The Hub Celebrates America 250-Ohio Works: Innovation & Industry Speakers and Expo

Kricker Innovation Hub Hosts America 250 “Ohio Works: Innovation & Industry” Celebration on February 19

The SSU Kricker Innovation Hub is proud to host a signature America 250 – Ohio event on February 19, bringing together entrepreneurs, innovators, faculty, students, and business leaders to celebrate Ohio Works: Innovation & Industry.

Throughout 2026, communities across the country will commemorate America’s 250th anniversary, with Ohio highlighting a different theme each month to showcase the state’s history, impact, and future. February’s focus recognizes the people, places, and partnerships that have powered Ohio’s innovation economy — and southern Ohio has a powerful story to tell.

Event Overview

📍 Location: SSU Kricker Innovation Hub
🗓 Date: February 19
🕒 3:00 – 5:00 PM: Business Resources Expo & Speaker Sessions
🕔 5:00 – 7:00 PM: Greater Portsmouth Chamber Business After Hours (3rd Floor)

All event activities will take place at the Kricker Innovation Hub. The Business Resources Expo and speaker sessions will run from 3–5 PM, followed by Business After Hours, hosted by the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, from 5–7 PM.

Speaker Sessions

This year’s program highlights the past, present, and future of regional innovation, with speakers representing higher education, industry, and business partnerships:

  • 3:00 PM — Regional Innovation: Past, Present & Future
    Dr. Andrew Feight
    A look at how innovation has shaped southern Ohio and where regional collaboration is headed next.

  • 3:30 PM — The A-Plant Session
    A discussion on the history and future of the U.S. Department of Energy Portsmouth Site, formerly known as the Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant, one of three uranium enrichment plants in the U.S., operating since 1956.

  • 4:00 PM — Showcase Collaboration: SSU Supports Industry & Innovation
    Airable Labs
    A talk highlighting how Shawnee State University partners with industry to drive innovation and economic growth.

  • 4:30 PM — NSF EPIIC Grant Kickoff: ComPEET
    Centers of Gravity: Combining Partnerships and Entrepreneurship for Emerging Technologies with Adam J. Miller, M.S. Interim Dean, College of Business and Engineering Technology, and Dr. Amanda Hedrick, Executive Director SSU Kricker Innovation Hub
    Featuring Shawnee State University in collaboration with University of Michigan–Flint, SUNY New Paltz, and Colorado State University Pueblo.

From 3–5 PM, attendees can connect with regional resource organizations ready to support startups, entrepreneurs, and established businesses.

✔️ Expo tables from regional partners
✔️ Speaker sessions focused on innovation and industry
✔️ Networking opportunities ahead of Business After Hours

If you are interested in securing a table for your business or organization, contact ssuinnovation@shawnee.edu. Space is limited, and spots are filling quickly.

NSF EPIIC Grant: Faculty & Industry Partners Invited

As part of the 4:30 PM speaker session, Shawnee State University will launch its NSF EPIIC Grant initiative through the ComPEET collaboration. SSU will select three Faculty Fellows — one from each college — to participate in this program, so faculty are encouraged to attend the kickoff session to learn how to apply and help spread the word across campus. Industry partners are also invited to engage, collaborate, and explore partnership opportunities as this initiative moves forward.

Wrap up the evening at Business After Hours, hosted by the Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce, on the 3rd floor of the Kricker Innovation Hub.

✨ Network with innovators and business leaders
✨ Connect with faculty, students, and regional partners
✨ Celebrate entrepreneurship, industry, and collaboration

This event is part of the official America 250 – Ohio celebration.

Learn more about the statewide initiative and explore other events across Ohio:

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, innovator, faculty member, student, or industry partner, this event is an opportunity to celebrate Ohio’s innovation legacy while helping shape what comes next.

📅 February 19 | 3–7 PM
📍 SSU Kricker Innovation Hub

We look forward to welcoming you to the Hub.

Kricker Innovation Hub