Where entrepreneurs take their ideas from conception and launch to growth and beyond. Our teams of mentors, entrepreneurs in residence and technical experts connect brilliant players across the StartupCincy ecosystem and around the Bearcat alumni globe with resources for their venture development. And through our unique partnership with the state of Ohio, we provide the largest amount of non-dilutive funding to technology-based, scalable startups in the Greater Cincinnati region.
The 1819 Venture Lab is a free resource for UC students, faculty, alumni, and the community, helping early-stage founders launch ideas, find product-market fit, and secure initial funding. 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 program to earn a UC micro-credential and connect with Venture Lab staff for next steps.
The eight-week Venture Lab Accelerator cohort-based program is designed to help answer key questions about your product’s market fit, potential customers and funding sources. With cohorts running three times a year, selection is competitive and applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
It is expected that Venture Lab Accelerator applicants have completed our Venture Lab Digital Pre-accelerator first before applying to the Venture Lab Accelerator though we will consider and accept 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 successfully enter the marketplace by engaging with either venture capitalists or angel investors.
UC students and startup founders, even those with just rough concepts, can partner with dedicated advisors, mentors and entrepreneurs in residence (EIRs). EIRs bring extensive experience and a strong, long-term track record of success incubating and accelerating startups across various industries and markets.
Since the Venture Lab opened in 2018, UC has distributed $5M to Venture Lab startups in the form of non-dilutive grants, as part of the state of Ohio’s Third Frontier’s Entrepreneurial Services Provider (ESP) program, eligible Venture Lab portfolio companies can use these funds for select activities related to their venture development.
Resident startups based at 1819 benefit from access to top student talent, collaborative coworking spaces and the robust support of a leading research university.
February 5, 2025
College students flocked to the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub for UC Startup Weekend, where they partnered with fellow participants to fast-track entrepreneurial ideas and compete for funding.
February 3, 2025
Six UC-backed companies landed on the Cincinnati Business Courier’s “Startups to Watch” list for 2025. We’ll break down what makes each of these startups unique.
January 14, 2025
80 Acres Farms is advancing agricultural sustainability and supporting local jobs through its innovative vertical farming technique.
