Ohio’s economic strength is in its people, its innovation, and our collaboration. We have a lengthy history of recognizing the power of teamwork, of linking sectors together, and driving investment in the things that matter.

As president and CEO of BioOhio, the state’s largest organization advocating on behalf of the bioscience and life sciences, I see the power of that collaboration and investment in science every day.

That is especially true in the Toledo area, as I learned on a recent visit to the region.

I was fortunate to visit with leaders at ProMedica Innovations, where I learned about innovative solutions that help address some of the most complex health issues of our time. I left energized by ProMedica’s plans for northwest Ohio. ProMedica is a $7 billion not-for-profit enterprise, with initiatives and investments ranging from insurance to health care, and connecting tech with bench-level bioscience research to improve health outcomes for people not just in Ohio, but around the world.

ProMedica Innovations engages with entrepreneurs as a startup partner, providing grant funding and capital, access to clinical and operational expertise, and connection to a robust resource network to help launch emerging technologies. During my visit, I learned about the crucial investments ProMedica is making in the life sciences and bioscience research: ProMedica attracted $60+ million in venture funding to the area, managed over 80 patents and applications and assisted with the development of 10 startups. I am especially excited about the innovation center in UpTown Toledo that ProMedica has planned through its partnership with Bitwise Industries. This is the type of collaboration BioOhio is so committed to encouraging, as investments such as these strengthen the bioscience ecosystem for the whole state.

You should know that the bioscience ecosystem in northwest Ohio is strong. Our most recent numbers show the industry has some 250 locations in the Toledo area, employing more than 4,600 people with a $273 million annual payroll. The average wage for bioscience research and development jobs in northwest Ohio is nearly $80,000 a year.

The economic figures are impressive, but what is more inspiring to me is the benefit this industry has on people’s lives.

ProMedica’s CEO Randy Oostra was recently recognized as part of Modern Healthcare’s 2022 class of top innovators. Awards are nice, of course, but the reasons for the award are more meaningful than any certificate. Randy was honored because of ProMedica’s commitment to addressing the social determinants of health and creating better paths to healthy aging. One way they’ve done this is by connecting ProMedica’s resources with Kumanu, a well-being technology firm that helps individuals and employers better understand the roadblocks to wellness.

That kind of innovation will drive Ohio’s health in the future — both literally, as in the health of our people, and figuratively, as in the health of our economy.

Northwest Ohio should feel proud of these investments and innovation. But we can’t stop there: The state of Ohio and other corporate anchors should rally around investments like the ones ProMedica has made and must continue to invest in our bioscience and health ecosystem, laying the foundation for a strong future that diversifies our economic strengths. I look forward to seeing what comes next and helping grow this important sector in the Toledo area and across the state.

Eddie Pauline is president and CEO of BioOhio in Columbus.

First Published May 21, 2022, 4:00 a.m.