Corprorate Innovation
Honda invests $2.6 million to expand research at Ohio State
Honda is opening a new Advanced Materials Science Lab at Ohio State’s SciTech Campus—a $2.6 million expansion backed by JobsOhio.
Ohio Tech News
Artificial Intelligence
Ohio State launches AI(X) Hub to lead next era of artificial intelligence research
The Ohio State University launched the AI(X) Hub ("AI to the power of X") to accelerate AI research, innovation, and education. The university-wide initiative connects 15 colleges and focuses on six critical pillars, including health, engineering, agriculture, cybersecurity, and trustworthy AI.
Startups + VC
Vessel-backed Heylo appoints Brian Hart as CEO to scale tech-driven disability support
Ohio tech company Heylo, built in Vessel Shipyard, aims to modernize care for people with I/DD. New CEO Brian Hart will scale Heylo's platform, which uses software/hardware to deliver remote supports, boosting independence and easing the human services workforce pressure.
Startups + VC
Akron’s Polymer Bet: First startups join Synthe6 Accelerator
The Synthe6 Materials Accelerator by Bounce Innovation Hub and the Polymer Industry Cluster announced its first cohort of eight startups. To speed polymer innovation in Northeast Ohio, the 12-month program offers each company $25,000 in non-dilutive funding and $20,000 in services.
Workforce + Education
Robots in Every Classroom: Cleveland students get hands-on with AI future
A new robotics initiative in Cleveland Metropolitan School District classrooms was launched. The Experiential Robotics Platform (XRP) places over 1,000 low-cost robotics kits in schools, exposing students to coding, 3D printing, and engineering to prepare them for an AI-transformed economy.
Startups + VC
Dayton’s DEXA raises $15 million Seed Round to take drone delivery mainstream
DEXA (Drone Express), a Dayton-based drone logistics startup, has closed an oversubscribed $15 million seed round to scale its operations and introduce at-home drone delivery in major U.S. cities. The raise positions DEXA as one of the only companies of its size with all three critical FAA certifications — a
Economic Development
Ohio to anchor U.S. nuclear revival as Centrus plans major expansion
Centrus Energy Corp. will significantly expand its Piketon, Ohio, uranium enrichment facility. This multi-billion-dollar project promises 300 new operations jobs and 1,000 construction jobs, retaining 127 existing positions and anchoring the region's role in the U.S. nuclear sector.
Artificial Intelligence
Stargate Expands: OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank announce five new AI data center sites, including Ohio
The Stargate initiative, the $500 billion AI infrastructure project by OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank, is accelerating its expansion. Five new U.S. data center sites, including one in Ohio, were announced today, putting the nearly 7-gigawatt buildout ahead of schedule.
Workforce + Education
Ohio Tech Day launches in Bowling Green with VR and career tech showcase
Ohio Tech Day 2025 launched at Bowling Green State University, gathering students and leaders. The event showcased Virtual Reality (VR) and career technology, inspiring the next generation to explore careers in technology and skilled trades.
Out of Office
Out of Office with Yon Raz-Fridman: Building for human flourishing
Yon Raz-Fridman focuses on building ventures at the intersection of emerging technology and human advancement, guided by compassion and curiosity. Fresh off a successful exit, the New Albany resident discussed his work using AI and VR to democratize computing and foster emotional resilience.
Workforce + Education
JobsOhio, OLS launch $30 million biomanufacturing workforce initiative
JobsOhio, OLS, and One Columbus launched a multimillion-dollar biomanufacturing workforce initiative. This major bet on biotech aims to train Ohioans for high-demand roles in pharmaceutical production and biotechnology, accelerating the state's growth.
Economic Development
Nvidia’s $5 billion Intel deal fuels optimism for Ohio One Project
Nvidia, the most profitable chipmaker, is investing $5 billion in Intel for new chips. This massive partnership, though separate, fuels optimism for the long-term future of Intel’s $28 billion Ohio One campus, giving the ambitious tech project new momentum.