Startups + VC
Columbus-built “physical AI” is moving from pilot to production in U.S. Navy shipyards, as HII signs a multi-year, performance-based automation deal worth up to $900 million — including a long-term, $600 million allocation that will be engineered out of Central Ohio.
Artificial Intelligence
AI25, presented by Ohio Tech News and OhioX, recognizes leaders turning artificial intelligence into real-world impact across Ohio, from startups and classrooms to hospitals, public agencies, manufacturing floors, and the capital backing what comes next.
Advanced Manufacturing
Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Ohio is accepting applications for a new dual-use technology accelerator focused on edge AI, autonomy, advanced sensors, resilient communications and other tools built for contested environments. Applications close July 31.
Statewide Roundups
Billions are landing in advanced manufacturing, life sciences, aerospace and AI infrastructure. Companies are moving headquarters here, founders are raising big rounds here, and a state now ranked No. 1 for business is building the workforce to match. Capital, deals and jobs from recent weeks.
Startups + VC
The Third Coast Foundry creates a Silicon Valley foothold for university-backed startups, offering direct access to investors, programming and partnerships while aiming to keep company growth, talent and operations anchored in the region.
Advanced Manufacturing
The semi-autonomous fighter, built for the Air Force's Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, took 126 days to assemble on a line that started three months ahead of schedule and can produce up to 150 aircraft a year — 143 workers hired in under 12 months are first of future 4,000 people on site.
Startups + VC
SpaceX alumni behind 1872 are using one of Ohio’s largest seed rounds to build an AI-native factory model for energy, utility and industrial customers, aiming to cut steel fabrication lead times from months to weeks with software, robotics and physical AI.
Advanced Manufacturing
Beehive Industries is scaling 3D-printed jet engine production for military drones in Southwest Ohio, targeting 8,000+ units annually. Backed by a $29.7M Air Force contract, the initiative creates over 200 jobs while compressing defense manufacturing timelines from years to months.
Advanced Manufacturing
Electra’s EL9 Ultra Short factory in Springfield puts hybrid-electric aviation on a manufacturing track. The aircraft uses blown-lift technology and can take off and land in just 150 feet.
Advanced Manufacturing
The O.H.I.O. Fund has launched Ohio 4.0, a statewide campaign framing the state’s manufacturing roots as its greatest asset in the age of physical AI. The initiative argues Ohio is positioned to lead the nation's next economic era as supply chains reshore.
Advanced Manufacturing
A Case Western Reserve–led coalition of more than 70 partners has landed a coveted National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines award, unlocking up to $160 million over 10 years to wire AI, automation and robotics into the region’s industrial backbone.
Startups + VC
Seed funding from global and Ohio investors backs a Dayton startup betting that ultra‑compact laser links can ease a growing satellite data bottleneck and position the state at the center of the space‑based data infrastructure race.