Workforce + Education
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
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, 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, 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.
Corprorate Innovation
A Verizon Frontline study shows first responders view AI, cybersecurity, drones, and robots as critical future technologies. Agencies are rapidly preparing for the next era of emergency response, with Ohio agencies investing heavily in cybersecurity and exploring AI and drone applications.
Startups + VC
The energy of Ohio’s venture ecosystem was on display at Ohio VC Fest 2025 in Cleveland. Hosted by JumpStart, the two-day gathering united founders, investors, and leaders to spark connections and highlight Ohio's rapidly growing role as a key center for venture capital and innovation.
Startups + VC
Cleveland-based Splash Financial has secured more than $70 million in Series C funding, a round that highlights both the company’s rapid growth and the increasing role of Ohio-based capital in scaling local startups. The investment comes as Splash launches a new home equity line of credit (HELOC) product and
Startups + VC
JumpStart’s Ohio VC Fest is back in Cleveland this week, September 16–17. The two-day event brings together hundreds of founders, investors, and leaders for dealmaking, conversations, and collaboration. Why it matters VC Fest, in its third year, has become one of the Midwest’s signature gatherings for venture
Startups + VC
Techstars Columbus Powered by OSU marks its two-year anniversary with its fourth cohort launch. Since 2023, the accelerator backed 42 companies, invested nearly $6M, and helped its portfolio raise four times that amount, creating tens of millions in market value.
Spotlights
JumpStart's CEO, Lorne Novick, sees Ohio VC Fest as key for creating "collisions" between founders and funders. The Cleveland event showcases Ohio's promising startups, helping entrepreneurs secure meetings and ensuring capital and opportunity flow through the state's growing economy.
Bounce Innovation Hub CEO Jessica Sublett supports high-growth startups in software, MedTech, and polymers from Akron's former tire factory. Her mission is to use her corporate and tech transfer background to make Bounce an advocate, helping Northeast Ohio founders realize their full potential.
Cleveland startup Beacon, founded by entrepreneur Rob Reznick, officially launched this week with a simple promise: get paid for helping your network get hired. The new platform changes how people find jobs and how they are rewarded for successful referrals.