Cleveland & Midwest Hub
Rooted here. Reaching everywhere.
CMRU is headquartered in Cleveland, Ohio. We chose this city because the raw materials for serious innovation are already here. We are building on that foundation as an independent organization.
A note on independence
CMRU is an independent organization. We are not affiliated with, sponsored by, or formally partnered with any university, hospital system, or institution in Cleveland or elsewhere. When we reference the regional ecosystem on this page, we are describing the landscape we operate within, not claiming any organizational relationships. Any collaborations we pursue will be clearly identified as such.
Why Cleveland Matters
This city has the infrastructure for serious innovation. It just needs more people building on it.
Cleveland sits at the intersection of advanced manufacturing, healthcare, and technology. The region supports clinical research, applied science, maker facilities, and a growing technology sector. The cost of living allows organizations to stretch further, hire more, and take risks that are harder to take in coastal metros.
The Midwest has been underestimated for decades. That is changing. CMRU is here because this is where the work needs to happen, and because we believe the next wave of American innovation will come from cities exactly like this one.
The Regional Landscape
The ecosystem that makes Cleveland a compelling place to build.
Research & Healthcare
The region is home to major research universities, hospital systems, and applied research programs. This density of knowledge and expertise creates practical opportunities for builders.
Economic Development
State and local development organizations actively invest in technology, manufacturing, and entrepreneurship. The cost of building here is a fraction of coastal cities, and the talent base is deep.
Innovation Infrastructure
Makerspaces, incubators, accelerators, and coworking facilities provide the physical infrastructure for building. The region has invested heavily in creating places where ideas can become tangible.
For Cleveland Residents
You live here. You should be part of this.
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Attend events
Hackathons, lectures, workshops, and community forums. All open to the public.
See upcoming events 2
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Join the community
Subscribe to the newsletter, join the forum, and connect with others who care about the same problems.
Subscribe to the newsletterFor Cleveland Organizations
If you are building something in this region, we want to know about it.
CMRU works across sectors. If your organization is working on innovation, civic technology, policy, or community development in Cleveland or the broader Midwest, there may be ways to collaborate. We are always open to conversations about co-hosting events, sharing research, or exploring joint projects.
We are an independent organization and approach every collaboration on its own terms. Reach out and tell us what you are working on.
Regional Resources
Independent organizations and publications covering the Ohio and Midwest innovation ecosystem.
These are external resources. CMRU is not affiliated with any of the organizations listed below.
Ohio Tech News
Coverage of technology and innovation across Ohio. News, interviews, and analysis from the state's tech ecosystem.
ohiotechnews.com →OhioX
A nonprofit focused on growing Ohio's technology sector through events, advocacy, and community building.
ohiox.org →JobsOhio
Ohio's private economic development corporation. Resources for businesses, startups, and organizations operating in the state.
jobsohio.com →
Cleveland built things before.
It is building them again.