Ohio opens Glass Innovation Hub to spark next-gen tech and talent
The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Glass Innovation Hub.
Last week, the Northwest Ohio Innovation Consortium (NOIC) held a grand opening of its new center to support glass innovation research and training.
The space will help drive innovation and environmental leadership in the Toledo region’s glass and solar industries by fostering collaboration, enhancing workforce training, and exploring eco-friendly manufacturing and recycling practices. Process control automation using AI, electrification of various glass-making processes, and glass recycling are a few examples of innovations the hub will tackle.
Developing a workforce that supports this new, higher-tech version of the glass industry will also be a focus of the Glass Innovation Hub.
The NOIC center is located on the campus of O-I Glass’ world headquarters in Perrysburg.
What It Means for Ohio
The Glass Innovation Hub was announced in July, the first of four in Ohio’s Innovation Hub program. Dayton, Akron, and Youngstown have also been established.
The Ohio Innovation Hubs program was designed to make Ohio a national leader in innovation, creating new jobs and business opportunities by supporting world-class research in industry-aligned platforms that build upon Ohio’s existing legacy industries and research strengths.
What They’re Saying
“Northwest Ohio wants to continue to be a leader in the glass industry. This investment in the innovation hub will help bring it to life.”
– Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik
“We absolutely have been a leader in this space, especially around glass. Human-centered innovation is our future — people coming together, learning together, and connecting.”
– Rodney K. Rogers, President, Bowling Green State University
