Startups + VC
Cleveland-based Neuronoff raised $4.5M to bring its Injectrode—an injectable, minimally invasive chronic pain treatment—to market by 2026, offering a drug-free, surgery-free alternative to traditional neuromodulation therapies.
Artificial Intelligence
The University of Cincinnati is launching Bearcats AI Ready!, a campus-wide initiative embedding artificial intelligence across teaching, research, and operations to move the university from “AI-fluent” to fully “AI-ready.”
Startups + VC
Cincinnati-based Edge Energy has secured a $3.5 million investment from Germany’s PRETTL Mechatronics & Actuators GmbH to accelerate deployment of its EdgeEV™ Power Source technology, which enables ultra-fast EV charging without costly grid upgrades.
Economic Development
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced 12 new business expansion projects expected to create 1,126 jobs and deliver more than $2 billion in total investment statewide.
Artificial Intelligence
Nationwide is making a $1.5 billion investment through 2028 to accelerate technology and AI innovation, including $100 million a year dedicated to artificial intelligence.
Startups + VC
Cleveland Clinic is partnering with DASI Simulations to co-develop an AI “co-pilot” system for heart procedures — using predictive modeling and real-time guidance to enhance safety and precision in TAVR and other structural heart interventions.
Commentary
The Ohio Chamber Foundation Data Center Study details the state's digital infrastructure boom, which has attracted over $40 billion in private investment. This growth is rebranding the former manufacturing/agriculture hub as the "Silicon Heartland," with Columbus emerging as a top-tier global hub.
Startups + VC
Applications are open for the latest cohort of JumpStart’s Trailblazer Software Accelerator. This three-month program for pre-seed and seed-stage software startups offers up to $275,000 in non-dilutive funding and expert support for scaling.
Workforce + Education
Amazon’s Think Big Experience in Columbus gave nearly 1,000 middle school students hands-on exposure to tech careers. The COSI-hosted STEM event let students build AI-powered robots, explore virtual reality, and connect with successful women in technology.
Startups + VC
Cleveland’s Sonic Fire Tech raised $3.5M from Khosla Ventures and others to scale NASA-inspired infrasound systems that stop fires before they start—using no water, chemicals, or damage. The Ohio startup is aiming for 50 pilot installations by 2026 as wildfires grow more extreme nationwide.
Workforce + Education
University of Toledo President Dr. James Holloway launched Innovate Toledo, a "launch pad" for bold research. It aims to fuel interdisciplinary research, expand university and industry collaboration, and translate academic discovery into real economic growth for the region's future.
Startups + VC
Cincinnati-backed Kernel announced a $22 million Seed and Series A funding round, led by Accel and including Cintrifuse Capital and Y Combinator. Kernel is developing “browsers-as-a-service,” an infrastructure that allows AI agents to interact with the internet like humans to perform tasks securely.