Nationwide is making a $1.5 billion investment through 2028 to accelerate technology and AI innovation, including $100 million a year dedicated to artificial intelligence. The Columbus-based insurer aims to have 90% of employees using AI tools by next year while expanding data-driven services and faster, more personalized customer support across its businesses.

Cleveland Clinic is partnering with DASI Simulations to co-develop an AI “co-pilot” system for heart procedures — using predictive modeling and real-time guidance to enhance safety and precision in TAVR and other structural heart interventions.

Ohio is experiencing a digital infrastructure boom that is rapidly reshaping its economy. The state has attracted more than $40 billion in private data center investment. The Ohio Chamber Foundation’s newly released study on the economic impact of data centers confirms what many in business and government already suspected: these facilities are not just technological infrastructure, but engines for investment, opportunity, and smart growth.

JumpStart is now accepting applications for the latest cohort of its Trailblazer Software Accelerator. The free, three-month program offers up to $275,000 in non-dilutive support, expert advising, and an in-person investor showcase. Founders must apply by November 2 to be considered for this opportunity to fast-track early-stage software startups in Ohio.

Amazon brought its Think Big Experience to Columbus, giving nearly 1,000 middle schoolers hands-on exposure to AI, robotics, and virtual reality. Hosted at COSI with Hilliard and New Albany schools, the two-day STEM event is part of Amazon’s effort to inspire the next generation of Ohio innovators — especially young women — in the state’s growing tech hub.

Cleveland’s Sonic Fire Tech raised $3.5M from Khosla Ventures and others to scale NASA-inspired infrasound systems that stop fires before they start—using no water, chemicals, or damage. The Ohio startup is aiming for 50 pilot installations by 2026 as wildfires grow more extreme nationwide.

At his inauguration, University of Toledo President Dr. James Holloway — a nuclear engineer and longtime academic leader — unveiled Innovate Toledo, a new initiative to expand research and industry collaboration. The effort anchors his vision to position UToledo as a driver of innovation, economic growth, and opportunity for northwest Ohio.

A San Francisco startup building browser infrastructure for AI agents has raised $22 million — with Cincinnati’s Cintrifuse Capital and Refinery Ventures joining Accel, Y Combinator, and others in the round. The deal spotlights how Ohio investors are helping shape the core infrastructure powering generative AI.

The O.H.I.O. Fund has made a minority investment in Dublin-based EASE Logistics, one of Ohio’s fastest-growing logistics firms. The partnership — including a new collaboration with Columbus AI company Jakib.ai — aims to expand EASE’s AI capabilities and advance Ohio’s role in technology-driven supply chain innovation.

Cleveland Clinic is teaming up with Silicon Valley’s Khosla Ventures in a new collaboration designed to fast-track the future of healthcare innovation. The partnership links Ohio’s world-class medical research and clinical expertise with one of the nation’s top venture firms, opening new pathways for AI, digital health, and next-generation therapeutics to move rapidly from concept to commercialization.

Honda is opening a new Advanced Materials Science Lab at Ohio State’s SciTech Campus—a $2.6 million expansion backed by JobsOhio. The project deepens Honda’s nearly 50-year presence in the state and strengthens Ohio’s position as a leader in EV, hydrogen, and quantum research powering the next generation of mobility.

The Ohio State University has launched the AI(X) Hub — a new cross-campus initiative uniting 15 colleges to advance artificial intelligence research, education, and innovation. Focused on six core pillars, the hub positions Ohio State and the state of Ohio as national leaders in responsible, real-world AI development and deployment.

Cincinnati-based Heylo, built within Vessel’s venture studio, has appointed ShiftAbility founder Brian Hart as its first CEO. The company is developing technology to modernize care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, blending software, hardware, and human-centered design to help agencies scale person-first support.

Akron’s century-old polymer legacy is starting a new chapter. Bounce Innovation Hub and the Polymer Industry Cluster have launched the first cohort of the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator, backing eight startups tackling challenges from PFAS filtration to plastic recycling. The yearlong program provides funding, mentorship, and industry access to speed commercialization.

Cleveland students are stepping into the future of work with the launch of the Experiential Robotics Platform. The program brings 1,000 low-cost robotics kits into classrooms, giving kids hands-on experience in coding, design, and 3D printing—skills Ohio leaders say will define tomorrow’s jobs.

For Ohio Tech Day, student Daniel Herrmann visited the Mahoning County Career & Technical Center (MCCTC) and saw firsthand how Ohio schools are preparing the next generation of innovators. In this guest post, he shares how MCCTC blends classroom learning with real-world tech skills to shape Ohio’s future workforce.

Dayton-based drone delivery startup DEXA has closed an oversubscribed $15M seed round to expand operations and bring at-home drone delivery to U.S. cities. With rare FAA certifications and a hometown-first strategy focused on empowering local retailers, DEXA is positioning itself to compete with industry giants and make drone commerce a reality.

Centrus Energy is planning a multi-billion-dollar expansion of its uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio. The project could add 300 operations jobs and 1,000 construction jobs while bolstering U.S. capacity for advanced nuclear fuel — positioning southern Ohio at the center of America’s push for energy security and innovation.

OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank are expanding Stargate with five new AI data center sites — including one in Lordstown, Ohio. The $500 billion initiative is now ahead of schedule, bringing nearly 7 gigawatts of planned capacity, $400 billion in investment, and thousands of jobs that will help power the AI economy.

Youngstown startup REMPY is rethinking real estate with AI. Launched September 17th, the platform matches buyers, sellers, and agents based on compatibility — from communication style to market expertise — instead of cold leads or chance referrals. With roots in Northeast Ohio and national ambitions, REMPY shows how local innovation is reshaping one of life’s biggest financial decisions.