Secure, Modular, Adaptive, and Responsible Technology innovation in Ohio
Our Vision & Mission
Vision
Imagine an Ohio where evolving technologies–blockchain, artificial intelligence, Internet of Things, quantum computing, big data, and telecommunications–become seamlessly interconnected and serve as tools for shared prosperity.
By 2035, Ohio will be a national model for how technological advancement can create more efficient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable systems across all sectors of society while respecting free market principles.
Mission
SMARTOhio empowers Ohio's communities through the ethical development and responsible implementation of converging technologies.
We foster collaboration between citizens, industry, and government to build Secure, Modular, Adaptive, and Responsible Technologies that prioritize the long-term benefit for communities, businesses, and governments over short-term profits.
SMARTOhio strives to enhance transparency & trust, create lasting economic opportunities, and preserve the natural environment.
Our Approach

People-Centered Innovation
Technology should serve humanity
Cross-Sector Collaboration
Diverse perspectives for complex challenges
Ethical Framework
Guiding principles for all initiatives
Education and Empowerment
Building technological literacy
At SMARTohio, we believe technology should serve humanity, not the other way around. Each initiative we undertake begins with a simple question: "How will this improve the lives of Ohioans?" We ensure technology development and implementation prioritizes human wellbeing, dignity, and empowerment.
Complex challenges require diverse perspectives.
We bring together community leaders, industry experts, government officials, academics, and citizens to co-create solutions that work for everyone. Our collaborative model ensures that technological advancements reflect the needs and values of all stakeholders.
We maintain a robust ethical framework guiding all our initiatives, emphasizing: transparency, data privacy & security, equal access, environmental sustainability, and balanced oversight.
Technological literacy is essential.
Through training programs, workshops, and public forums, we equip Ohioans with the knowledge and skills needed to confidently shape our future. With verifiable credentials, a trustworthy talent pipeline will emerge to help businesses find skilled workers.
Focus Areas
SMARTOhio targets 15 key sectors ripe for technological transformation:
Education
Reimagining learning environments through adaptive technologies, ensuring all Ohioans have access to personalized, high-quality education that prepares them for the future economy.
Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
Leveraging technology to improve healthcare access, reduce costs, optimize treatment outcomes, and ensure more transparent pharmaceutical development and pricing.
Food & Agriculture
Supporting sustainable, technology-enabled farming practices that increase yields while reducing environmental impact, and creating transparent food supply chains.
Banking & Finance
Democratizing financial services through secure, accessible technologies that reduce fees, increase transparency, and provide economic opportunities for underserved communities.
Insurance
Creating more transparent, efficient insurance models that better serve consumers while effectively managing risk in a changing world.
Manufacturing
Revitalizing Ohio's manufacturing base through automation, IoT, and advanced materials while ensuring a smooth transition for workers into the new economy.
More Focus Areas
Energy & Utilities
Transforming Ohio's energy landscape through smart grid technology, renewable energy integration, decentralized energy systems, and advanced storage solutions that increase efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.
Transportation
Developing smart mobility solutions that reduce congestion, lower emissions, increase safety, and provide universal access to transportation for all communities.
Environmental Management & Conservation
Deploying IoT sensors, AI analytics, and distributed ledger technology to monitor, protect, and restore Ohio's natural resources, waterways, air quality, and biodiversity.
Housing & Urban Development
Advancing smart city initiatives, sustainable building technologies, and innovative approaches to community development that create more livable, affordable, and connected communities across Ohio.
Arts, Entertainment & Tourism
Enhancing Ohio's cultural landscape through AR/VR experiences, AI-assisted creativity, and new digital platforms that showcase the state's heritage while creating new forms of expression and economic opportunity.
Public Safety & Emergency Services
Implementing advanced communications systems, predictive analytics, and coordinated response technologies to enhance public safety, disaster management, and emergency services throughout the state.
Retail & E-commerce
Supporting the transformation of Ohio's retail landscape through technologies that enhance consumer experiences, streamline supply chains, and create new opportunities for local businesses in the digital marketplace.
Governance & Voting
Enhancing democratic processes through secure voting technologies and creating more responsive, efficient government services accessible to all citizens.
