We accelerate new business ventures from conception to launch. Our teams of startup mentors and entrepreneurs in residence connect you with business leaders, guide you toward startup funding sources and help you determine product-market fit. And through our partnership with the state of Ohio, we provide the largest amount of nondilutive funding to scalable tech startups in Greater Cincinnati.
Explore the startup businesses we've backed and the entrepreneurs launching bold ideas here.
The 1819 Venture Lab is a free resource for UC students, faculty, alumni and the startup community, helping early-stage founders launch ideas, find product-market fit and secure initial funding rounds. As part of the UC Center for Entrepreneurship, we specialize in tech ventures with high-growth potential.
Customized solutions are available for:
The online Digital Pre-Accelerator helps you build a business model, master customer discovery and craft a compelling story, all at your own pace. Finish the Digital Pre-Accelerator to earn a UC microcredential and meet with Venture Lab staff about next steps.
This eight-week accelerator program is designed to help answer key questions about product-market fit, customer acquisition and funding sources. With cohorts running three times a year, selection to the Venture Lab Accelerator is competitive and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Venture Lab Accelerator applicants must complete our Digital Pre-Accelerator before applying, though we’ll consider business ventures with demonstrated traction.
The Venture Lab NEXT Accelerator is a 12-week, student-only startup accelerator program that takes place in the summer. It curates peer-to-peer learning, offers direct funding to startups and prepares you to enter the marketplace by engaging with venture capitalists or angel investors.
UC students and startup founders can partner with dedicated business mentors and entrepreneurs in residence. EIRs bring extensive expertise and a long-term track record of success incubating and accelerating startup ventures across industries and markets.
Since the Venture Lab opened in 2018, UC has distributed over $5 million in funding to Venture Lab startups in the form of nondilutive grants. As part of Ohio Third Frontier’s Entrepreneurial Services Provider (ESP) program, eligible Venture Lab companies can use this startup capital for select activities that aid in small business growth.
Startups based at the 1819 Innovation Hub gain access to top talent at the University of Cincinnati, collaborative coworking spaces and the backing of Southwest Ohio’s leading research institution.
Share your idea(s) with the 1819 Innovation Hub team by filling out a form to schedule a business consultation. From there, you’ll be guided through idea validation, customer discovery and connecting with mentors, programs and potential partners within the UC innovation ecosystem.
Startups at 1819 access mentorship, entrepreneurial programming, UC student talent, industry connections, commercialization support, funding, prototyping and design, along with chances to collaborate with UC faculty and corporate partners.
1819 connects entrepreneurs with funding pathways including investor networks, venture programs, startup pitch opportunities and university-supported commercialization resources. Through the UC Venture Lab accelerator program, startups can receive funding and support to access additional investor capital.
Yes. Founders can connect with entrepreneurs in residence, industry professionals and academic experts through the Venture Lab startup accelerator programs. These individuals provide guidance on business strategy, product development, market fit and scaling.
Yes. Programs and advisers at 1819 help startup founders test assumptions, conduct customer discovery and refine business models before launching or scaling.
No. While UC students and alumni are highly involved, any entrepreneur or startup can engage with the 1819 Innovation Hub and its small business resources through the Venture Lab accelerator programs.
You can stay updated by searching the 1819 Innovation Hub website and subscribing to newsletters, checking the 1819 event calendar or following us on LinkedIn (link).
The best first step if you have a startup idea is to connect with the 1819 Innovation Hub team. They’ll help evaluate your business idea, connect you with entrepreneurial resources and guide you through early-stage startup development.
With the UC 1819 Innovation Hub, combine the power and expertise of a world-class university with business professionals and a vast team of entrepreneurial support and industry connections. 1819 has everything under one roof. It holds a 12,000-square-foot makerspace for design and prototyping, complete with waterjet and laser cutters, CNC machines and various 3D printers. Through the Venture Lab accelerator programs, which are free to the community, entrepreneurs in residence from Fortune 500 companies can help vet your startup idea, provide startup guidance and sometimes invest in viable ideas. The 1819 Innovation Hub uniquely combines the UC ecosystem with corporate partners, student talent and commercialization and patenting expertise, giving startups access to both academic and real-world industry collaboration.
Yes. Many business founders at 1819 begin building companies while in school, using University of Cincinnati resources, mentorship and student co-ops to support early business development.
The fastest way to get involved at 1819 is by scheduling an introductory conversation with the 1819 team or by attending a business event to learn about available programs and resources.
June 23, 2026
University of Cincinnati students and alumni competed for part of a $25,000 prize pool during the New Venture Championship, a startup pitch challenge at the 1819 Innovation Hub.
June 17, 2026
University of Cincinnati graduates Finn and Bowen Alexy have found tremendous business success in their lower 20s as leaders at brazing company Alexy Metals and co-founders of venture firm BowFin Capital.
May 18, 2026
The Cincinnati Business Courier held its Fire Awards at UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub to highlight the region’s fast-growing startups and broader innovation community.
