Hub is the nerve center of the Cincinnati Innovation District. The first innovation district in Ohio, the CID launched in 2020 as a historic partnership among JobsOhio, UC and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center. The CID seeks to accelerate the growth of talent, research, innovation, commercialization and entrepreneurship across the region. 

Read the full story in the Cincinnati Business Courier.

If subscription fees are required, email laradm@ucmail.uc.edu for a PDF of the story.

Featured image at top: The exterior of the 1819 Innovation Hub. Photo/Greg Glevicky