Innovation at CMRU
We build things that didn't exist yesterday
Innovation is not a department. It is the reason CMRU exists. We prototype, test, iterate, and ship - working on the problems that matter most right now.
What We Do
Our innovation work spans three interconnected categories.
Applied Research
Research that starts with a real problem and ends with something you can use. We partner with communities, institutions, and industry to produce work that ships.
Prototyping & Maker Programs
From concept sketches to working prototypes. We run workshops, hackathons, and build sprints that turn ideas into tangible outcomes in weeks, not years.
Open Tools & Infrastructure
We build tools, datasets, and infrastructure in the open. If we create something useful, we publish it so others can build on top of it.
Focus Areas
Where we concentrate our energy and resources.
Health Technology
Digital health tools, clinical data infrastructure, and technology that makes healthcare more accessible, equitable, and effective. Cleveland's health ecosystem gives us a unique testing ground.
Advanced Manufacturing
Connecting Midwest manufacturing heritage with modern technology. Automation, additive manufacturing, industrial IoT, and the tools that keep factories competitive.
AI & Data Science
Practical applications of artificial intelligence and machine learning. We focus on responsible development, bias mitigation, and making AI accessible to organizations of all sizes.
Sustainability & Climate
Clean energy transition, environmental monitoring, sustainable infrastructure, and the technology needed to build a resilient region in a changing climate.
How We Work
Four principles that guide every project.
1
Start with the problem
We do not begin with a technology and search for applications. We begin with a problem a community or organization is actually facing and work backward to a solution.
2
Build in the open
Our work is public by default. Open repositories, public documentation, shared datasets. We believe transparency accelerates innovation and builds trust.
3
Test with real people
Prototypes that never leave the lab are not innovation. We test early, test often, and test with the people who will actually use what we build.
4
Document everything
Every project produces documentation: what worked, what failed, and what we learned. This is how knowledge compounds over time.
Get Involved
Whether you have a problem worth solving, a skill to contribute, or just want to see what we are working on, there is a way in.