Barb Ewing, YBI CEO

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio — Innovators and educators from across Ohio toured America Makes and the Youngstown Business Incubator on Thursday afternoon.

Those visiting were members of OhioX, a nonprofit organization that works to connect startups and small tech businesses with investors, innovators and universities to drive economic growth across the state. The organization frequently travels to technology and innovation hubs to learn about opportunities firsthand.

During the tour, Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI, noted that “you can never tell when the next innovator or person who knows someone with a great idea will walk through that door.”

“OhioX is truly an innovative platform for highlighting and showcasing and causing conversations around all different types of technology across this very large and diverse state,” Ewing said. “The fact that we had people from outside the area come in is a real testament to their work to serve as a connector.”

Ewing said OhioX is a blend of entrepreneurs and larger organizations, all interested in a wide range of technology and innovation. She hopes Thursday’s event sparks conversations about the work happening at YBI and America Makes and how the two can partner with others.

Focusing primarily on additive manufacturing, representatives from America Makes discussed their founding in 2012 and partnership with YBI.

Corey J. Patrick, industrial base integration manager, [right] and Zane Ross, engagement manager, [left] gave the tour of America Makes.
Corey J. Patrick, industrial base integration manager, [right] and Zane Ross, engagement manager, [left] gave the tour of America Makes.

Stephanie Gaffney, vice president of the advanced manufacturing program at YBI, said it made sense for America Makes to be located in Youngstown, positioned between Cleveland and Pittsburgh, where there are more than 2,000 manufacturers. She and Ewing described several of the companies operating there during the tour.

Since its founding, America Makes has grown to 312 active members and more than $500 million in projects.

YBI, established in 2001 to support small business startups in the Mahoning Valley, hosts America Makes in one of the buildings on its campus. Ewing and others highlighted collaborations and equipment available to entrepreneurs, including a ceramic additive machine.

The Innovation Hub, a new $26 million project funded by state and federal sources, will support aerospace and defense companies in the Mahoning Valley. Ewing said YBI is in the process of refitting the former Vindicator building, the sixth facility on its campus, to provide more space for local companies. YBI is nearly at capacity, she added.

Stephanie Gaffney, vice president advanced manufacturing at YBI, talks to Ohio X members about the partnerships with advanced manufacturing housed partnering with YBI.
Stephanie Gaffney, vice president advanced manufacturing at YBI, talks to Ohio X members about the partnerships with advanced manufacturing housed partnering with YBI.

Corey Patrick, industrial base integration manager, said work on the Innovation Hub is already underway and America Makes is eager about the opportunities and economic impact it could bring to the Youngstown area. He encouraged those in attendance to get involved.

About 30 OhioX members representing companies and organizations across the state toured the two facilities.

“If your company is interested in doing something with this hub, supporting aerospace and defense, it’s more than just the manufacturers,” Patrick said. “It’s more than just people who are doing the parts and the pieces. Every bit of the supply chain is important to making this integration a success… So regardless of where you sit, what your company does, there may be space for you. There may be a way to work you into this.”

Pictured at top: YBI CEO Barb Ewing stands next to a large 3D printer.