Amazon brought its Think Big Experience to Columbus, giving nearly 1,000 middle schoolers hands-on exposure to AI, robotics, and virtual reality. Hosted at COSI with Hilliard and New Albany schools, the two-day STEM event is part of Amazon’s effort to inspire the next generation of Ohio innovators — especially young women — in the state’s growing tech hub.

The O.H.I.O. Fund has made a minority investment in Dublin-based EASE Logistics, one of Ohio’s fastest-growing logistics firms. The partnership — including a new collaboration with Columbus AI company Jakib.ai — aims to expand EASE’s AI capabilities and advance Ohio’s role in technology-driven supply chain innovation.

Honda is opening a new Advanced Materials Science Lab at Ohio State’s SciTech Campus—a $2.6 million expansion backed by JobsOhio. The project deepens Honda’s nearly 50-year presence in the state and strengthens Ohio’s position as a leader in EV, hydrogen, and quantum research powering the next generation of mobility.

The Ohio State University has launched the AI(X) Hub — a new cross-campus initiative uniting 15 colleges to advance artificial intelligence research, education, and innovation. Focused on six core pillars, the hub positions Ohio State and the state of Ohio as national leaders in responsible, real-world AI development and deployment.

Cincinnati-based Heylo, built within Vessel’s venture studio, has appointed ShiftAbility founder Brian Hart as its first CEO. The company is developing technology to modernize care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, blending software, hardware, and human-centered design to help agencies scale person-first support.

Ben Blanquera has spent 25 years shaping Ohio’s tech scene — and he’s still pedaling forward. From advising enterprises on AI strategy to cycling across the state for charity, the Rackspace VP blends technology, mentorship, and community to make an impact on Ohio’s tech sector.

Two Columbus-based technology leaders, Andelyn Biosciences and AlignAI, are teaming up to tackle one of the toughest challenges in BioTech: how to adopt artificial intelligence responsibly in a highly regulated, high-stakes manufacturing environment.

Tyler Technologies has acquired Columbus-based Emergency Networking, a SaaS provider for fire and EMS agencies, to strengthen its public safety suite ahead of the Jan. 1, 2026 federal shift to NERIS reporting. Emergency Networking is among the first fire records solutions to meet NERIS compliance, serving 500+ clients nationwide.

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce will host its 2025 Exploring AI Summit on July 16 in Columbus, bringing together business, government, and tech leaders to explore how AI is transforming Ohio’s economy. Panels will cover workforce, education, security, and policy—spotlighting the state’s growing leadership in AI adoption.

A new digital-first bank called Erebor is coming to Columbus. It’s backed by tech heavyweights Palmer Luckey, Joe Lonsdale, and Peter Thiel. With a focus on crypto, AI, defense, and manufacturing, Erebor aims to fill the gap left by Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse and serve America’s next generation of innovators from the heart of Ohio.

Ohio State University has unveiled a bold new AI Fluency Initiative aimed at preparing every student, from art majors to engineers, for the AI-driven future. By embedding AI education across disciplines, the university is equipping students with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce and ensuring Ohio remains a leader in innovation.

Defense tech company Anduril has raised $2.5 billion in a new funding round led by Founders Fund, which contributed $1 billion—the largest investment in the firm’s history. The raise comes as Anduril’s Ohio-based Arsenal-1 facility begins to take shape, signaling a major step forward in U.S. defense manufacturing and autonomous systems.

Meta celebrated its 2025 Community Action Grant recipients at the New Albany Data Center, recognizing local nonprofits and schools advancing STEAM education, sustainability, and opportunity. With new projects ranging from electric trams to tech-equipped recovery programs, the initiative underscores Meta’s growing footprint and long-term investment in Central Ohio communities.

Columbus's tech scene is buzzing as Forbes names its 30 Under 30 Class of 2025, packed with innovative founders from real estate AI to medical tech. This announcement prefaces the 2025 Forbes Under 30 Summit arriving in Columbus this September, underscoring Ohio's growing prominence as a growing tech hub.

Google and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce hosted a free in-person AI workshop to equip small businesses with practical tools and skills. Part of Google's Grow with Google initiative, the event highlighted how AI can boost productivity, reduce costs, and drive innovation—reinforcing Ohio’s growing role in the AI-powered economy.

Columbus-based FinTech company Lower has acquired Movoto, one of the most visited real estate search platforms in the U.S., to create a fully integrated homeownership experience. The move connects home search directly with financing, allowing Lower to engage with millions of users earlier in their journey and streamline the path to ownership.

Columbus’ startup scene takes center stage on May 22 at Innovation Hop 2025, hosted by Rev1 Ventures. Featuring 50+ standout startups, live demos, and bold tech from biotech to AR, this high-energy event is a must for investors, innovators, and anyone who loves what’s next.

The Ohio State University is launching the Meta STEM Instruction Innovation Hub, a $700,000 Meta-funded facility set to open in 2026. Designed to enhance STEM education for thousands of students annually, the high-tech space reflects Meta’s growing investment in Ohio’s tech ecosystem, including two data center locations in Northwest and Central Ohio.

Columbus-based AssetWatch has raised $75 million in Series C funding to expand its AI-powered predictive maintenance platform globally. The investment, led by Viking Global Investors, will support product innovation, international growth, and deeper customer engagement as the company continues helping manufacturers eliminate unplanned downtime and improve equipment reliability at scale.

Columbus-based HealthPlan Data Solutions has secured $15 million in growth equity led by MK Capital to scale its real-time pharmacy benefit oversight platform. Backed by JobsOhio, Rev1, and Tamarind Hill, HDS aims to help employers and health plans control rising pharmacy costs and drive transparency in a PBM market under national scrutiny.