PORTSMOUTH, OHIO
Southern Ohio’s home for entrepreneurs, creators, and innovators.
The Kricker Innovation Hub connects people, ideas, education, and resources to help our region build what comes next.
5,000+
PARTICIPANTS SERVED
375
SMALL BUSINESSES HELPED
70
STARTUP COMPANIES LAUNCHED
01 · Start here
What brings you in?
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Start or grow a business
Coaching, mentoring, funding guidance, and training for founders and small businesses at any stage.
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Explore programs
Accelerators, pitch competitions, esports, and youth programs — from first idea to funded studio.
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Attend an event
Workshops, conferences, and community nights at the Hub, all year long.
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Use the Hub
Coworking desks, event space, and student access in the heart of downtown Portsmouth.
03 · Flagship programs
Where the region builds
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ShawneeXP
The game accelerator that ships studios — a Cohort 1 team took first place at GDC’s Very Big Indie Pitch. Cohort 2 arrives summer 2027.
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Ignite Portsmouth
Pitch competition and business-building program for local entrepreneurs — next up September 15, 2026.
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Shawnee Game Conference
Speakers, showcases, and the front door to the region’s game industry — every fall at Shawnee State.
04 · Proof
It works here
Paw Portal
Startup Weekend Portsmouth winner
SHAWNEEXP · COHORT 1
From four students making a game to first place at GDC’s Very Big Indie Pitch.
JollyWare
Game studio · Portsmouth, Ohio
STARTUP WEEKEND
54 hours after walking in with an idea, Paw Portal walked out with first place.
IGNITE PORTSMOUTH
An Ignite alum turned a bookstore dream into a downtown storefront.
Michelle Martin
Ignite alumna · Portsmouth
05 · The building
Use the Hub
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Coworking
Desks and offices for founders and remote workers, steps from everything downtown.
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Event space
Host your meeting, workshop, or community event in the Hub’s spaces.
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Student access
Shawnee State students plug into programs, esports, and opportunities year-round.
06 · Latest
From the Hub
