Workforce + Education
As Central Ohio’s digital infrastructure expands, Google’s STAR program is moving underrepresented local talent into high-demand careers. With over 160 graduates already placed at firms like Amazon and Meta, this 6th cohort marks a critical win for the region’s skilled labor pipeline.
Workforce + Education
Marietta College has opened the Center for Appalachian Innovation, a state-supported hub focused on research, collaboration, and capacity-building across Appalachian Ohio.
Artificial Intelligence
The University of Cincinnati is launching Bearcats AI Ready!, a campus-wide initiative embedding artificial intelligence across teaching, research, and operations to move the university from “AI-fluent” to fully “AI-ready.”
Workforce + Education
Amazon’s Think Big Experience in Columbus gave nearly 1,000 middle school students hands-on exposure to tech careers. The COSI-hosted STEM event let students build AI-powered robots, explore virtual reality, and connect with successful women in technology.
Workforce + Education
University of Toledo President Dr. James Holloway launched Innovate Toledo, a "launch pad" for bold research. It aims to fuel interdisciplinary research, expand university and industry collaboration, and translate academic discovery into real economic growth for the region's future.
Corprorate Innovation
Honda is opening a new Advanced Materials Science Lab at Ohio State’s SciTech Campus—a $2.6 million expansion backed by JobsOhio.
Artificial Intelligence
The Ohio State University launched the AI(X) Hub ("AI to the power of X") to accelerate AI research, innovation, and education. The university-wide initiative connects 15 colleges and focuses on six critical pillars, including health, engineering, agriculture, cybersecurity, and trustworthy AI.
Workforce + Education
A new robotics initiative in Cleveland Metropolitan School District classrooms was launched. The Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) places over 1,000 low-cost robotics kits in schools, exposing students to coding, 3D printing, and engineering to prepare them for an AI-transformed economy.
Commentary
Ohio Tech Day, organized by OhioX, celebrated technology's role across the state. It highlighted how groups like the Mahoning County Career & Technical Center (MCCTC) are building the skills and opportunities needed to define Ohio's future economy through technology.
Workforce + Education
Ohio Tech Day 2025 launched at Bowling Green State University, gathering students and leaders. The event showcased Virtual Reality (VR) and career technology, inspiring the next generation to explore careers in technology and skilled trades.
Workforce + Education
JobsOhio, OLS, and One Columbus launched a multimillion-dollar biomanufacturing workforce initiative. This major bet on biotech aims to train Ohioans for high-demand roles in pharmaceutical production and biotechnology, accelerating the state's growth.