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.
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.
