Cincy Inno Fire Awards light up the 1819 Innovation Hub
UC-supported innovator named Startup of the Year
The spirit of innovation burned bright this month as Cincy Inno hosted its annual Fire Awards at the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub.
This year’s Startup of the Year, 80 Acres Farms, is a vertical farming leader co-founded by Mike Zelkind and UC alumna Tisha Livingston. As reported in the Cincinnati Business Courier, 80 Acres has become the region's highest-ranking startup, surpassing $400 million in funding. In the article, Zelkind shared his top insight on growing a business: “Focus on getting the work done.”
80 Acres continues to expand, partnering with global names as well as local organizations like 1819 partner Western & Southern.
The event brought together a vibrant cross-section of entrepreneurs, change-makers and business leaders, fueling the city’s next era of growth. Publisher of the Cincinnati Business Courier Jamie Smith kicked off the event by saying, “This recognition program is dedicated to honoring trailblazers and visionaries who are driving innovation in the region. It shines a spotlight on the individuals and companies who are really making a significant impact on Cincinnati’s startup and tech system.”
Startups catch fire
Ryan Hays presents 80 Acres CEO , Mile Zelkind, with a red Fire Award jacket. Photo/Mary Dwyer.
A distinct group of individuals and organizations was recognized for transformative impacts across the Queen City’s entrepreneurial and technology landscape.
The selection process began with community nominations, inviting stakeholders from every corner of the city to spotlight those who exemplify bold leadership, inventive thinking and forward-looking solutions. The Cincy Inno team then curated a final list of honorees, and 32% of finalists were connected to UC and the 1819 Innovation Hub. We congratulate all finalists, including those affiliated with UC, as they represent the energy and multiplicity that have become hallmarks of 1819’s ecosystem and Cincinnati’s startup scene.
Smith further acknowledged the contributions of the 1819 Hub and the Cincinnati Innovation District: “Innovation is a hot topic in the region. Look at this place, this building that we’re in, this university here, the campus that we’re on and many of the resources we have here in Cincinnati.”
Innovation is a hot topic in the region. Look at this place, this building that we’re in, this university here, the campus that we’re on and many of the resources we have here in Cincinnati.
Jamie Smith, Publisher Cincinnati Business Courier
L to R: Jamie Smith, Tom Demeropolis and Liz Engel prepare to announce the Fire Award winners. Photo/Mary Dwyer.
Recipients came from a wide range of sectors, including health tech, robotics and sustainability. Among them were founders breaking new ground in AI development and investors backing the next generation of Cincinnati-grown startups.
Inside 1819, the event served not only as a recognition ceremony but as a reunion of the region’s innovation community. Attendees networked, viewed product demos and shared war stories and wins, reaffirming a collective commitment to making Cincinnati a destination for bold ideas. The Courier’s editor, Tom Demeropolis, said, “We’ve been recognizing these companies for a number of years now, but what people are doing is worth celebrating.”
For the 1819 Innovation Hub, the event served as a testament to the power of community-driven innovation. As Cincinnati continues to evolve into a national innovation hub, events like this play a crucial role in highlighting the change-makers who are making it happen, one bold move at a time.
Cover image: Liz Engel, editor Cincy Inno, and Ryan Hays stand with the 2025 Fire Award winners. Photo/Mary Dwyer.
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