Startups + VC
JumpStart has opened applications for latest cohort of its Trailblazer Software Accelerator, offering up to $275,000 in non-dilutive funding and extensive startup support for early-stage innovators. The application deadline is November 2, 2025. Unlike traditional accelerators, Trailblazer takes no equity. Instead, it invests directly in founders through a combination
Workforce + Education
Amazon brought its signature Think Big Experience to Columbus on October 20–21, giving nearly 1,000 middle school students from Hilliard City Schools and New Albany Plain Local Schools hands-on exposure to cutting-edge technology and career possibilities. Hosted at COSI, the immersive STEM event allowed students to build AI-powered
Startups + VC
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.
Workforce + Education
With faculty in academic regalia and community leaders filling Savage Arena, Dr. James Holloway used his inauguration as the University of Toledo’s 19th president to launch a bold research and innovation agenda aimed squarely at Toledo’s future. At the heart of his plan is Innovate Toledo — a new
Startups + VC
Kernel, a fast-growing infrastructure company, announced a $22 million Seed and Series A raise led by Accel, with participation from Y Combinator, Cintrifuse Capital, Refinery Ventures, Vercel Ventures, and SV Angel, plus a lineup of well-known angel investors including Paul Graham (Y Combinator), Solomon Hykes (Docker), and David Cramer (Sentry)
Artificial Intelligence
The O.H.I.O. Fund, a private investment adviser focused on accelerating Ohio’s economic growth, has made a minority investment in EASE Logistics, a Dublin-based freight and logistics company recognized nationally for its technology and innovation. EASE has become one of Ohio’s standout growth stories, appearing eight
Corprorate 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.
Corprorate Innovation
Honda is opening a new Advanced Materials Science Lab at Ohio State’s SciTech Campus—a $2.6 million expansion backed by JobsOhio.
Artificial Intelligence
[caption id align="alignnone" width="1802"] Photo: The Ohio State University [/caption] The Ohio State University has launched the AI(X) Hub — pronounced “AI to the power of X” — a university-wide initiative aimed at accelerating research, innovation, and education in artificial intelligence. The new hub connects
Startups + VC
A new Ohio-born tech company is taking aim at one of the toughest challenges in human services: how to modernize care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). Heylo, built inside Columbus-based venture studio Vessel Shipyard, has named Brian Hart, founder of the nationally recognized consulting firm ShiftAbility,
Startups + VC
Bounce Innovation Hub and the Polymer Industry Cluster have named the first cohort of startups for the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator, a new 12-month program designed to speed the commercialization of advanced materials and polymer innovations in Northeast Ohio. Launched Sept. 19, the inaugural class of eight early-stage companies will receive
Workforce + Education
U.S. Secretary of Education Linda McMahon joined state and industry leaders last week for the ribbon-cutting of a new robotics initiative in Cleveland’s public schools. It’s a program local officials say will prepare students for careers in an economy transformed by artificial intelligence and automation. The Experiential