 In 2008 , Ohio was ranked # 1 in the Midwest and 4th in the nation for biotech industry strength by Business Facilities magazine . As of 2008 , there were over 1 @,@ 100 biotech related firms operating in the state , employing 1 @.@ 4 million residents overall in direct or indirect related fields , including healthcare , with $ 2 @.@ 5 billion in investment in 2007 , making it an international leader . Ohio had three city @-@ regions in the top 30 biotech locations in the country , with Cleveland @-@ Akron ranked # 20 , Columbus # 22 , and Cincinnati # 28 . 
