Startups + VC
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
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.
Commentary
Ohio Tech Day, organized by OhioX, celebrated technology's role across the state. It highlighted how groups like the Mahoning County Career & Technical Center (MCCTC) are building the skills and opportunities needed to define Ohio's future economy through technology.
Startups + VC
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
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
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.
Startups + VC
Youngstown startup REMPY launched a real estate matchmaking platform using AI to personalize connecting buyers, sellers, and agents. The company bets that technology, not chance, should guide this major financial decision.
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.