Cincinnati’s AI Future Is Being Built Now: Highlights from the Future Tech Forum
The Enterprise Technology Association’s Future Tech Forum brought together Cincinnati leaders to discuss AI readiness, workforce development, and regional innovation, with Nexigen proud to support the conversation.
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Last week, Cincinnati leaders, technologists, educators, and enterprise innovators gathered for the Enterprise Technology Association’s Future Tech Forum, a powerful conversation centered on one critical question:
How does Ohio, and Cincinnati specifically, become a national leader in AI readiness and impact?
As a proud sponsor of the Cincinnati Tech Forum, Nexigen was honored to support a room filled with people who are not just discussing the future of AI, but actively building it.
Ohio’s AI Readiness Moment
The forum opened with a clear reality check. Ohio’s AI readiness rankings are not where they need to be. When measured by workforce credentials, published research, patents, and investment activity, many Midwest cities trail behind national tech hubs.
The message from the stage was direct and motivating. Potential alone does not move rankings. Action does.
Ohio has the enterprise diversity, university talent pipeline, and industry base to lead in applied AI. What is required now is coordinated effort across education, business, technology, and leadership.
Key Themes from the Cincinnati Future Tech Forum
Throughout the day, speakers emphasized that AI readiness cannot exist in silos. Progress requires alignment across multiple fronts.
Technical capability and secure infrastructure
Research visibility and knowledge sharing
Workforce training and credential development
Leadership fluency in AI strategy and governance
Focusing on only one area leaves opportunity on the table.
Insights from Regional, Academic, and Industry Leaders
The forum featured perspectives from across the Cincinnati and Ohio technology ecosystem, offering grounded and human-centered insights into how AI adoption must evolve.
Ryan Hale shared lessons on generational knowledge transfer in construction and the importance of capturing physical and digital expertise.
Bharath Prabhakaran highlighted BearcatGPT and how the University of Cincinnati is navigating rapid AI-driven change.
David Seidl discussed knowledge sharing and managing workforce transitions as a strategic advantage.
Zack Huhn explored the future of connected smart regions and how communities will interact through technology.
Summer Crenshaw emphasized workforce training and aligning innovation speed with human capacity for change.
A consistent theme emerged. AI adoption must move forward with intention, security, and people at the center.
Why This Conversation Matters Now
Cincinnati is uniquely positioned to lead in applied AI at the intersection of enterprise, education, and community. Events like the Future Tech Forum create alignment, shared language, and real momentum.
If your organization is beginning to think seriously about AI strategy, secure adoption, or workforce readiness, these conversations are no longer optional.
Nexigen’s Role in Advancing AI Readiness
At Nexigen, we believe AI readiness is not just about tools. It is about secure infrastructure, operational confidence, and responsible implementation.
By sponsoring the Cincinnati Future Tech Forum, Nexigen reaffirmed its commitment to supporting regional innovation through:
Secure IT and cybersecurity foundations
AI-ready infrastructure and cloud strategy
Thought leadership and community engagement
Human-centered technology adoption
This aligns directly with Nexigen’s mission to deliver Confidence-as-a-Service for organizations navigating rapid technological change.
What’s Next: Continuing the Momentum
The Future Tech Forum is part of a broader regional effort to move from awareness to action. The conversation continues throughout 2025.
Join Us at Cincy AI Week (June 2026)
Cincy AI Week brings together business leaders, technologists, educators, and innovators to explore real-world AI applications, governance, and strategy.
Next Event: Louisville Future Tech Forum (February 2026)
The Future Tech Forum heads to Louisville this February, expanding the regional dialogue around AI readiness, enterprise innovation, and collaboration.
Building the Future Together
Ohio’s AI future will not be built by observers. It will be built by organizations willing to invest, collaborate, and act with intention.
Nexigen is proud to stand alongside the ETA, regional universities, enterprise partners, and innovators shaping what comes next.