ZoCo Design has been a powerhouse in Columbus for over 12 years. They deliver high-impact user experience (UX) design for a diverse range of industries, but as of late 2024, their focus sharpened. They’re transforming healthcare and healthtech, partnering with product and technology teams to make understanding people and what to build for them, radically easy.

Growing at lightning speed, Ohio’s cybersecurity industry is emerging as a nationwide leader. According to a new report from Upwind, three Ohio cities, Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati, rank among the top ten fastest-growing cybersecurity job markets in the United States.

The tech trailblazer was honored as GCP’s "Best of Tech Rising Star" in 2024 for her outstanding contributions to the NASA Space Apps Challenge Cleveland, which she organizes annually at NASA Glenn Research Center. She is the Founder and President of the International Space Alliance (ISA), a trained analog astronaut who has participated in multiple missions, and a dedicated advocate for pioneering space exploration and promoting inclusivity. 

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik recently announced a new Innovation Hub in Youngstown to advance additive manufacturing technology for the national defense industry.

Ohio lawmakers have introduced a bill requiring high school students to complete a computer science course to graduate, starting with the Class of 2032. Supported by OhioX and industry leaders, the legislation aims to expand access, strengthen Ohio’s tech workforce, and ensure students are prepared for future digital careers.

71/70 Angels has launched its first fund to expand Ohio’s angel investor network and close the seed capital gap for enterprise software and advanced tech startups. Backed by Rev1 Ventures, the fund streamlines early-stage investments, fueling innovation and strengthening Ohio’s role as a growing tech hub.

Startup success is a long game. The journey to a profitable exit can easily take 7-10 years, especially for startups in the healthcare technology sector. Endotronix’s success and its subsequent exit underscores the power of Northeast Ohio’s health innovation ecosystem, a crucial component in transforming ideas into powerful technology with global implications.

Avandra Imaging, a Cleveland-area startup, has raised $17.75 million to expand its federated network for de-identified medical imaging data. Co-founded by Aegis Ventures and led by CEO Ryan Tarzy, the company aims to improve access to imaging data for healthcare and AI research. Investors include Aegis Ventures, SpringRock Ventures, and MemorialCare Innovation Fund.

Women in Analytics (WIA) and Women in Data™ (WiD) are uniting to expand opportunities in AI and data science through the 2025 DataConnect Conference Series. The partnership brings together 30,000+ global members, fostering education, mentorship, and collaboration. Events will take place in San Francisco (May) and Columbus (October), focusing on AI innovation and data quality.

Ohio’s 80 Acres Farms secured $115 million to expand retail partnerships, ingredient development, and plant science research. The company also acquired Plantae Biosciences, integrating its innovations into Infinite Acres Israel to advance crop breeding. With 1,500+ retail partners and a commitment to 100% renewable energy, 80 Acres Farms is scaling its impact and reinforcing Ohio’s leadership in AgTech.

Anduril Industries is in talks to raise $2.5 billion, pushing its valuation to $28 billion. This comes as the defense tech company invests $900 million in Arsenal-1, a massive 5 million-square-foot manufacturing facility near Columbus. The site will create 4,000+ jobs by 2035, producing autonomous military systems and AI-driven defense technology. Ohio’s skilled workforce, infrastructure, and growing defense sector make it a prime location for Anduril’s expansion.

Columbus has been ranked among North America’s top 10 emerging tech hubs, according to Site Selection Magazine. The city’s data center boom, fueled by major investments from companies like AWS, Google, and Meta, is driving growth in cloud computing and AI infrastructure. With low-cost power, strong fiber connectivity, and pro-business policies, Columbus is cementing itself as a leader in the digital economy.

In a rapidly evolving aerospace industry, hydrogen is emerging as a game-changer for Advanced Air Mobility (AAM). In a new Ohio Tech News op-ed, Bob Tanner, Executive Director of Aerospace Partnerships at Parallax Advanced Research, explores how hydrogen propulsion can overcome key limitations in electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) vehicles, enabling longer flights, reducing emissions, and transforming air transportation.

Tech startups often face a unique challenge: turning great ideas into thriving businesses. While engineers and developers may excel at creating innovative products, they often lack the knowledge to secure funding, develop effective marketing strategies, or scale operations. That’s where the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) steps in. Through its EVOLVE Technology Entrepreneurship Program, YBI provides vital support to Ohio’s tech entrepreneurs.

AI is shaping the future of industries, and  is at the forefront, guiding organizations through this transformative journey with a focus on innovation, governance  and security. “We believe AI will be the ultimate business differentiator,” says Tim Hoolihan, a leader in Centric’s AI consulting practice.

Blue Abyss, a United Kingdom-based global leader in extreme environment research and training, has entered into a Space Act Agreement with NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Brook Park, Ohio. The partnership is designed to advance commercial space training and research, bolstering U.S. leadership in space exploration and innovation.

Technology is continually reshaping industries, and Dressit, a startup founded by former bridal boutique owner Becca Wenning, is no different. Wenning created Dressit, inspired by a decade of bridal boutique operation, to bridge the gap between online bridal gown inspiration and the in-person boutique experience.

Miami University and Cleveland Clinic have announced a new partnership to advance education in quantum computing, positioning Ohio as a leader in this transformative technology. The collaboration will establish the state’s first specialized degree programs in quantum computing and create opportunities for students to engage in cutting-edge research at the intersection of technology and healthcare.

Anduril Industries, a global leader in advanced defense manufacturing, has announced plans to build a new 5-million-square-foot manufacturing facility in Ohio. The project, known as "Arsenal-1," is the largest economic development initiative in Ohio’s history, set to create more than 4,000 jobs by 2035 and support critical national defense manufacturing.  The facility will be located in Pickaway County, near Rickenbacker International Airport in Central Ohio.

Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, who also serves as the Director of the Governor’s Office of Workforce Transformation, has announced that applications are now open for the State of Ohio's 2025 High School Tech Internship program. This initiative is designed to help businesses access critical tech talent while providing high school students with valuable hands-on work experience to jumpstart their careers.