JobsOhio Supports New Fintech R&D Innovation Space

JPMorgan Chase, a global financial services institution, is partnering with Otterbein University, JobsOhio and the city of Westerville to bring some of its financial technology (fintech) research and development to life in central Ohio.

JPMorgan Chase will lease three on-site spaces at The Point, the university’s new science, technology, engineering, arts and math (STEAM) innovation center, for project teams comprising JPMorgan Chase employees and Otterbein students from a variety of disciplines. The innovation spaces will create an environment for diverse student experiences and innovative, out-of-the-box thinking as employees and students collaborate on fintech research and development.

“Our firm is incredibly focused on innovation - in the solutions we offer to our customers, the culture we create for our employees, and the focus we bring to our communities,” said Corrine Burger, Columbus location leader for JPMorgan Chase. “Our partnership with The Point at Otterbein is a unique opportunity to think differently and work with the next generation of innovators to solve real-world challenges within our community and beyond.”

JobsOhio supported the project with a grant from its R&D Center Grant Program. The grant helps companies establish R&D centers to develop and commercialize new ideas.

“This partnership between JPMorgan Chase and Otterbein University establishes a financial technology innovation space unlike any in the world, and it’s happening in Westerville, Ohio,” said Valentina Isakina, JobsOhio managing director for financial services. “Chase’s choice of Ohio for this unprecedented model of R&D and learning demonstrates the world-class quality of talent, collaboration and innovation potential ready to be tapped into in Ohio."

The innovation space will create 75 to 100 full-time jobs, adding to JPMorgan Chase’s already large presence in central Ohio. With 19,200 employees in 13 buildings, it’s already the second largest private employer in Columbus.