Strengthening the Industries of the Future
Anchored by a rich history of manufacturing and trades, the Columbus Region is driving progress and innovation in advanced industries.
Key Industries
Innovators are making their marks on the Columbus Region’s ever-growing business landscape. Learn more about the industries that thrive in our business landscape.
Automotive and Mobility
The Columbus Region is at the forefront of the automotive and mobility technology movement. From designing the vehicles of tomorrow to being a major parts and components producer, the Columbus Region is shaping the automotive landscape.
The regional economic output for the automotive industry exceeds $3.1 billion annually, and the region produces nearly 400,000 cars annually.
Logan County houses the Transportation Research Center—the largest independent vehicle testing and proving grounds in the United States.
Fashion and Retail
Some of the world’s most recognizable retail and apparel brands drive global trends from the Columbus Region. Ranked No. 1 among major retail and fashion markets in the U.S. for concentration of professionals working in the apparel and fashion industry.
A microcosm of the national population that has led to a test market identity, global brands know that if a product is successful in Columbus, it will likely be successful on a larger scale.
Finance and Fintech
Global banking companies and fintech organizations call the Columbus Region home because of its robust talent pipeline. The Region’s supportive economy helps both startups and established companies find new ways to grow.
The Columbus Region houses JPMorgan Chase’s second-largest employment market in the world, with over 18,000 employees based here.
Over the past decade, the Columbus Region has seen an explosion of highly successful venture companies, including the nation’s largest non-coastal VC fund.
Food and Beverage
With a strong manufacturing base, highly-sophisticated research and development capabilities, and fast access to industry and consumers, the Columbus Region is uniquely positioned for all aspects of the food and beverage industry.
Ohio’s complete food value chain, coupled with a versatile infrastructure, abundant fresh water, and a competitive business climate, gives companies like G&J Pepsi, Anheuser-Busch InBev, and Mars the ability to produce goods and deliver products to market with greater efficiency.
Insurance and Insurtech
National insurance and insurtech companies drive the industry from their seats in the Columbus Region. The success of household names like Nationwide combined with the growth of industry disruptors like Root Insurance has created an unrivaled insurance and insurtech ecosystem.
Each year, nearly 40 academic and vocational institutions in the Columbus Region graduate over 4,000 people primed for jobs in the insurance industry with degrees in business, finance, communications and more.
The Columbus Region’s insurance ecosystem opens doors for insurance and insurtech companies to strategically collaborate and continue building the stable community in which all companies can grow.
Life Sciences
The rapidly expanding biomedical and health services sector in the Columbus Region improves lives around the world. The dynamic life sciences industry includes research and development organizations, renowned medical systems, medical manufacturers, and more.
A diverse life sciences community includes the world’s largest contract research organization, a Fortune 16 healthcare services company, and Ohio’s first healthcare unicorn.
A top talent incubator, The Ohio State University ranks in the top 10 nationally for biological and biomedical science degree completions.
Semiconductor Supply Chain
New to the Midwest as a whole, the Columbus Region’s latest key industry was born from Intel’s investment. The semiconductor supply chain and the Columbus Region are a natural fit thanks to educational capabilities, existing pipeline, and logistical advantages.
The Region’s education entities are already crafting custom programs to help fill the 3,000 new direct jobs that will result from Intel’s $20 billion investment.
The Columbus Region’s ample land options and built-in site selection make it easy for large-scale manufacturing operations like Intel to find the space they need.
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