New Best High-Tech City: Columbus, Ohio
State Capital City at night.
By Mark Spearman via Flicrk; CC by-nd 2.0
Columbus, Ohio, is the top city in its class in its ability to attract and grow tech talent.
— Tim Feran, 7/6/2016
Tech Mecca: Battelle Memorial Institute
A Tech Leader Worldwide
Columbus was named by Forbes.com as the Number One Up and Coming High Tech City in America in 2010, because of Battelle Memorial Institute and its partners. The high ranking designation has stuck for many years.
The main facility of this company is located in the state capital and the full compliment of campuses has been named as the Number One Largest Research Institute in the state.
In 1997, Battelle ran just one research laboratory for the US Department of Energy, with a budget for a year of only $1 Billion (not exorbitant when considering costs).
In 2008, the company had grown to manage seven large laboratories and numerous global installations for the US Federal Government in several departments. The combined budget was now $4 billion annually, an increase of 400% in only 10 years.
Battelle initiates and develops the foundation research and startup of almost every new technology in America. Company specialties are Life Sciences and Energy, including sustainable energy, bio-engineering, product combatants for chemical and bio-warfare, and hundreds of other vital tools.
Velocys is a product company of Battelle, cutting the cost of gathering the energy of 3 trillion cubic feet of globally stranded natural gas via conversion to easy-to-ship liquid gas.
Careers at Battelle : Find innovative and lucrative job opportunities with advancement at 1-800-201-2011 or Battelle, The Business of Innovation.
New Tech Jobs and Business in Columbus
- 150 + Jobs - open positions | TechLife Ohio (Formerly TechLife Columbus) Columbus, Ohio
TechLifeOhio encourages our tribe to engage, energize, and innovate by: binding existing groups together; creating local online social spaces; organizing in person events; providing tools and mechanisms to become more informed and aware.
- Rev1 Ventures is a startup assisting company near the Ohio State University in Columbus. Its professionals advise entrepreneurs in a variety of ways, including how to raise capital. One arm of the company, Bunker Labs, was established to help US military veterans specifically in business startup processes. Bunker Labs and Rev1 are located at:
Rev1 Ventures: 1275 Kinnear Rd.; Columbus, Ohio 43212
email: info@rev1ventures.com
Columbus, Ohio, is the winner of the U.S. Department of Transportation’s $50 million Smart City Challenge. It will receive not only that money, but another $90 million from a local business coalition and a sizable portfolio of hardware, software and support services from technology companies.
— http://www.govtech.com; 6/21/2016
Columbus is in the Central Ohio Area where I-71 and I-70 meet.
Ohio Department of Transportation; PD
Non-negotiable must-haves for any city of the future... include a connected vehicle environment, an open data platform, grid modernization, and electric car-charging infrastructure.
— Cass Megraw; 360here.com, 2017
Business Boom Since 2011
The capital of the Buckeye State is home to tech giants and startups that include technologies in aerospace, automobiles, communications, computer information, healthcare, manufacturing, sustainable energy, and more.
Columbus is attracting increasing numbers of Millennials to fill high tech jobs as of 2015, with marked increases through the end of 2018. The city added over 24,000 new jobs in technologies between 2011 and 2015.
During Autumn 2018, a constantly updating pool of nearly 7,000 technology jobs was advertised daily among over 30,000 positions found on major job search engines, with an unemployment rate of under 4.0%. The city needs more people to fill these jobs.
As of 2016, the state supported over 1,200 aerospace companies, including manufacturers. Many of these companies are in and around Columbus.
Columbus Awards and Recognitions
- Number One Opportunity City, named by Forbes
- Number One Startup City in America
- One of the 6 Best Big Cities by Time Money Magazine
- A Mecca for Designers and Fashionistas
- One of Top 3 Best Cities for Black-Owned Small Businesses, named by Thumbtack.com
- One of the top 6 “Arts & Culture” Cities, named by PropertyShark
- Top 3 “Best City for Millennials” (Sperling's Best Places)
- 7th Best City for Young Professionals, named by Forbes
Best Jobs in Columbus
The Top 20 Fastest Growing Jobs in Columbus and Central Ohio are offered by Insurance and Financial Products, the Healthcare Industry, Information Technology (IT), Management Analysis, and Skilled Occupations.
The Top 10 Employers in Columbus city and The Greater Columbus Metropolitan area that includes the city and Franklin County are the following companies. They tend to jockey for position, one with another, but consistently remain at the top of the list of highly successful businesses.
