Ben Blanquera has spent 25 years shaping Ohio’s tech scene — and he’s still pedaling forward. From advising enterprises on AI strategy to cycling across the state for charity, the Rackspace VP blends technology, mentorship, and community to make an impact on Ohio’s tech sector.

Ohio has taken a significant and timely step toward improving cybersecurity across the state. Following a wave of cyberattacks on local governments, including major incidents in Cleveland, Columbus, and Washington Court House, the state has enacted new rules requiring all local governments to implement cybersecurity policies and publicly approve any ransomware payments.

In its first year, The O.H.I.O. Fund has raised $238 million, made 19 investments, and closed one of its flagship funds at $106 million. Designed as a sovereign wealth fund-style engine for the Buckeye State, it’s deploying Ohio capital into Ohio companies, talent, and infrastructure to fuel long-term growth.

Two Columbus-based technology leaders, Andelyn Biosciences and AlignAI, are teaming up to tackle one of the toughest challenges in BioTech: how to adopt artificial intelligence responsibly in a highly regulated, high-stakes manufacturing environment.

Cincinnati-based Pantomath has raised $30 million in Series B funding led by General Catalyst to expand its AI-powered data operations platform. The company is moving beyond observability to autonomous issue resolution, helping enterprises reduce data downtime and manual troubleshooting. Pantomath is part of Ohio’s growing footprint in real-world AI innovation.

SkillSpout, co-founded by Melanie McGee, is working to make AI adoption in Ohio safe, structured, and accessible. Through its MomentumAI program, the team helps organizations train staff, create policies, and integrate AI into daily operations—tackling one of the state’s biggest challenges: turning AI potential into practical, people-driven results.

Foxconn’s move adds to a surge of AI-related investment in Ohio, as the state becomes a national hub for data center construction. Powered by hyperscale cloud providers and large-scale AI infrastructure projects, the state is solidifying its place as a leading destination for AI innovation, deployment, and advanced manufacturing.

Tyler Technologies has acquired Columbus-based Emergency Networking, a SaaS provider for fire and EMS agencies, to strengthen its public safety suite ahead of the Jan. 1, 2026 federal shift to NERIS reporting. Emergency Networking is among the first fire records solutions to meet NERIS compliance, serving 500+ clients nationwide.

Joby Aviation’s new defense collaboration with L3Harris could deepen its ties to Dayton, where it’s ramping up production of electric aircraft. With Wright-Patterson Air Force Base nearby, the region is emerging as a national hub for advanced air mobility, aerospace manufacturing, and next-gen defense innovation.

New funding is now available to help Ohio researchers and startups bring breakthrough technologies to market. Through the Ohio Third Frontier’s TVSF program, grants of up to $1 million will support commercialization efforts in advanced manufacturing, biotech, AI, and more. Proposals are due August 8, with awards announced in October.

In today’s fast-moving digital economy, businesses need more than just IT support, they need a strategic partner. That’s exactly what Nick Enger, President and CTO of Advanced Technology Consulting (ATC), aims to provide. Based just north of Cincinnati, ATC helps companies across the country navigate complex technology decisions.

In a significant milestone for Ohio’s healthcare and technology sectors, ZoCo Design has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of Leah McDougald, Founder and former CEO of McDougald Research, as Managing Director.

Vessel, a Midwest-based venture firm, has closed its first institutional studio fund with backing from The O.H.I.O. Fund. The fund will launch six operator-led startups, starting with Heylo, a Cincinnati-based remote support platform for individuals with I/DD. The move signals growing momentum for venture building in Ohio.

Ohio has awarded over $1.1 million through the Third Frontier’s TVSF program to support six early-stage technologies in AI, healthcare, and diagnostics. From Alzheimer’s gene therapy to small business AI tools, the funding helps Ohio startups bring groundbreaking, research-backed innovations to market faster.

Ohio is investing $7 million in Miami University to launch the Ohio Institute for Quantum Computing in partnership with Cleveland Clinic. The statewide initiative will train the next generation of quantum talent, drive research, and support commercialization—positioning Ohio as a national leader in quantum innovation and workforce development.

Ohio’s Advanced Manufacturing Fund is back with $4M in new funding to support early-stage hard tech startups. Backed by JumpStart Ventures, MAGNET, and private investors, the fund aims to scale Ohio’s next wave of manufacturing innovation with capital, mentorship, and a growing statewide investment network.

Cleveland Metroparks CIO Anthony Joy is transforming one of Ohio’s largest civic assets into a national model for smart, secure, and connected public spaces. From drone-enabled planning to sensor-powered trails and cybersecurity “guardrails,” Joy blends tech innovation with nature—redefining what it means to manage a 25,000-acre digital ecosystem.

Joby Aviation is scaling up in Dayton, with plans to build up to 500 electric air taxis per year at its newly renovated facility. The site will play a key role in Joby’s push toward FAA certification and commercial launch—solidifying Ohio’s position as a leader in next-gen aerospace manufacturing.

Ohio just hit a major milestone in workforce development. The latest TechCred round awarded a record $9.9 million to help more than 600 employers upskill their teams with over 8,000 tech credentials. Applications for the next round are open now through July 31.

Inner Peak AI is reimagining student mental health with a powerful blend of empathy and technology. Co-founded by Sean Wheelock and Ben Anandappa, the Ohio-based startup delivers 24/7 personalized support for teens and young adults—designed not to replace therapists, but to extend care in the moments that matter most.