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Cincinnati Children’s Again Ranked Among America’s Most Innovative Companies by Fortune

Wednesday, March 25, 2026

Cincinnati Children’s has again been named one of America’s Most Innovative Companies across all industries by Fortune – and is the top-rated pediatric health system in the national ranking.

“Cincinnati Children’s exceptional outcomes are directly related to being a powerhouse of research and innovation,” said Steve Davis, MD, president and CEO. “This recognition by Fortune reinforces our progress and leadership role in discovering cures and therapies that  benefit kids and families everywhere.

“Every employee is encouraged to contribute to our culture of innovation and creativity,” Davis added. “In our pursuit to be the best at getting better, we ask ‘How might we?’ when we identify an opportunity to improve outcomes or experience for a patient, family or colleague, driving and celebrating creativity from those closest to the work.”

Over 19,400 people work at Cincinnati Children’s, and those engaged in research include thousands of scientists, physicians, nurses and support staff. Innovators and experts develop breakthroughs in areas ranging from treatments and therapeutics to medical devices and digital solutions. That helps explain why each year families from all 50 states and dozens of countries travel to Cincinnati Children’s to receive care for complex or rare disorders.

Todd Ponsky, MD, chief innovation officer and leader of the Innovation Ventures technology transfer and commercialization team at Cincinnati Children’s, noted that the organization’s progress in devoting the resources as the leader in improving child health is only part of the story. “Even as we build on our own successes, we’re equally focused on discovering promising ideas developed outside our health system,” Ponsky said. “Our innovation efforts include undertaking bold, widescale challenges through purposeful collaboration.”

Of the 300 most innovative companies cited by Fortune for 2026, Cincinnati Children’s ranked No 75.

Innovation highlights at Cincinnati Children’s include: 

• 881 inventors overall 
• 322 U.S. and international patents issued since 2020 
• 21 total start-up companies around the world, including 15 in Ohio, based on intellectual property from Cincinnati Children’s 
• 297 jobs created

Fortune and research firm Statista ranked Cincinnati Children’s and other companies based on product innovation, process innovation and innovation culture. That involved analyzing the quantity and value of a company’s intellectual property (including introduction of new products, services or technologies as well as total strength of patent portfolio) – and surveying experts such as business analysts, recruiters and management consultants plus people working in research and development or business development. In addition, employees were surveyed with regard to what extent a company fosters a spirit of entrepreneurship and creativity while encouraging the development of new ideas.