Government Jobs: State of Ohio
- Doing business in Columbus and Ohio: Business
- Jobs and Careers with the State in Columbus: https://careers.ohio.gov/
Ohio State University
- Over 17,000 employees, including academic advisors, residence hall staff, counselors, and vast numbers of others, contribute to OSU. The diverse student body comes form every county in Ohio, every state in the USA, and from 125+ countries globally.
Nationwide Insurance
- "We're looking for a connection. We're looking for people with a variety of ideas, experience and natural talents who want their work to mean something. We offer a positive, inclusive work environment with competitive pay and benefits."
- Nationwide Insurance is a support of Nationwide Children's Hospital, formerly the Columbus Children's Hospital, with connections to The Ohio State University and its medical complex.
Additional High Tech Employers
- American Chemical Society. 2540 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, OH 43202
- Cresttek LLC: Various aspects of engineering. 565 Metro Pl S Suite 420, Dublin, OH 43017
- Fast Switch Tech Recruiters. 4900 Blazer Pkwy, Dublin, OH 43017
- Honda R & D of the Americas. 21001 OH-739, Raymond, OH 43067
- JP Morgan Chase
- Limited Brands. 3 Limited Pkwy, Columbus, OH 43230
- Mount Carmel Health
- Ohio Health System
Top 10 Fastest Growing Jobs
- Ambulatory healthcare professionals, specifically RNs, LPNs, and HHAs
- Manufacturing and Distribution: Amazon, Google, Intel, multiple large facilities.
- Non-store retailers (Online sales)
- Construction of commercial buildings and homes
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting professionals
- Professional and technical services
- Financial and insurance services
- Health and Social assistance jobs
- Educational professionals: Pre-K through 12 teachers and administrators
- Employment services: Recruiting, etc.
Other Top Jobs
- Network Systems and Data Communications Analysts and Administrators
- Physician Assistants (PAs) and Medical Assistants
- Computer Software Engineers and Systems Analysts
- Healthcare Technology Workers
- Physical and Occupational Therapists and Assistants
- Network and Computer Systems Administrators
From the Columbus Gallery of Art
By Cathreine Supron via Unsplash.com; Free to use under Unspash License
Occupations Offering the Most Job Openings
- Educational and Health-Related Services
- Employment Services
- Technical Services
- Construction Trades: Engineers, tradesmen, and helpers
- Online Retailers and Wholesale Sales
- Finance and Insurance: Especially securities, commodity contracts, and other financial investments and related activities
- Hospitals: All job titles
- Management, scientific, and technical consulting services
- Food and Beverage Stores
- Motor vehicle and parts dealers
At the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium. At one time, American Bison ran free on the grounds of Annheuser Busch on Rt. 161.
Additional Major Columbus Businesses Founded Here
- The Limited
- Wendy's International
- City National, Bank One (JP Morgan Chase)
- Worthington Industries
- Longaberger Baskets
- Cardinal Health
- Scotts Company
- F. & R. Lazarus Company: Now closed, this department store was a landmark for decades since founding in 1851, and became part of the Federated Department Stores.
Among several global research institutions in Columbus, the city is headquarters to, Battelle Memorial Institute (where Xerography was invented) and Chemical Abstracts Service.
Jeffrey Mining and Manufacturing operated for many decades, very active in WWII and thereafter in war equipment and mining machines. It is now the site of the State Of Ohio Library and decorated with photographs and exhibits from the former plants and offices of Jeffrey.
New Business Openings
- The city is in the running to become the home to the second Amazon.com headquarters.
- Dozens of successful microbreweries have flooded Columbus since 2016.
- Hot Chicken Takeover. Begun at a business incubator, this mobile and brick-and-mortar restaurant is the fastest growing eatery in the state.
- Root Insurance Company: Founded in 2015, the company expanded significantly in 2018. it has been recognized by the city and the state as a "best startup company" for 2018.
- Women's Clinic of Columbus: Free health care to women; an alternative to Planned Parenthood.
Other Great New Businesses
- Morse/Sunbury Roads Development: Another new shopping complex opened in 2016.
- Compass Data Centers: A new 3,000 Square Foot center in New Albany at the edge of NE Columbus has been successful through 2018 so far.
- Leigh’s Legacy Foundation: Begun in 2011 o combat domestic violence.
- Laonei Global Trade Consulting: Founded 2012.
