Cincy Cyber Week and Microsoft OpenHack take over 1819 Innovation Hub
The 1819 Innovation Hub’s role as a catalyst for innovation in Southwest Ohio was on full display in December as the building hosted Cincy Cyber Week and a Microsoft Azure OpenHack.
To top it off, Microsoft followed an already-momentous week with a major announcement: the opening of its first regional research space at the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub.
This flurry of events encapsulates what the region’s innovators already know: 1819 serves as Cincinnati’s hub for innovative growth. Whether serving Bearcat students or industry professionals, there’s always a wealth of business and entrepreneurial resources at 1819.
Discussion at a women's breakfast during Cincy Cyber Week. Photo/Mary Dwyer
Innovators from the Midwest flocked to Cincinnati for Cincy Cyber Week, a three-day event highlighting challenges and promise in the tech industry. Sessions focused on topics such as cybersecurity, the rise of artificial intelligence and future developments in information technology.
Attendees also enjoyed in-depth sessions on data privacy, cloud computing and future-proofing supply chains, among other subjects. The breadth and depth of topics discussed made Cincy Cyber Week one of the Midwest’s most extensive cybersecurity conferences in 2024.
Significant tech-related events such as Cincy Cyber Week have helped Cincinnati solidify its reputation as the Center for the Silicon Heartland, with the region’s nexus of innovative thought lying at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub.
Hackathon grows tech expertise
Cincy Cyber Week was quickly followed by a Microsoft Azure OpenHack, which attracted tech professionals to the 1819 Innovation Hub. The two-day event helped attendees develop applications using innovative Microsoft products and implement AI tools into businesses.
As the OpenHack wrapped up, Microsoft announced that it would be opening a dedicated workspace in UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub. Welcoming the world’s AI leader to the Queen City marks a significant milestone as Cincinnati positions itself as the Midwest’s home for innovation.
The fact [Microsoft] chose to partner with 1819 only underscores the power and promise of the Cincinnati Innovation District.
Ryan Hays Executive vice president and chief innovation and strategy officer, University of Cincinnati
Ryan Hays, UC’s executive vice president and chief innovation and strategy officer, is thrilled to welcome Microsoft to the 1819 Innovation Hub. “Microsoft is one of the biggest and best brands in the world,” he says, “and the fact they chose to partner with 1819 only underscores the power and promise of the Cincinnati Innovation District.”
Between organizing a highly successful hackathon and opening a dedicated workspace, Microsoft has taken a keen interest in further building Cincinnati’s tech scene. Events such as Cincy Cyber Week and the development of innovative talent at the 1819 Innovation Hub are just a few attractive elements that make Southwest Ohio a regional mecca of forward-thinking growth.
Ohio, the home for innovation
The University of Cincinnati isn’t alone in pursuing what’s next for the Buckeye State. There’s no lack of ambition in Ohio between innovative programs such as the Ohio IP Promise and dedicated economic zones such as the Cincinnati Innovation District.
The state’s drive for progress was on full display in early December at the CyberOhio Summit in Columbus. The Ohio Innovation and Technology Association planned it to help businesses, citizens and government employees “explore cybersecurity initiatives, build upon each other’s diverse knowledge and tackle cybersecurity challenges.”
The University of Cincinnati served as an event partner as the CyberOhio Summit served the state’s innovative community. As a critical component of Ohio’s tech ecosystem, the UC 1819 Innovation Hub is dedicated to fostering innovation through entrepreneurial tools and insights, corporate connections and events such as Cincy Cyber Week and the Microsoft Azure OpenHack.
Featured image at top: Attendees working during the Microsoft OpenHack at 1819. Photo/Mary Dwyer
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