Startups + VC
Vessel launched its Flagship Studio Fund, anchored by Mark Kvamme’s O.H.I.O. Fund, to build six startups from scratch. The first, Cincinnati-based Heylo, is already live. This operator-led model aims to construct innovation in the Midwest, moving beyond traditional backing to active building.
The Ohio Third Frontier Commission has approved more than $1.1 million in funding to accelerate early-stage medical and scientific technologies through the Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF). TVSF helps startups validate technologies from Ohio research institutions and bring them to market faster. Funds support prototyping, testing, and early
Cincinnati
[caption id align="alignnone" width="600"] Photo: Miami University [/caption] As part of Ohio’s 2025–2026 operating budget, the State has awarded $7 million to Miami University to create the Ohio Institute for Quantum Computing Research, Talent, and Commercialization, in collaboration with Cleveland Clinic. This
The Advanced Manufacturing Fund (AMF), in partnership with JumpStart Ventures, MAGNET, and private investors, has launched its second round of funding—committing $4 million to accelerate the growth of early-stage manufacturing startups across Ohio. Ohio’s strengths—deep industrial roots, a world-class workforce, and robust public-private collaboration—make it a
Cleveland
[caption id align="alignnone" width="6967"] Anthony Joy, CIO of Cleveland Metroparks [/caption] Most people hear “parks” and think of hiking trails and picnic tables. But Anthony Joy, the first-ever Chief Information Officer for Cleveland Metroparks, sees something much more complex: a 25,000-acre network spanning
Dayton
Joby Aviation, a California-based electric air taxi company, is ramping up operations at its newly renovated facility in Dayton, with long-term plans to produce up to 500 aircraft per year at the Ohio site. Joby is vertically integrated, handling design, manufacturing, pilot training, and operations in-house. That approach is on
Ohio’s push to build a future-ready workforce hit a new milestone this week as Governor Mike DeWine announced a record-setting $9.9 million in TechCred awards during the May application round. It’s the largest total in the program’s history. Launched in 2019, TechCred helps employers upskill workers
Toledo
Mental health isn’t just a crisis, it’s a generation-defining challenge. And for Sean Wheelock, Co-Founder and CEO of Inner Peak AI, it’s also personal. Blending cutting-edge technology with a deeply human mission, Inner Peak AI delivers personalized mental health support for teens and young adults through an
Columbus
The Ohio Chamber of Commerce will convene business, policy, and technology leaders this Wednesday for the 2025 Exploring AI Summit, a full-day event focused on the growing impact of artificial intelligence across Ohio’s economy. Held at the Chamber’s downtown Columbus headquarters, the event will feature keynotes, panels, and
Cleveland
A regional coalition led by Case Western Reserve University has been named a semifinalist for the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) prestigious Regional Innovation Engines program. The federal initiative is offering up to $160 million in federal funding over 10 years. Known as NEO-SMART (Northeast Ohio Smart Materials Acceleration for
[caption id align="alignnone" width="1501"] Image: JobsOhio [/caption] In CNBC’s newly released 2025 “Top States for Business” rankings, Ohio climbs to #5 overall—its highest placement ever in the annual index. The Buckeye State surged from #7 in 2024 and has jumped 14 spots
Congress has officially restored and made permanent full expensing for research and development (R&D) under Section 174 of the U.S. tax code. This change was included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBB), which Congress passed on July 3, 2025, and President Trump signed into law