The Glass Innovation Hub
A $31.3 Million Investment in Ohio’s Manufacturing Future
Toledo has been recognized as the “Glass City” for over a century. Now, with a $31.3 million state investment, the Glass Innovation Hub is positioning Northwest Ohio to lead glass technology globally for the next century.
Northwest Ohio’s Glass Innovation Center
What Is the Glass Innovation Hub?
The Glass Innovation Hub is a state-funded glass research facility bringing together industry leaders, research universities, and cutting-edge capabilities to solve the glass manufacturing industry’s most critical challenges.
Located in Northwest Ohio—home to five global glass manufacturers and the nation’s largest solar panel producer—this glass innovation center serves as the epicenter for pre-competitive research, workforce development, and sustainable manufacturing innovation.
The hub connects industry partners like O-I Glass, Owens Corning, First Solar, and PepsiCo with leading research institutions to tackle shared challenges in sustainability, advanced manufacturing, and product innovation. Through collaborative research and shared facilities, we’re accelerating breakthroughs that benefit the entire glass industry.
Glass Center of Excellence
8,700 sq ft facility with lab space and collaboration areas
Industry Access
Adjacent to experimental furnaces and commercial glass production
Research Excellence
Partnership with R1 universities and specialized equipment
Strategic Location
Direct access to ten glass furnaces in commercial production across the region
Quick Facts
- Opened: April 2025
- Location: Perrysburg, Ohio
- Facility Size: 8,700 sq ft
- Active Projects: 7 research initiatives
- Partner Companies: 6 global manufacturers
- Research Universities: 3 institutions
Recent Milestones
Sustainability
Developing alternative fuels, electrification technologies, and energy-efficient processes to reduce carbon footprint. Projects include hydrogen safety analysis and waste heat recovery.
Advanced Manufacturing
Leveraging AI, machine learning, and advanced sensors to optimize furnace operations and extend asset life through predictive maintenance and process control.
Product Innovation
Creating lighter, stronger, more sustainable glass through surface treatments, advanced coatings, and improved recycling systems for packaging and solar applications.
Glass Center of Excellence
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Purpose-Built for Innovation
The physical heart of the Glass Innovation Hub is the Glass Center of Excellence—a purpose-built facility on the O-I Glass campus in Perrysburg, Ohio.
Facility Features:
- 1,500 sq ft research laboratory equipped with specialized glass testing equipment and materials analysis tools
- 7,200 sq ft collaboration space with flexible work areas and meeting rooms designed for cross-company collaboration
- Adjacent to O-I Innovation Center with two experimental furnaces and world-class materials science laboratory
- University integration through satellite activities at University of Toledo and Bowling Green State University
The facility opened in April 2025 and serves as the central hub for industry-university collaboration in this glass research facility Ohio.
Get Involved
Join the
Glass Innovation Hub
Whether you’re an industry partner, researcher, student, or investor,
there’s a place for you in Northwest Ohio’s glass innovation ecosystem.
For Industry Partners
Access cutting-edge research, pre-competitive collaboration opportunities, and influence over research priorities. Partner companies gain access to facilities, equipment, and shared IP frameworks.
For Researchers & Educators
Contribute expertise to industry-led projects, access specialized equipment, and pursue research with clear commercialization pathways. We actively seek collaborators in materials science, engineering, AI/ML, and sustainability.
For Students & Workforce
Launch your career through internships, apprenticeships, and graduate research assistantships connected to breakthrough glass manufacturing research.