Driving Aerospace Innovation and Economic Growth: America Makes Leads New Youngstown Hub with Key Support from OAI and Parallax
In a landmark announcement made on February 27, 2025, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik unveiled the Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense, the fourth Innovation Hub under Ohio's state-backed program. This ambitious initiative aims to generate over 450 new jobs and deliver $161 million in projected state revenue, positioning Youngstown as a national leader in aerospace and defense manufacturing.
Spearheaded by America Makes and supported by several partners, including the Ohio Aerospace Institute (OAI), a wholly affiliated nonprofit of Parallax Advanced Research, the Innovation Hub builds on Youngstown's long-established leadership in additive manufacturing (AM) technology. AM, commonly known as 3D printing, has become a cornerstone technology for modernizing defense manufacturing, allowing for rapid production of complex and customized components that reduce reliance on foreign supply chains.
OAI brings more than 30 years of experience in promoting growth for small, high-tech businesses and helping transition advanced technologies from concept to market. As a key partner, OAI will leverage its deep expertise in federal funding programs such as America’s Seed Fund (SBIR/STTR) and the SBA’s FAST Partnership Program to provide outreach, technical assistance, and commercialization support for small businesses in the region. This positions OAI as a critical engine for ensuring that the Innovation Hub serves not only large industry players but also empowers the small businesses that form the backbone of Ohio's manufacturing economy.
"The Youngstown Innovation Hub will expand services for smaller manufacturers and businesses, broadening the region's competitiveness in aerospace, defense, and additive manufacturing," said Anthony Gillespie, director of Strategic and Technology-Based Partnerships and Technology Transfer Office at OAI. "Our role is to maximize the impact of federal and state programs, ensuring that small businesses have access to the resources, networks, and expertise they need to succeed."
“At its core, the hub is designed to support manufacturing businesses as they grow from early-stage ventures to profitable enterprises – that’s why it’s vital to have partners like OAI and Parallax,” stated Alexander Steeb, Operations director at America Makes. “By scaling technology and talent, connecting companies with public and private funding, and helping them qualify as aerospace and defense vendors, the hub fosters a connected industrial network that delivers products and innovations to the right hands.”
The project is backed by $62 million in combined funding, including $26 million from the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program, $36 million in local, federal, and private investments, and additional support from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources through the AMLER program for facility design and renovations.
The Youngstown Innovation Hub is the result of a multi-year collaborative effort involving America Makes, the City of Youngstown, the Youngstown Business Incubator, the Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber, state legislators, and regional business leaders. Parallax and OAI have played a central, collaborative role in coordinating efforts around the Innovation Hub. Their staff has been actively involved in strategic planning and in aligning the hub’s economic development goals with the state’s broader aerospace and defense strategy. Along with their partners, OAI and Parallax are poised to drive transformative growth in Ohio’s aerospace sector, providing new opportunities for businesses, creating high-wage jobs, and strengthening the state’s position in the global defense supply chain.
“The region is fortunate to have organizations like Parallax and OAI that have deep expertise in the aerospace and defense industries,” said Barb Ewing, CEO of YBI. “Their involvement in the Hub will provide critical resources for local manufacturers as they look to enter and grow their market share in these industries.”
### About Parallax Advanced Research & the Ohio Aerospace Institute Parallax Advanced Research is a 501(c)(3) private nonprofit research institute that tackles global challenges through strategic partnerships with government, industry, and academia. It accelerates innovation, addresses critical global issues, and develops groundbreaking ideas with its partners. In 2023, Parallax and the Ohio Aerospace Institute formed a collaborative affiliation to drive innovation and technological advancements across Ohio and the nation. The Ohio Aerospace Institute plays a pivotal role in advancing aerospace through collaboration, education, and workforce development. More information can be found at parallaxresearch.org and oai.org.