OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank are expanding Stargate with five new AI data center sites — including one in Lordstown, Ohio. The $500 billion initiative is now ahead of schedule, bringing nearly 7 gigawatts of planned capacity, $400 billion in investment, and thousands of jobs that will help power the AI economy.

Youngstown startup REMPY is rethinking real estate with AI. Launched September 17th, the platform matches buyers, sellers, and agents based on compatibility — from communication style to market expertise — instead of cold leads or chance referrals. With roots in Northeast Ohio and national ambitions, REMPY shows how local innovation is reshaping one of life’s biggest financial decisions.

Japanese tech investment giant SoftBank has purchased Foxconn’s 6.2 million-square-foot Lordstown plant for $375 million according to Bloomberg. Foxconn will continue operating the site, shifting production to AI server and cloud computing hardware — a move that further boosts Ohio’s growing role in U.S. AI infrastructure and data center development.

Foxconn’s move adds to a surge of AI-related investment in Ohio, as the state becomes a national hub for data center construction. Powered by hyperscale cloud providers and large-scale AI infrastructure projects, the state is solidifying its place as a leading destination for AI innovation, deployment, and advanced manufacturing.

Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik recently announced a new Innovation Hub in Youngstown to advance additive manufacturing technology for the national defense industry.

Tech startups often face a unique challenge: turning great ideas into thriving businesses. While engineers and developers may excel at creating innovative products, they often lack the knowledge to secure funding, develop effective marketing strategies, or scale operations. That’s where the Youngstown Business Incubator (YBI) steps in. Through its EVOLVE Technology Entrepreneurship Program, YBI provides vital support to Ohio’s tech entrepreneurs.