Hilliard named one of Fast Company’s most innovative companies in economic development

Hilliard, a growing suburb west of Columbus, has earned national recognition for its efforts to build a high-tech innovation ecosystem, landing a spot on Fast Company’s prestigious 2025 list of the Most Innovative Companies in Economic Development.

Hilliard’s inclusion on the list underscores how smaller cities in Ohio are punching above their weight in the tech and startup space—proving that innovation isn’t limited to coastal hubs or large metros.

About the Hilliard’s Innovation Work

• Hilliard City Lab has become a regional incubator for startups, providing infrastructure, partnerships, and funding to test and scale emerging technologies.

• The city built a 60-mile fiber-optic network, partnered with companies like Converge Technologies, and developed unique testing environments like its AI sandbox.

• It has awarded nearly $1M in grants to 32 projects in just four years—half of those in 2024 alone.

Local innovations developed through City Lab include a drone for 911 response, a sewer overflow detector, an algae-clearing boat, and even a virtual scoreboard for local sports games.

Hilliard City Manager Michelle Crandall said, "Our small but mighty team of public servants continues to perform at an extremely high level and continues to place our community on the regional, national and global stage for service delivery, sustainability, and innovation."

Why it matters to Ohio

Fast Company praised Hilliard for proving “a small Ohio suburb of less than 40,000 people” could become a tech hub through targeted investment and community partnerships.

With smart strategy and strong local support, Hilliard has created a blueprint for cities looking to lead in innovation—and the national spotlight is taking notice.