1819 Innovation Hub

10/01/2026

Everyone's asking who's responsible when AI gets it wrong. We got some real answers. 💭

The consensus: AI can help you decide, but it can't be held accountable for the decision. That's still on the human. When it comes to liability, treat it like the auto industry. If a car has a part defect, the manufacturer answers for it, not the driver. Panelists argued AI should work the same way.

So what does actually being responsible with AI look like? Not a policy nobody reads. Legal teams involved early. Patents protecting what you build. Consistent training for the people using it. Tools built for your company, not just bolted on from somewhere else.

Responsible AI isn't a buzzword or something to take lightly; it's a system you must build before you need it.

Want to dig deeper into AI and innovation? Visit our website to explore more: https://bit.ly/4qcEtF0

09/30/2026

Meet the newest NEXT Innovation Scholars. 👋

These students come from different disciplines across the University of Cincinnati, but they share something important: a curiosity about what's next and a willingness to do something about it.

NEXT Innovation Scholars is built around design thinking and strategic foresight, allowing students to work on real innovation challenges with organizations across industries.

Since launching in 2021, NIS students have completed 44 innovation projects with 33 partners across 12 industries, from Fortune 500 companies to emerging startups.

Now, this new cohort gets to take on the next set of challenges. They'll research, question assumptions and develop ideas. They'll also work directly with partners to think through what organizations need to be ready for tomorrow!

We can't wait to see what you build. 👀

Learn more about the NEXT Innovation Scholars here: https://bit.ly/4hDA22l

09/28/2026

We’re just one week away from StartupCincy Week 2026! 🌐

We’re proud to be a presenting sponsor and are looking forward to seeing members of the UC and 1819 community leading sessions, joining panels and connecting with founders, investors and innovators from across the ecosystem.

You can find all of the sessions our team members and partners are leading and joining at the link below. Some will be popping up in more than one session throughout the week, so make sure you check out the full lineup! 👀

This year marks 10 years of StartupCincy Week, which is a huge milestone. 🎉
We’ll be out throughout the week, so if you see someone from the 1819 team, come say hi and connect!

Don’t have your ticket yet? Grab yours now: https://bit.ly/3Tj77Ir

Big thanks to Cintrifuse and StartupCincy for bringing another great week of programming to Cincinnati’s startup ecosystem. 👏

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Innovation District, UC College of Cooperative Education and Professional Studies

09/24/2026

Where does university innovation go next?

Don't miss our Director of Commercialization, Patrick Brown, joining StartupCincy Week for two conversations exploring how founders, startups and companies can connect with university research, technologies and commercialization opportunities.

📍 October 5 | 1:45 PM
UC Tech Transfer: Recruiting Venture Builders, Connecting Startups and Commercializing Innovation
Patrick will join Broder Schmidt, Mark Gagas, and Gareth Hughes to explore how UC connects venture builders with technologies and inventors, supports new company creation, and works with startups and companies looking to leverage UC research and capabilities.
📍 October 7 | 10:45 AM
Unlocking Technology Transfer Powerhouses
Joining Antony Seppi, Brian Grimberg, Paul Jackson, and Jay Dahlman, Patrick will dig into the technology transfer process - from navigating licensing to combining technologies and leveraging research and development resources to build and grow companies.

At 1819, commercialization is the journey of moving technology from lab to marketplace. We connect university research, technologies and capabilities with startups, companies, investors, and venture builders to collaborate and bring new ideas to market. Our goal is to create connections, pathways and partnerships that help turn promising innovation into real-world impact.

We’re looking forward to seeing Patrick on the StartupCincy stage to continue the conversation around what’s possible when startups and university innovation come together!

University of Cincinnati

09/23/2026

09/15/2026

Real problems. Big innovation. Happening at 1819. 💡

Aircraft ground movement leaves very little room for error. One missed obstacle or moment of distraction can cause expensive damage, and ramp crews often work just feet from moving aircraft.

That’s the problem Airtrek Robotics is tackling with GroundWatch, an autonomous wingwalking system designed to help keep aircraft safe during ground movement. ✈️

The robots travel alongside the aircraft, using LiDAR and cameras to monitor clearance in real time and alert operators when something gets too close. The system can also record each mission for review, while the robots handle routine monitoring so ramp crews can focus on the work that requires them.

Airtrek is taking a routine part of aviation and rethinking how it's done: less risk for people, better visibility for operators and safer aircraft movement.

We’re proud to have innovation like this being built right here in Cincinnati and to see the team continue turning a very real problem into a practical solution.

Learn more: https://bit.ly/46mN3In

09/15/2026

Recapping this year's MidwestCon with Rob Richardson.
What were your major takeaways?

A few moments that stood out to us:
🧠 AI still needs human judgment. As AI makes it easier to produce more, knowing what’s worth doing and how to evaluate the output matters even more.
🤖 Physical AI is already here. Robotics and autonomous systems are pushing AI beyond the screen and into manufacturing, logistics and the physical world.
📍 The Midwest has an advantage. We already have the industrial base, talent and companies needed to build and scale these technologies.
⚖️ Responsible AI requires more than good intentions. Organizations need to define who makes the decisions, where humans stay involved and what evidence they trust.

Also, a big congratulations to University of Cincinnati's Kelly Cohen on receiving the AI Responsible Disruptor Award during the conference.

Thanks to MidwestCon and everyone who helped bring this community together. 🤝

09/08/2026

Best news we’ve had all week: 1819 Innovation Hub has been named one of Fast Company’s Best Workplaces for Innovators. 🏆

We’re proud to be part of a community where students, startups, researchers and industry partners have the space and resources to turn ideas into something real.

Thanks to Fast Company for recognizing the work happening here at 1819, and to everyone who makes this place what it is.

We’ll keep innovating! 🚀

Find us on the full list: https://bit.ly/4xjRHBP

University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati Innovation District, P&G, Kroger, Fifth Third Bank, Microsoft, Western & Southern, Cintas Corporation ,U.S. Bank

09/04/2026

Fall semester is back in full swing, and so are University of Cincinnati student orgs. 🤖⚙️

Another group that brings together Bearcats from all majors to design, build, and battle robots weighing 1, 3 or 12 pounds is the UC Combat Robotics Club.

They specifically use the UC Ground Floor Makerspace to build fully functional, competition-ready robots—learning everything from machining and fabrication to electronics, teamwork and problem-solving along the way.

Nearly every UC combat robot has roots in the Makerspace, including Maximizer and Robo-Cat, formidable battlebots built to win.

What makes the club even more valuable? Students aren't just building for a competition. They’re taking ideas from the classroom, like their capstone projects and turning them into real, working builds.

Learn more about our student resources at 1819: https://bit.ly/4qcEtF0

09/03/2026

Cincinnati and Tanzania are coming together for a night with a purpose. 🌍

Village Life Outreach Project, an international nonprofit based at the 1819 Innovation Hub, is bringing its annual Night on the Serengeti fundraiser to Cincinnati on September 12.

For more than 20 years, Village Life has connected Cincinnati students, healthcare professionals and community leaders with rural communities in Tanzania through opportunities that create impact on both sides of the partnership.

The evening will feature Tanzanian-inspired food, live entertainment, cultural experiences and stories from Village Life’s work. Proceeds will support ongoing efforts in Tanzania, including the M. Anne Haire Reproductive and Child Health Center, while creating opportunities for UC students and Cincinnati community members to engage in global service.

📅 September 12 | 6–9:30 p.m.
📍 First Financial Center

Learn more and reserve your spot through Village Life Outreach Project.