Center for Midwestern Research Unity
Cleveland Ecosystem
Cleveland is one of the most underrated innovation ecosystems in the country. CMRU exists because this city already has the infrastructure. We are here to connect it.
Important note: The organizations referenced on this page are part of Cleveland's broader ecosystem. Their inclusion here is for informational context only. Unless explicitly stated otherwise, these organizations are not partners, affiliates, sponsors, or endorsers of CMRU. CMRU is an independent organization and does not claim any formal relationship with the institutions listed below.
Why Cleveland
The infrastructure for innovation was already here.
Northeast Ohio is home to major research universities, healthcare systems, advanced manufacturing operations, maker facilities, and civic organizations with deep local knowledge. The density of institutional capability here is remarkable. What has been missing is an independent organization designed to work across all of it.
Cleveland also carries something that cannot be replicated: a manufacturing heritage that instilled precision, systems thinking, and a bias toward building things that actually work. That culture is CMRU's foundation.
Regional Landscape
A snapshot of the sectors that make Cleveland's ecosystem so dense.
Research & Healthcare
- Hospital systems and medical research
- Major research universities in the region
- Active clinical and translational research
- Biomedical and health tech innovation corridors
Economic Development
- Regional economic development organizations
- Small business development centers
- Workforce training and development programs
- Manufacturing modernization initiatives
Innovation Infrastructure
- Open-access maker facilities and fabrication resources
- Startup incubators and accelerators
- Venture capital and angel investor networks
- Co-working spaces and innovation hubs
How CMRU Fits In
We are not trying to replace what already exists. We are building in the spaces between.
Research Collaborations
Working alongside academic and institutional researchers on projects that cross disciplinary boundaries.
Program Partnerships
Co-developing programs with community organizations, workforce agencies, and civic groups to maximize reach and relevance.
Policy Coalitions
Joining coalitions with other organizations to advocate for evidence-based policy at the local, state, and federal level.
Community Partnerships
Engaging directly with Cleveland neighborhoods, residents, and organizations to ensure our work addresses real needs and creates real impact.
Work with us
If your organization is doing meaningful work in Cleveland or the broader Midwest, we would like to hear from you. We are always looking for collaborators, co-researchers, and co-conspirators.