Edge Innovation Hub is a creative ecosystem for fueling innovators.
Our vision is a future where food is abundant, accessible, healthful, sustainable, and delicious.
Our mission is to build principle-based businesses that lead with love and drive food innovation to the edge of possibility.
Agápe Automation is the food-tech innovation company that creates the automated Sm^rt Kitchens of the future.
Agápe Automation is headquartered at Edge Innovation Hub.
BeeHex is a NASA spin-off company modernizing food preparation and personalization with the most advanced 3D printing and robotics system in the food industry.
BeeHex is headquartered at Edge Innovation Hub.
Grote Company manufactures industrial food slicing and assembly equipment for pizza, sandwich and prepared food processors. Since we were founded in 1972 by Jim Grote, we have been known for exceptional customer service, unparalleled craftsmanship, dependability and quality.
Grote Company is headquartered at their Central Ohio facility and shares space at Edge Innovation Hub.
Since 1995, CIFT has provided a unique blend of business solutions, innovation and technical expertise to the food processing, agricultural and manufacturing sectors. These services are designed to enhance the economic performance of the industries and create new jobs. Through an industry-driven methodology, businesses have benefited throughout Ohio and beyond.
FOUNDER
Based on the power of positive thinking and the Golden Rule, Jim Grote founded Donatos Pizza in 1963 in Columbus, Ohio. Knowing that there must be a better way, after years of applying sliced pepperoni by hand in the pizza shop, he went on to invent and patent the Pepp-a-matic, a machine to slice and apply pepperoni directly to pizza. He founded The JE Grote Company on this invention in 1972, which manufactures food processing equipment globally. Grote recently founded the Edge Innovation Hub, a center for creativity, where forward thinking companies can innovate at the edge of possibility.
Grote’s moonshot is to instill unconditional love into artificial intelligence, countering the apocalyptic predictions surrounding AI.
After growing up in the Catholic tradition, Grote began his search for a deeper understanding of the golden rule, loving your neighbor as you love yourself. He learned about the Christian traditions of unconditional love, eastern traditions of yoga philosophy, meditation and the teaching of Buddhism on loving kindness and compassion.
Jim’s massive transformative purpose is to help evolve the American capitalist system to a profitable model based on the power of love and the Golden Rule, which he calls Agápe Capitalism.
CHIEF CATALYST
Thomas grew up on the Columbus Ohio's south side, working at the original Donatos Pizza and later rising to the post of Chief Operating Officer as the business grew from seven restaurants to over 150.
He graduated with a finance degree from Miami University, and his MBA with honors from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.
He opened the groundbreaking Out On Main, a casual fine dining restaurant which celebrated the lives of gays and lesbians. Thomas became chief financial officer for Green Biologics, a UK based biotech company, and continues to consult in business development and brand strategy. Thomas is and has been a tireless advocate for LGBTQ equality.
Tom lives with his husband and two daughters in German Village, Ohio.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Craig is Executive Director of the Edge Innovation Hub and Director of Rapid Prototyping for Edge Exponential.
As a brand strategist, visual communication designer, artist, and musician, Craig uses innovation process to solve problems and help organizations grow. He developed the Superpower Brand Strategy Process specifically for businesses driven to make the world a better place. With this unique process, businesses connect with an audience that shares their vision and wants to join their mission, creating value and multiplying the good work they do.
Craig has Bachelor’s degrees in Fine Art and Visual Communication Design, as well as a Master’s degree in Design Research & Development. He has taught design, brand development, and innovation process at the Ohio State University.
Craig lives happily in Columbus, Ohio — the city he loves.
Edge Innovation Hub
1140 Gahanna Parkway
Gahanna, Ohio 43230
