Out of Office
Rackspace VP Ben Blanquera has seen Ohio's tech evolution for 25 years. He advises global enterprises on hybrid cloud, AI strategy, and modernization. In Columbus, he's a mentor and champion of the Midwest innovation ecosystem, continually driving the region forward.
Ohio's House Bill 96 sets a new standard for public sector resilience. Following major cyberattacks, the rules mandate all local governments implement cybersecurity policies and publicly approve ransomware payments, demanding coordinated, preventive action against systemic cyber risks.
The O.H.I.O. Fund hit a $238 million first-year milestone, fueling Ohio's next economy. The fund backs the companies, talent, and infrastructure building the state's future, reinforcing its innovation legacy and capitalizing on a new era of opportunity for its $900B economy.
Columbus
Columbus-based Andelyn Biosciences and AlignAI are partnering to safely integrate AI into gene therapy manufacturing. By focusing on AI governance and data security, the collaboration ensures that sensitive IP remains protected while separating tech hype from real value.
Cincinnati
Cincinnati-based Pantomath raised $30M in Series B funding to automate enterprise data operations. Backed by General Catalyst, the startup is expanding its platform to eliminate manual troubleshooting and become the AI-driven operating system for autonomous data reliability.
SkillSpout™ is tackling AI adoption with MomentumAI™, a structured rollout program focused on change management and policy co-creation. Led by Melanie McGee, the initiative provides on-site training that is fully fundable through the State of Ohio’s TechCred program.
Artificial Intelligence
Foxconn will transform the former Lordstown Motors EV plant into a major hub for AI server and cloud computing hardware. While the facility was sold for $375M, the company remains on-site to lead this strategic shift, positioning Ohio as a key player in global tech infrastructure.
Columbus
Tyler Technologies has acquired Columbus-based Emergency Networking, a pioneer in cloud-native SaaS for fire and EMS agencies. The acquisition is strategic, as it helps agencies meet the new NERIS federal reporting standards required for all U.S. departments by January 1, 2026.
Dayton
Joby Aviation and L3Harris are partnering to develop autonomous hybrid VTOL aircraft for military use. By combining Joby’s manufacturing scale in Dayton with L3Harris’ mission expertise, the venture aims to deliver high-speed aircraft for logistics and surveillance by 2026.
The Ohio Third Frontier has opened new funding for the Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF). Phase 1 offers up to $1M for research institutions to test prototypes, while Phase 2 provides $200,000 for startups to license and commercialize tech in sectors like AI and BioTech.
Cincinnati
Nick Enger, President and CTO of Advanced Technology Consulting (ATC), is scaling the firm from Southwest Ohio to a nationwide presence. By acting as a virtual CIO, Enger bridges the gap between technical execution and C-suite strategy, helping firms navigate cloud migration and AI.
[caption id align="alignnone" width="4032"] Leah McDougald (L) and Lacey Picazo (R), CEO of ZoCo at the company’s HQ in Columbus [/caption] In a significant milestone for Ohio’s healthcare and technology sectors, ZoCo Design has expanded its leadership team with the appointment of