Glass Innovation Hub announced for Northwest Ohio
Lt. Governor Jon Husted addresses the audience at the announcement of the Glass Innovation Hub in Perrysburg on July 1st. Source.
On Monday, Ohio officials announced the creation of the first Ohio Innovation Hub, a new collaboration that will enhance the Toledo region’s position as a global leader in glass science, engineering, technology, and production.
Supported by more than $31.3 million in state funding and $10.4 million in local investment, the new 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.
Northwest Ohio Innovation Consortium
The innovation hub will be led by the Northwest Ohio Innovation Consortium (NOIC), a platform for collaboration between local industries, education partners, and workforce development. NOIC strives to establish the Toledo region as a key player in innovation, nurturing the creation of new employment, entrepreneurial ventures, and advanced research designed to meet the evolving requirements of global businesses.
Formed in 2023, the founding NOIC corporate partners include the major players in the glass industry in the region, such as O-I Glass, Owens Corning, Libbey, Pilkington North America, and First Solar. The Glass Innovation Hub will be headquartered at the "Glass Center of Excellence" on the campus of O-I Glass in Perrysburg.
Investing in people, the Glass Innovation Hub will place significant focus on creating a high-quality glass and solar workforce across multiple areas of expertise, from skilled trade workers to graduate-trained scientists and engineers. The consortium facilitates collaboration between the University of Toledo, Bowling Green State University, Owens Community College, Toledo Public Schools, and other northwest Ohio high schools and community colleges.
In a presentation to the Toledo Rotary last week, Roger Smith, NOIC President, shared details of their proposal to the state:
A Center of Excellence for Glass in Northwest Ohio to address industry-wide challenges in sustainability, cost and product performance
Manufacturing improvements will focus on glass melting, furnace efficiency, coatings, and AI for process improvements
Talent development ranging from K-12 interest in STEM, internships, and graduate students
The innovation hub is expected to create 1,600 jobs and a $284 million economic impact over the next five years. The hub is also expected to increase state tax revenue by $25 million and produce more than 200 new graduates working in science, technology, engineering and math fields to meet surging workforce demands.
Ohio Innovation Regions
This announcement is another step in Ohio’s innovation leadership. Innovation Districts in Cincinnati, Cleveland, and Columbus were started several years ago.
Similarly, the Innovation Hubs program is 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. Other Ohio innovation hubs are expected to be announced soon.
What they’re saying
“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. 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.”
- Governor DeWine
“The glass industry moved to northwest Ohio because of its proximity to natural resources, but its future growth will depend on innovation and talent. The innovation hub designation and funding will help make it more likely that companies and the region will have a more prosperous future.”
- Lt. Governor Husted
“The Northwest Ohio Glass Innovation Hub is forging strong collaboration between industry leaders, renowned universities and colleges, and local and state government. Together, we will foster new advancements in technology, spur economic growth, and further cement Ohio as the global leader in the glass industry.”
- Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development
“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.”
- Roger Smith, president of NOIC
