The companies Ohio insiders are watching
Ohio tech leaders are championing "foundational" innovators like Harmoni, Anduril, and Path Robotics for solving real-world industrial challenges. From closing the digital divide to scaling automotive tech, these organizations are recognized for making Ohio’s tech ecosystem competitive.
Finding the right partners, customers, or acquisition targets in Ohio's growing tech environment is harder than it sounds. Conference pitches blend together. LinkedIn is full of noise. And the companies solving the most interesting problems are often the ones flying under the radar.
We asked Ohio tech leaders to name one startup, company, organization, or leader (other than their own) that deserves more attention right now. These aren't aspirational picks or friendly shout-outs. They're companies solving real problems, from manufacturing workforce shortages to digital equity gaps, that could reshape how Ohio industries operate. Their picks span ecosystem builders, manufacturing innovators, defense tech manufacturers, and organizations closing the digital divide. Here's who they're betting on.
1. OhioX: Connecting the State's Leading Organizations
"I would honestly point to OhioX and Chris Berry. The work to connect the state's leading organizations is critical to maximizing the opportunities we have." — Miro Humer, Vice President and CIO, Case Western Reserve University
2. Harmoni: Making Traditional Manufacturing Data-Driven
"One Ohio company that deserves more attention right now is Harmoni. Their real-time machine monitoring and orchestration platform unifies machines, people, and data on the shop floor to boost efficiency, cut waste, and give manufacturers actionable insights that improve performance. Their work exemplifies how smart industrial tech is helping traditional Ohio manufacturing become more competitive and data-driven." — Jessica Sublett, President & CEO, Bounce Innovation Hub
3. Anduril: Building Physical Things with a Coolness Factor
"I continue to keep a close eye on Anduril. They certainly get plenty of press, but I do think they have a lot of detractors who will be proven wrong. I'm looking forward to seeing their facility grow and the real output start. Plus, I'm more than a tiny bit jealous that they make physical things and have a real coolness factor!" — Lynn Sautter Beal, VP, Consumer Lending Operations, Upstart
4. Anduril: The Contrarian Mindset Ohio Needs
"I am fascinated by the contrarian mindset of Anduril Industries and believe Ohio needs founders who are unafraid to rip up tested playbooks that delivered past success but are irrelevant today. We need organizations that challenge conventional wisdom to redefine the problem space, rather than merely iterating on safe models. The entities deserving attention are those with the courage to dismantle legacy assumptions and solve systemic failures with fresh, mission-first approaches." — Srini Koushik, CEO, Right Brain Labs
5. Digital Equity Partners: Closing the Digital Divide
"In recent years, we launched AT&T Connected Learning Centers alongside three outstanding community partners: Ashbury Senior Computer Community Center (ASC3) in Cleveland; Esperanza in Cleveland, and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Ohio, J. Ashburn Jr. Clubhouse in Columbus. These organizations deserve great credit for their collaborative spirit and their dedication to closing the digital divide in Ohio." — David C. Lewis, President, AT&T Heartland States, AT&T
6. Evergreen Calibration: Scaling in Emerging Automotive Tech
"Zach Fox, Evergreen Calibration in Cincinnati. When you take your car to the repair shop and need automated driving sensors calibrated, Zach's team deploys technicians to the repair shops. Evergreen is scaling quickly in an emerging industry and leveraging Ohio technology and Ohio partners! Whaddup Zach!" — Evan Marsh, Managing Partner, WynHouse
7. Path Robotics: Addressing Manufacturing's Labor Shortage
"Path Robotics deserves more attention for transforming the manufacturing sector with its AI-powered robotic welding systems. Their focus on automating production to address skilled labor shortages is a significant game-changer for the state." — Krista Bistline, State and Local Government Affairs, Verizon
8. Summa Health: Bridging Healthcare and Technology
"There are so many individuals and organizations that deserve attention, but one that I'm eager to know more about is how the Akron-based Summa Health and their acquisition by Health Assurance Transformation will bridge the gaps between technology and healthcare." — Anthony Joy, Chief Information Officer, Cleveland Metroparks
These picks reveal what Ohio's tech ecosystem values: organizations solving foundational problems. Ecosystem builders connecting disparate players. Manufacturing tech that makes traditional industries competitive. Defense innovation that challenges assumptions. Community partners closing the digital divide. Automotive infrastructure for emerging technology. Solutions to workforce shortages. Healthcare transformation. The pattern is clear. Ohio leaders are watching companies and organizations that make everything else possible.
This article is part of The Blueprint: Insights from Ohio Tech Leaders, an exclusive editorial series from OhioX and Ohio Tech News showcasing the people and ideas shaping our state's tech sector. This invitation-only platform features curated perspectives from the state’s most influential technology executives and innovators. To learn more about this series or to inquire about future partnership opportunities and inclusion, please submit your interest.
