Ohio Tech Day 2025 launched in Bowling Green with an immersive kickoff event at BGSU, featuring Meta Quest VR experiences through the Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop. Organized by OhioX and presented by Meta, the program sets the stage for statewide Ohio Tech Day celebrations this Friday, inspiring students to explore innovation careers.

Yonatan “Yon” Raz-Fridman has built ventures at the frontier of gaming, VR, and AI — most recently Supersocial, acquired earlier this year. Now, the repeat founder is taking a rare pause in New Albany. We caught up with Yon on coffee, running, and why Ohio should be thinking big about its role as a global AI hub.

JobsOhio, the Ohio Life Sciences Association, and One Columbus are teaming up on a new biomanufacturing workforce initiative. With up to $30 million invested over five years, the plan calls for a central Ohio training center with labs, clean rooms, and classrooms — preparing Ohioans for in-demand biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing careers as the industry rapidly expands.

Nvidia’s $5 billion investment in Intel is fueling fresh optimism for Ohio One, Intel’s $28 billion “mega-site” in New Albany. While the project’s first fabs are delayed until 2031, leaders say the partnership and recent federal backing strengthen Intel’s footing — and could help secure Ohio’s place in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain.

A new Verizon Frontline survey finds that first responders are rapidly embracing emerging tech. Nearly half expect daily use of AI and drones within five years, while two-thirds have already boosted cybersecurity protections. The study underscores that reliable networks, advanced tools, and digital resilience are becoming essential pillars of modern public safety.

Ohio VC Fest 2025 brought two days of energy and deal-making to Cleveland, as founders, investors, and corporates connected around AI, healthcare, and venture trends. From startup pitches to curated investor meetings, the event showcased why Ohio’s venture ecosystem is gaining momentum—and why the Midwest is becoming a hub for innovation.

Cleveland-based Splash Financial has raised more than $70M in a Series C round led by Grand Oaks Capital, with participation from The O.H.I.O. Fund and others. The FinTech, which has originated more than $6 billion in loans, is expanding into home equity lines of credit while Ohio investors fuel the state’s growing financial services and FinTech ecosystem.

Ohio VC Fest is back in Cleveland this week, bringing together founders, funders, and leaders for two days of connections and dealmaking. With expanded programming, more national investors, and a regional Startup World Cup competition, VC Fest is cementing its place as one of the Midwest’s signature gatherings for startups and venture capital.

Techstars Columbus is turning two with a fresh milestone: its Fall 2025 cohort. Eight startups are joining the accelerator, and five are from outside Ohio—a sign that Columbus is becoming a magnet for companies from hubs like San Francisco and New York. Meet the class reshaping biotech, AI, aerospace, and more.

JumpStart’s Interim CEO Lorne Novick is steering one of Ohio’s most influential startup organizations through a pivotal moment. With VC Fest returning to Cleveland September 16–17, Novick is focused on connecting founders and funders, diversifying capital, and expanding services to help Ohio entrepreneurs grow faster and compete on a national stage.

Jessica Sublett is leading Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub from inside a nine-story former tire factory turned 300,000-square-foot innovation center. As CEO, she’s helping position Akron as a national leader in advanced materials and polymers while also serving as a connector for the city’s entrepreneurs. Outside of work, she recharges with boating, hiking, and cooking.

Cleveland-based startup Beacon has launched with a mission to pay people for helping their networks land jobs. Early customers are already seeing results, signaling how Beacon could reshape referrals into a formal, rewarding marketplace for recruiters, companies, and everyday professionals alike.

71/70 Angels has closed its first fund and already made two startup investments, including Cincinnati-based Nichefire. Backed by Rev1 Ventures and nearly 50 investors, the new fund is tackling one of Ohio’s toughest gaps—seed capital—while expanding access for both founders and first-time angels across the region.

Ohio is investing $7.1M to expand career pathways for students. The two-year plan will boost access to career-technical education, advising, and mentoring across the state. With a new state toolkit and funding support, schools and partners can help more students pursue high-demand careers. Applications are due September 17th.

Next month, top investors, founders, industry leaders and innovators will converge in Cleveland for Ohio VC Fest ’25. Now in its third year, the networking conference, produced by JumpStart with the support of partners like JobsOhio, Cyrannus and more, quickly became a can’t-miss event for those passionate about Ohio’s role in shaping the future of technology.

JobsOhio just launched a $15,000-per-hire relocation incentive to help Ohio employers attract STEM and technical talent from out of state. With up to $225,000 available per company, this new program is part of a broader strategy to grow Ohio’s skilled workforce and fuel the state’s surging tech and innovation economy.

Japanese tech investment giant SoftBank has purchased Foxconn’s 6.2 million-square-foot Lordstown plant for $375 million according to Bloomberg. Foxconn will continue operating the site, shifting production to AI server and cloud computing hardware — a move that further boosts Ohio’s growing role in U.S. AI infrastructure and data center development.

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.