Forbes: Kroger-UC connection shows how industry can access talent
Kroger's innovation lab at UC's 1819 Innovation Hub exemplifies industry-academic collaboration
The technology industry is rapidly changing, and its talent needs mirror the industry as a whole. That's a major problem for technology executives.
Sphere Software CEO Leon Ginsburg, a member of the Forbes Technology Council, explores the ways in which chief technology officers can build adaptive workforces in his Forbes piece, "Rapid Talent Restructuring As A Strategy."
Among the four strategies Ginsburg describes as critical to building adaptive workforces, he lists "Industry-Academic Collaborations to Develop Needed Talent." He points to the University of Cincinnati-Kroger partnership at UC's 1819 Innovation Hub as a successful example.
"Kroger and the University of Cincinnati collaborated to develop an innovation lab within the school's 1819 Innovation Hub," Ginsburg writes. "This initiative supports the grocery chain’s digital strategy, and Kroger engineers and developers will work with UC faculty to develop the curriculum."
The university's Innovation Agenda and its 1819 Innovation Hub are key components of Next Lives Here, the university's strategic direction.
Kroger is one of four Fortune 500 companies that have co-located to 1819 — the others being Procter & Gamble (via the UC Simulation Center and the Live Well Collaborative), Cincinnati Insurance Companies and Worldpay by FIS. Cincinnati Bell, Kingsgate Logistics and Fifth Third Bank have also partnered with UC at 1819.
Innovation Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati, classified as a Research 1 institution by the Carnegie Commission, is ranked in the National Science Foundation's Top-40 public research universities and secured a spot on Reuter’s World’s Most Innovative Universities list. UC's students and faculty investigate problems and innovate solutions with real-world impact. Next Lives Here.
Related Stories
Meet the young talent reshaping Cincinnati’s startup scene
October 28, 2025
Five University of Cincinnati students were honored for their impactful entrepreneurship on the Cincy Inno Under 25 list. We’ll explain what makes each student – and their startup – stand out.
Tackling children’s health
October 27, 2025
Randi Bates, assistant professor in the UC College of Nursing, focuses on advancing childhood health and wellbeing in her research. This month she was honored with a Crane Excellence in Early Childhood Award from The Ohio State University. Bates is also the recipient of the 2025 Distinguished Nurse Researcher Award from Mount St. Joseph University.
UC Foundation reveals 2025 philanthropy winners
October 27, 2025
The University of Cincinnati Foundation recognized its Outstanding Philanthropic Volunteer Award honorees at the George Rieveschl Recognition Dinner on Oct. 23, 2025.