Statewide Ohio Tech Day Launches in Northwest Ohio: Showcasing Tech Careers in the Silicon Heartland
Bowling Green kickoff event highlights innovative career paths through Virtual Reality experiences and skilled trades demonstrations
September 23, 2025
BOWLING GREEN, Ohio - Ohio Tech Day 2025 officially kicked off today with a launch event hosted at Bowling Green State University. Organized by OhioX, Meta’s Bowling Green Data Center, Be Pro Be Proud, and BGSU, the launch event provided students with hands-on experiences using cutting-edge Meta Quest Virtual Reality (VR) experiences , highlighting the many exciting career opportunities available in Ohio’s technology and skilled trades sectors.
The event attracted community leaders, educators, and students from across the region who had the opportunity to explore the Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop. This immersive exhibit featured VR simulations in fields such as welding, HVAC, robotics, and electrical work, showcasing the crucial role skilled trades play in Ohio’s innovation economy.
Students and community leaders engaged directly with interactive experiences designed to ignite interest in high-demand careers that combine advanced technology with hands-on craftsmanship. Meta has helped spearhead statewide launches of Be Pro Be Proud in Tennessee, Texas, and New Mexico, and hosted events in Illinois and now Ohio to introduce the initiative to new communities across the United States.
“Today’s launch event in Bowling Green was a perfect way to kickoff Ohio Tech Day,” said Chris Berry, President and CEO of OhioX. “It captures what this day is all about—bringing students, educators, and industry together to explore technology and imagine what’s possible. By sparking curiosity and showing real-world applications, we’re helping students see that Ohio is a place where they can build their future in tech.”
Tuesday’s launch event served as a kickoff to the broader Ohio Tech Day 2025 celebrations which will take place statewide on Friday, September 26th. Ohio Tech Day is an initiative of OhioX, and made possible by Meta as day’s presenting sponsor, to help inspire Ohio’s students to explore tech and innovation careers. On Ohio Tech Day, companies, schools, and organizations across the state participate in events and programs focused on students and tech-based learning.
“Meta is committed to supporting workforce development in our data center communities and, thanks to OhioX’s Ohio Tech Day, we have an opportunity each year to connect directly with the future leaders in our region,” said Amanda Miller, Community Development Regional Manager for Meta. “Through our partnership with Be Pro Be Proud, this next generation of tech professionals can experience firsthand the types of careers needed to build and operate Meta’s critical infrastructure - all through immersive experiences powered by Meta Quest VR headsets. We are grateful to bring these innovative partners together to support the students of the Silicon Heartland.”
“Be Pro Be Proud is excited to once again partner with Meta and OhioX to bring our Mobile Workshop Experience back to the state for Ohio Tech Day. The hands-on technical career exploration we provide students helps broaden awareness of many high-tech, high-wage professions that, if pursued, will position them to be part of the next generation of fortune creators,” said Andrew Parker, Executive Director of national nonprofit, Be Pro Be Proud. “The aligned missions of these organizations will Build Tomorrow’s Workforce – in Ohio and across America.”
“As a public university for the public good, Bowling Green State University is proud to be part of Ohio Tech Day, bringing together education and industry to advance Ohio’s future in technology,” said BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers. “Building on our region’s robust educational ecosystem, as well as our state’s long-standing leadership in innovation and advanced manufacturing, we are, together, preparing students to become tomorrow’s leaders. During this time of great technological advances and opportunity, we must continue to fully leverage our region’s many strengths and embrace both technology and human-centric skills, including curiosity and empathy, which is a powerful combination in driving meaningful innovation for the future of our communities, state and nation.”
Attendees and organizers at the launch event expressed their excitement about the future of Ohio’s workforce. Educators and community leaders praised the initiative for its ability to connect students with modern tools and technologies that reflect the evolving landscape of skilled trades and innovation in the state.
About Ohio Tech Day
Ohio Tech Day is an annual celebration of tech in Ohio meant to inspire students to explore innovation careers. Held annually on the final Friday of September (this year’s Ohio Tech Day is Friday, September 26th) this special Ohio Tech Day launch program kickoffs statewide celebrations by companies, schools, and nonprofits. Ohio Tech Day is built and hosted by OhioX, a statewide technology and innovation nonprofit trade association working to build Ohio’s tech hub.
For more information on OhioX, please visit, www.ohiox.org
For more information on Ohio Tech Day, please visit www.ohiotechday.org
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