Fast Company today announced its eighth annual Best Workplaces for Innovators list, recognizing businesses that are creating cultures where innovation can thrive at every level, and the University of Cincinnati’s 1819 Innovation Hub was recognized as “a culture of innovation that empowers employees at every level to blaze trails and break new ground.”
Among the top 100, which includes honorees such as Anthropic and American Express, the 1819 Innovation Hub earned the #23 spot for an innovation ecosystem that inspires and supports every employee on its team to turn bold ideas into meaningful impact.
The 2026 Best Workplaces for Innovators list recognizes companies across industries such as entertainment, biotech, consumer packaged goods, marketing, education, and healthcare. Making the list meant organizations met specific criteria and were chosen for their dedication and proven track record of success in areas including investment in innovation, internal programs, and company culture. Fast Company’s editors evaluated each application and conducted extensive research to develop a score for each company. A distinguished panel of judges then reviewed the top-rated companies to determine the final honorees.
“This team proves day after day that moving at the speed of need is a force multiplier,” said Ryan Hays, Chief Innovation and Strategy Officer and Executive Vice President. “We’re always looking for creative ways to help our partners become smarter, faster and better. That mission fuels the magic behind 1819. We are deeply grateful to our partner companies, founders and funders, as well as to Fast Company for this tremendous recognition of our team and mission.”
Since its inception in 2018, the 1819 Innovation Hub has been recognized for driving measurable economic growth and impact across Cincinnati and the region, helping entrepreneurs launch and grow companies. As part of the Cincinnati Innovation District, the Hub serves as the engine that attracts investors, connecting startups and corporate partners with STEM talent. Nearly 60 startups have been funded through the 1819 Venture Lab accelerator program, with more than $70 million in total investments. And the Office of Commercialization, located within the 1819 building, consistently ranks in the Top 100 Universities for Patents list by the National Academy of Inventors.
“The most innovative workplaces don’t simply ask their employees to come up with great ideas; they create the conditions that make great ideas possible,” says Brendan Vaughan, editor-in-chief of Fast Company. “This year’s honorees understand that innovation is ultimately a cultural commitment that requires empowering people to think differently, take risks, and turn ideas into actions. We’re proud to recognize the companies and executives who are leading by example.”
The full list of honorees is available at https://www.fastcompany.com/best-workplaces-for-innovators/list.
The Fast Company Best Workplaces for Innovators issue (Fall 2026) is available online now and will hit newsstands on September 22.
About Fast Company
Fast Company is the only media brand fully dedicated to the vital intersection of business, innovation, and design, engaging the most influential leaders, companies, and thinkers on the future of business. Headquartered in New York City, Fast Company is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow business publication Inc. For more information, please visit fastcompany.com.
About UC 1819 Innovation Hub
The 1819 Innovation Hub at the University of Cincinnati drives three verticals: corporate innovation, commercialization and making. A trusted leader in helping corporations think differently, 1819 is home to eight Fortune 500 companies, six mid-cap companies, 16 start-up companies and multiple capital firms. Its commercialization team keeps UC ranked among the top universities for patents, while its Venture Lab has successfully launched several dozen companies. 1819 also houses one of the best makerspaces in the Midwest.
