State of Ohio opens new funding round for tech commercialization
Ohio is fueling the next wave of innovation as the Dept of Development opens a new round of TVSF grants. From $1M institutional awards to $200k startup funds, the Ohio Third Frontier is bridging the gap between lab research and the global market. Applications are due by Feb. 6, 2026.
The Ohio Department of Development has officially opened a new round of grant funding through the Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF), designed to bridge the gap between lab-grown breakthroughs and the global marketplace.
Why it matters
Transforming a patent into a product is notoriously expensive. By supporting research institutions and young startups, the state aims to ensure that technologies invented in Ohio—ranging from advanced manufacturing to biomedical life sciences—actually stay and scale in Ohio.
The Breakdown: Two paths to market
The TVSF program, an initiative of the Ohio Third Frontier, splits its support into two distinct phases based on the maturity of the technology:
Phase 1: Institutional Validation
- Target: Ohio higher education institutions, nonprofit research labs, and federal labs.
- Goal: Funding for viability testing, prototypes, and proof-of-concept work.
- The Math: Grants range from $200,000 to $1 million (requiring a 1:1 match). Alternatively, institutions can request $100,000 with a requirement to hire an intern instead of providing a cost-share match.
Phase 2: Start-up Acceleration
- Target: Young companies licensing technology from Ohio research institutions.
- Goal: Supporting the licensing and validation of products to prepare them for commercial launch.
- The Math: Awards of up to $200,000 per project.
"Ohio has always been a ‘change-the-world’ state, and we’re helping our brightest minds make their bold ideas a reality," said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Department of Development. "We’re building pathways for Ohioans to shape the future not only here in the heart of innovation but in the global marketplace."
By the numbers
Since its inception in 2012, the TVSF has become a cornerstone of the state's tech commercialization ecosystem:
- 402: Total awards granted.
- $67M+: Total capital deployed to date.
- Key Sectors: Advanced manufacturing, materials, biomedical/life sciences, energy, sensors, and software/IT.
Deadlines to watch
- January 30th: Deadline for prospective applicants to submit written questions.
- February 6th (4 p.m.): Proposals are due.
- April 2026: Anticipated award announcements.
How to learn more
Interested entrepreneurs and researchers can find full RFP details and application portals at Development.Ohio.gov/TVSF.
