Startups + VC
The Solon-based manufacturer — the only Western module vendor serving both IoT and automotive — closed a $30M Series B as federal regulations force OEMs to cut Chinese connectivity components from their supply chains.
Advanced Manufacturing
The Columbus-based welding AI company signed an MOU with HII, the nation's largest military shipbuilder, to bring autonomous welding to Navy shipyards. It's the second shipbuilding deal in a week for the startup, which has raised more than $300 million to modernize American manufacturing.
Spotlights
Vixiv CEO Aaron Chow uses machine learning to automate lattice generation, creating parts that are simultaneously lighter and stronger. His Cincinnati-based technology bridges the gap between design and production, helping manufacturers optimize components and solve the skills gap.
Advanced Manufacturing
The Columbus-based welding AI company is bringing its tech to the shipyard floor through a new collaboration with Saronic, the autonomous vessel maker that's betting software-led manufacturing can crack the U.S. shipbuilding capacity problem.
Startups + VC
This Cleveland startup uses NASA-inspired infrasound technology to neutralize wildfires without water or chemicals. Named a CES 2026 Innovation Award Honoree, Sonic Fire Tech leverages Ohio’s manufacturing base to scale its revolutionary acoustic suppression systems.
Advanced Manufacturing
Congress approved $9.5M in federal funding for Columbus State's Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies, completing a $60M financing package for the 100,000 sq. ft. facility. OCAT will train workers in advanced manufacturing, biotech, and IT as employer demand surges across central Ohio.
Statewide Roundups
Ohio's transformation from potential to performance is accelerating. From a $4.35B fintech challenger to autonomous jets shipping this spring, here's what happened across the state in recent weeks—featuring the founders and leaders building the future in the Heartland.
Advanced Manufacturing
Housed in a historic paper mill, this 375,000-square-foot facility is a radical rethink of the American classroom. By blending robotics arenas with real-world industry labs, Ohio is building a high-tech talent pipeline that bridges the gap between high school training and PhD-level engineering.
Startups + VC
The O.H.I.O. Fund has hit a $356M capital milestone, generating $75M in returns while bringing Hyperframe’s manufacturing from California to Columbus. With new leadership and 30 deals closed, the firm is proving that Ohio’s "balanced" investment model is the new engine for Midwest growth.
Advanced Manufacturing
One year after Palmer Luckey promised to bring "hyperscale" defense manufacturing to central Ohio, the vision is becoming concrete reality. Arsenal-1's first autonomous jets will roll off the line by Q2—a timeline that would've been impossible just a decade ago.
Advanced Manufacturing
Forget the pilots and the custom hardware. Anduril’s AI Grand Prix is a high-stakes software battle for a $500,000 purse and a seat at the defense giant. With identical drones and zero human control, the global pursuit of autonomous perfection culminates in Ohio this November.
Advanced Manufacturing
In just three years, Endera has grown production 15x from its Ottawa, Ohio plant. By blending a profitable legacy business with EV innovation and 65% Ohio-sourced parts, this specialty bus maker is revitalizing the Heartland while scaling a 215% growth rate with The O.H.I.O. Fund.