Ryan blacburn

Ecosystem Engagement Lead, Defense Innovation OnRamp: Ohio 

Ryan Blackburn currently serves as the Ecosystem Engagement Lead with the Defense Innovation Unit OnRamp Hub: Ohio. Ryan focuses on strengthening partnerships among the Department of War, industry, and academia by aligning regional innovation capabilities with national defense priorities. With a particular emphasis on the Office of the Secretary of War for Research and Engineering Critical Technology Areas and Defense Innovation Unit priority areas, Ryan strives to drive outreach, engagement, and integration efforts to streamline DoW interaction with commercial technology providers and relevant stakeholders. 

Prior to joining the OnRamp Hub: Ohio, Ryan worked on military and defense economic development projects with JobsOhio and focused on strengthening Ohio’s military and veteran workforce with the Ohio Department of Veteran Services. 

Ryan is a native of central Ohio and a United States Air Force veteran. While serving on active duty as an Operations Intelligence Analyst, Ryan deployed to Iraq twice and once to Afghanistan supporting F-16 tactical operations for Operation Iraqi and Enduring Freedom. After completing his service to the Air Force, Ryan utilized his post-military education benefits to pursue a bachelor’s degree at The Ohio State University in Business Administration and then a graduate leadership certificate in Public and Non-profit Leadership from the John Glenn College of Public Affairs.