- Modern Male: Exclusive grooming studio for men.
- Peet's Coffee & Tea: Purchased several buildings during 2013 in Franklin County to open successful coffee shops.
- "The Men's Corner" at Kenny and Henderson Roads completed in 2013: Boxing studio, male grooming salon, restaurant and bar & grill.
Sunday in the Park with George. George Seurat: Le Grande Jette in topiary, based on the famous painting. The painting also led to the Broadway Play, "Sunday in the Park with George."
Best Colleges in Columbus for New Technologies
- Capital University: Top academics and football school adjacent to Trinity Lutheran Seminary, one of few Lutheran seminaries in America. All located at 1 College Ave. and Main St., Columbus, OH 43209/
- Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD): Nationally recognized as a leading arts school, with many graduates going to work for Disney, Pixar (Don Scanlon and others), Cartoon Network, Paramount Animation, Illumination and others, as well as major magazines and other news publications in print and online.
- Columbus State Community College (CSCC): Beginning in the late 1960s as Columbus Business University in a store front on North High Street downtown, the CSCC campus is large, and their 2-year programs transfer seamlessly to The Ohio State University. It now offers 4-year degrees and is developing new programs to equip workers in careers at the new Amazon, Google, and Intel major facilities here from 2023 - 2033.
- Franklin University: Excellently rated business school with expanding course offerings. Located at 201 S Grant Ave, Columbus, OH 43215
- Ohio Dominican University: Formerly Saint Mary's of the Springs, this school is very active in community programs and summer youth training as well as higher academics. Located at 1216 Sunbury Rd, Columbus, OH 43219.
- Otterbein University: Well respected school in the Westerville suburbs. New laboratories were added in 2016 and 2022, including 3D printing and newer technologies.
- The Ohio State University: Engineering and Technology are expanding. See OSU Engineering Students produce Smart Cameras as they determine suspicious and lost people. Major campus renovations and several new housing structures have been added.
- Mount Carmel College of Nursing. 127 S Davis Ave, Columbus, OH 43222.
- Ohio State College of Barber Styling: This decades-old school has produced talented graduates and salon owners. Located at 4614 E Broad St, Columbus, OH 43213.
Devry University at the Winter Olympics
Fifteen DeVry University and its Keller Graduate School of Management students made Team USA at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi.
DeVry is an upscale school of technology with facilities across America, furnishing NASA and other firms with highly trained experts.
Lane Avenue Bridge at The Ohio State University. Once a run-down area next to the first Big Bear Store in Columbus,this new bridge is a beautiful tourist attraction as well as a place for walking and jogging.
Sources
- Best Tech Startups in Columbus. The Tech Tribune; 2018, 2023.
- Blocksidge, S. 25 Small Businesses Make Huge Impact on Columbus, Ohio. Sixth City Marketing; 2017.
- Columbus Chamber of Commerce. September 2018; September 2023.
- Columbus Construction News. Bizjournals.com; October 2018, September 2023.
- Indeed.com and SimplyHired.com job listings, accessed June 16, 2023; September 17, 2023.
- Inglish, P. Best Smart City in the World: Columbus, Ohio. Hubpages.com, 2023.
- Inglish, P. New Jobs in Silicon Heartland: Columbus, Ohio. Hubpages.com; 7/29/07, May 13, 2023.
- Megraw, C. Columbus, Ohio: one year into becoming America's first Smart City; 2017. 360.here.com/columbus-ohio-one-year-into-becoming-americas-first-smart-city Retrieved October 10, 2018.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
© 2007 Patty Inglish MS
Comments
Paul Perry from Los Angeles on April 29, 2013:
wow very interesting hub! great research thank you!
Shasta Matova from USA on December 06, 2011:
I agree that Columbus is a great place to live. I find the people very nice and friendly.
auto insurance coverage on August 02, 2011:
I enjoy reading your blog posts. I look forward to reading more of your future articles on this subject.
D on June 01, 2011:
JarrodHaze, I've got an argument for moving to Ohio. It's not Michigan. Oh, and also it's cheaper to live here than it is to live on the coast. As much as I love the coast, I just couldn't afford it, nor were there enough good jobs in the area I left. Ohio is not spectacular by any means, but it's a mostly comfortable and reasonable place to live (weather notwithstanding). I could think of dozens of worse places to live. And if you're going to live in Ohio, Columbus is definitely one of the best cities in the state to live in.
