UC's mission is to prove that Next Lives Here, and its STEMM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics and medicine) programs back up that claim. U.S. News & World Report designated UC as one of the top 100 most innovative universities in the United States for 2023 and the National Academy of Inventors (NAI) ranked it as a top-100 producer of patents as well.
UC's focus on research and technology regularly attracts businesses to the 1819 Innovation Hub, an on-campus hotbed of entrepreneurial activity. Anvl came to 1819 to "connect with soon-to-graduate students and interns" from among UC's more than 50,000 students, according to Taylor.
Innovation is a key component of Anvl's future, especially as it incorporates artificial intelligence (AI) into its industrial safety reporting technology. With UC's focus on pioneering what's next, Anvl knew it could access graduates ready to reimagine the process for tracking Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) compliance.
All companies need risk management reporting systems to check that they're following government regulations and ensuring worker safety. That's especially true in industrial facilities, where Anvl focuses. A compliance oversight could not only lead to millions in penalties but also potential injuries or death.
In Taylor's words, "Anvl exists to enable front-line workers and supervisors to do their jobs better, safer and smarter" by "transforming the culture of safety and quality management." Many companies rely on paper-based documentation for safety compliance reporting, leading to delayed data analysis and wasted time. Anvl hopes to reinvent and streamline the process.
App development and AI are themselves new technologies, which motivated Anvl to set up shop in UC's 1819 Innovation Hub. The facility lets inventive college students help and learn from corporate partners as well as some of the region's most promising startups.
"We sought to be surrounded by people and companies committed to taking big swings on things that matter," Taylor said. "The team at 1819 has been incredibly [helpful] to work with and feels like an extension of our team to help us facilitate growth."
Graduates from UC are well versed in innovation, whether through classroom lectures or by training in the field through a co-op. Taylor, himself a UC grad, is hoping to gain insights from young Bearcats who are fascinated by mobile app development, safety compliance strategies and AI.
UC itself is thrilled to expand its startup ecosystem. Nicola Ziady, the university's chief marketing officer, said, "Collaborative alliances like Anvl contribute significantly to the 1819 ecosystem. With a wealth of resources, we have the capacity to cultivate talent, catalyze groundbreaking innovations and provide emerging companies with vital opportunities. Our mission lies in bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and tangible, real-world impact. We welcome Anvl as a startup partner."
Taylor is likely to find the passionate students he craves at the 1819 Innovation Hub. Anvl's future is as bright as its talent - luckily, UC is filled with the entrepreneurial innovators his company needs.
Featured image at top: Worker at an advanced manufacturing facility. Photo/Anvl
