Montgomery County, OH's Bold Leap into the Future with onMain Innovation Hub

In a significant stride toward positioning Dayton and Montgomery County, Ohio, as a global leader in digital transformation technologies, the onMain Innovation Hub has been selected as Ohio's second innovation hub, supported by $35 million in state funding through the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program. This new initiative represents a dynamic collaboration of government, academia, and private industry to help the region advance into a new era of technological advancement and economic prosperity.

Digital Transformation Center: The Heart of Innovation in Montgomery County, Ohio

The onMain Innovation Hub will be located on the former Montgomery County Fairgrounds site in the greater downtown Dayton area and will serve as a beacon for innovation. At the new development's core will be the Digital Transformation Center (DTC), the hub's headquarters, where cutting-edge digital technology will be developed, particularly in aviation and national defense. This facility will help to redefine how the U.S. Air Force designs and manufactures critical assets and drive significant advancements in the broader spectrum of digital integration.

Governor DeWine encapsulated the hub's transformative potential, stating, "The Miami Valley has always been a place where big ideas take flight, and the unprecedented collaboration that will happen under the umbrella of the onMain Innovation Hub will lead to digital technologies that will impact lives across the world."

His words underscore the hub's expected influence, not just locally, but globally, as it brings together some of the brightest minds to address complex challenges and create world-changing technologies.

The collaboration at the heart of the onMain Innovation Hub is nothing short of groundbreaking. Led by onMain, Inc.—a partnership between the University of Dayton and Premier Health—the hub will unite key players, including Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, the University of Dayton Research Institute, and other local stakeholders. The anticipated impact by 2031 is staggering:

• 2,000 new jobs
• $39 million in additional state and local income tax revenue
• $500 million in new research dollars

Building a Robust STEM Workforce for Tomorrow's Challenges

One of the primary objectives of the onMain Innovation Hub is to foster a robust and diverse talent pipeline. By 2031, the hub aims to achieve:

• A 25% increase in regional STEM graduate retention 
• Bring 1,400 individuals from non-traditional backgrounds into STEM careers
• Create 3,000 additional STEM technical certifications and degrees

The hub will also offer 2,000 additional STEM internship opportunities, ensuring that the next generation of innovators is well-equipped to lead in the digital age.

The University of Dayton President Eric F. Spina expressed gratitude for the state's investment, stating, "We are grateful for the vision and strong support of Governor DeWine and Lt. Governor Husted and for the state's $35 million investment which will be used both to fund a highly functional building and to help build a digital future for the Dayton area."

President Spina emphasized the role of the onMain Innovation Hub as a place where "innovation fuels both cutting-edge research and education," providing unique hands-on experiences for students and professionals alike.

Collaborative Efforts Propel Dayton into the Global Spotlight

The onMain Innovation Hub stands as a testament to Montgomery County's ongoing innovation legacy and commitment to economic growth. With the strong backing of state funding and the collaborative efforts of regional partners, Montgomery County is poised to become a world-class leader in digital transformation, driving local economic prosperity and creating a ripple effect that will be felt far beyond Ohio's borders.

Brian Heitkamp, CEO of onMain, summed up the significance of this initiative: "The Dayton region is taking a bold step into tomorrow's knowledge economy through onMain that will exponentially expand the work already being done in the digital technology area. This project builds upon our region's innovative culture. On behalf of onMain and our partners, we are grateful to the State of Ohio for their vote of confidence in this unique project." His thoughts echo the sentiment that the onMain Innovation Hub is a monumental leap forward that will redefine Montgomery County's role on the global stage.

Montgomery County Community and Economic Development Supports Innovators

As Montgomery County continues to drive economic growth and progress with ambitious projects like the onMain Innovation Hub, residents can look forward to a future where their region leads innovation, job creation, and quality of life enhancements. The onMain Innovation Hub is more than just a building—it's the future of Montgomery County, Ohio, where big ideas take flight and change the world.

Montgomery County Community and Economic Development understands the vital importance the onMain Innovation Hub will have in Montgomery County. For help starting, relocating, or expanding your business, explore selectmcohio.com, an information center designed to streamline development in Montgomery County.

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