COL BIZ on February 17, 2011:
Yes Columbus is one of the top cities in the United States for technology. Additional stories can be found at www.enjoycolumbus.com
srpatterson from Dublin, Ohio on July 12, 2009:
Great site about Columbus Ohio and the biggest employers in the area.
Patty Inglish MS (author) from USA and Asgardia, the First Space Nation on January 11, 2009:
On home game Saturdays, the libararies ar enow closed and campus bus service suspended, it is so congested. This reduction in service also reduces crime rates asn saves staff dollars, I'm sure.
See the news stories and links about about the Smart Camera developed at OSU. Cameras are already installed all over the public bus system and in most Mcdonalds'. Cameras seem to be everywere.
Ilya Bodner on September 11, 2008:
Columbus is a great place to start a business, work for a growing business, and attend schools. Everything is around the corner and the fast pace tech job openings let us all enjoy the booming economy around Downtown and Arena area.
Small business owners are concentrating more and more on business credit, business image and most importantly the business performance. More companies have been popping up to win awards, etc.
"Go bucks" is the comment above, and yes...the Buckeyes also attract small business owners to the area. With gameday Saturdays, Lane Ave is almost impossible to get through, hot dog vendors crowd the streets and sales for the local bars go through the roof.
Sincerely,
Ilya Bodner
Small Business Owner
Initial Underwriting Group
dan on August 13, 2008:
go bucks
Patty Inglish MS (author) from USA and Asgardia, the First Space Nation on April 19, 2008:
Ohio has seen a mass exodus of new college graduates and young professionals to other states because they were attracted by the incentives you describe. Even though some companies left the state as well, enough workers left from the 1990s and early 2000s that a greater number of job opportunities exist.
One circumstnace that will create new jobs through at least the middle of the 21st century is that the Arnold Fitness Weekend, Arnold Classic (body building contests) and all the related Sports Festivals will be likely taken over for operation by the Arnold partner Mr. Jim Larimer's son and the events are intended to add more sports and activities than any of the Olympics. I think it will contain more events than summer and winter Olympics combined. Mixed Martial Arts at Nationwide Arena and on pay-per-view on the Friday of the yearly Arnold events is a big hit. This weekend alone brings millions of dollars of income into the city in the Industries of Hospitality, dining, shopping and tourism, among others.
Columbus is different than it was 50 years ago and it will be extremely more different in another 10 years.
JarrodHaze on April 19, 2008:
I hear more and more of this going on in the Midwest... I remember on campus in Chicago once there were representatives from some major Louisville firms as well wanting to recruit young graduates with some awfully attractive incentives, and in all industries. I guess economic expansion and attracting a younger population is a prime objective to revitalize places that may not be someone's first choice.
You always hear of people moving to New York, or Cali, etc. but maybe 20 years from now people will be wishing they'd moved to Midwestern cities while the gettin' was good? ;)
Patty Inglish MS (author) from USA and Asgardia, the First Space Nation on April 19, 2008:
I'd say that Mayor Michael Coleman is doing wonders as far as the cityscape goes. His administration is gaining titles to numerous abandoned properties, tearing them down, and building reaidential and business facilities on them. In addition, each section of town has its own Development Corporation that aides non-profits and for-proifits to start and maintain businesses all around the city. There are solid plans for light rail and street cars in the next few years. Mayor Coleman has also helped start the "Gateway" developments in town - North and South OSU Gateways, Gateways in the east of the city, and more. These are brand new business and entertainment complexes. There are some tax advantages to businesses mocing in to certain parts of Franklin County as well.
Like you, I wish we had more water, especially a coastline. Lake Erie is improving all the time, though.
JarrodHaze on April 19, 2008:
Great article... just wondering what life is like in Ohio... having graduated from a graduate school in the Midwest, not only have I met several people from Ohio awho couldn't wait to leave, but I've been recruited by several companies and smaller firms in Ohio, and have consistently turned them down on the fact that I'm a sea-farer at heart and require coasts. :)
I've been to Columbus, it's nice, but if you were trying your hardest to sell someone on Ohio, what would you say? I'm curious. ;) Prove those Ohio ex-pats wrong!
Patty Inglish MS (author) from USA and Asgardia, the First Space Nation on March 20, 2008:
That's good to know, Flashfire; I've several friends working for them that enjoy their careers very much.
Flashfire from United States on March 20, 2008:
Great page! JP Morgan Chase is one of the best employers in the world. :)
