Ohio Governor Mike DeWine spoke at O-I Glass’ headquarters on July 1, unveiling the creation of Ohio’s first official innovation hub, a new collaboration that will enhance northwest Ohio’s position as a global leader in glass science, engineering and technology.
Supported by more than $31 million in state funding from the Ohio Innovation Hubs program and over $10 million in local investment, the new Northwest Ohio Glass Innovation Hub will build on Toledo’s legacy as the “Glass Capital of the World” to accelerate innovation and job growth in both the glass sector and solar industry, which relies heavily on glass.
“Innovation rarely happens without daring ideas and bold risks, and Ohio’s new glass innovation hub will be a groundbreaking example of what we can achieve when we build partnerships and promote collaboration,” said Governor DeWine. “This new venture will enhance the Toledo region’s competitiveness on a global scale, propelling northwest Ohio to the forefront of glass and solar innovation.”
The Northwest Ohio Innovation Consortium (NOIC) estimates that the work of hub partners will have a $284 million economic impact on the northwest Ohio region, spurring $25 million in increased tax revenue and creating 1,600 new jobs over the next seven years. NOIC also anticipates that targeted glass and solar education opportunities will result in an increase of 230 additional local STEM graduates over the same timeframe.
“This innovation hub is just one step toward reestablishing the area as the premier source of innovation for the glass, solar and advanced manufacturing industries,” said Roger Smith, president of NOIC. “State funding will accelerate our ability to solve industry- wide challenges and drive innovation in priority areas like sustainability, cost, talent and product performance, which are business imperatives for the companies of northwest Ohio.”