Justice System
Using technology to create more transparent and rehabilitative approaches to justice that reduce recidivism and address systemic inefficiencies.
Join Our Movement
Community Members
Participate in our public forums and workshops
Industry Professionals
Join our working groups and pilot programs
Government Officials
Collaborate on balanced policy frameworks
Researchers & Academics
Contribute your expertise to our initiatives
Funders & Supporters
Donate towards a beneficial technological future
The Fourth Industrial Revolution is underway.
The question is not whether these technologies will transform society. That's a given.
What we Ohioans need to ask ourselves is, "Do we want to be at the forefront of this transformative, convergent technological revolution?" And, if so, "How can we maximize the benefits for the greatest number of people?"
Let's be SMART. Let's be pioneers. Let's be the change we wish to see in the world.
Together, we can ensure that Ohio leads the way in implementing innovative technologies effectively and responsibly, creating economic opportunities for all, while respecting market-based demand.
Priority Sectors

Education & Workforce Development
Transform Ohio's educational system for the technology-driven future
Manufacturing
Revitalize Ohio's manufacturing sector through responsible technology
Energy & Utilities
Transform Ohio's energy infrastructure to be more resilient & sustainable
Food & Agriculture
Strengthen Ohio's agricultural system through technology
Based on impact potential, existing Ohio strengths, and foundational nature, we recommend these initial focus areas for Tier 1 (Immediate Focus):
For Education & Workforce Development, our mission is to transform Ohio's educational system to develop well-rounded individuals prepared for the technology-driven future while maintaining human-centered values. Goals include enhancing digital literacy across all demographics, strengthening soft skills development, integrating knowledge for healthy living, creating accessible pathways to technology careers, and developing curriculum that balances technical skills with ethical considerations.
For Manufacturing, our mission is to revitalize Ohio's manufacturing sector through responsible technology adoption that creates quality jobs while improving sustainability. Goals include developing smart manufacturing implementations that enhance productivity while prioritizing worker well-being, creating supply chain transparency systems, establishing training programs for upskilling current manufacturing workforce, reducing environmental impact, and supporting small and medium manufacturers in technology adoption.
For Energy & Utilities, our mission is to transform Ohio's energy infrastructure to be more resilient, sustainable, and accessible while creating new economic opportunities. Goals include developing smart grid solutions, creating pathways for renewable energy integration, implementing IoT-enabled efficiency improvements, establishing community-based energy solutions, and designing market-friendly approaches to carbon reduction.
For Food & Agriculture, our mission is to strengthen Ohio's agricultural system through technology that enhances productivity, sustainability, and food security. Goals include developing precision agriculture solutions accessible to farms of all sizes, creating transparent food supply chains, establishing urban-rural connections through innovative food distribution systems, supporting regenerative agricultural practices, and improving water management and soil health through sensor networks and analytics.
Working Group Structure & Implementation
Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)
Establish core working groups, recruit leadership for Tier 1 sector groups, develop foundational frameworks, launch public awareness campaign
Phase 2: Expansion (Months 4-6)
Activate all Tier 1 sector working groups, complete landscape analyses, secure initial funding for demonstration projects, develop metrics and evaluation framework
Phase 3: Activation (Months 7-12)
Launch first demonstration projects, begin establishing Tier 2 sector working groups, host first annual summit, publish initial policy recommendations
Phase 4: Scaling (Year 2)
Expand successful demonstration projects, activate all Tier 2 sector working groups, develop cross-sector initiatives, begin planning for Tier 3 sectors
Our Core Working Groups (Permanent) include:
Technology Infrastructure Group: Establish secure, interoperable technology foundations that enable innovation across all sectors.
Policy & Governance Group: Develop balanced regulatory approaches that protect public interests while enabling innovation.
Education & Community Engagement Group: Ensure Ohioans can participate in and shape the technological future.
Research & Innovation Group: Generate and apply knowledge that addresses Ohio's unique challenges and opportunities.
Each priority sector will have a dedicated working group with co-chairs (one from industry, one from community/public sector), a core team of 8-12 members representing diverse stakeholders, and an advisory network of interested parties.