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.
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.
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.
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.
Startups + VC
Dayton’s aviation innovation legacy met its culinary scene as autonomous logistics company Dexa and All The Best Delicatessen executed Ohio’s first commercial drone sandwich delivery. Under clear skies, the FAA-certified aircraft completed a flawless 1.5-mile suburban round trip.
Capital + Deals
The evergreen platform added 18 new institutional and private investors in Q1, expanding its total backer base to 155 across the state. Total active deployment reached $217M across 33 multi-asset investments, including a $25M manufacturing expansion.
Statewide Roundups
From a 249-person gathering in Cleveland to 827 leaders in Columbus, the milestone data points reveal how the state's flagship tech conference has expanded. The multi-state draw brought together 55 speakers, 30+ sponsors, and a waitlist that grew into triple digits.
Capital + Deals
The Columbus private equity firm is backing the Miamisburg engineer’s growth strategy through regional hiring and targeted M&A. The deal aims to accelerate AI, software, and advanced automation deployment for Fortune 100 industrial manufacturers like Cargill and Nestlé.
Statewide Roundups
The fifth annual Ohio Tech Summit drew 827 founders, operators, investors, and policymakers to Ohio State — sold out, with travelers in from Pittsburgh to Denver. Inside a day on applied AI, re-industrialization, and the Ohio companies turning the state's structural advantages into products.
Partner Content
Columbus-based Aplos Data emerged from stealth as a Platinum Sponsor of the Ohio Tech Summit. Specializing in Palantir Technologies, the firm unifies fragmented tools into a single operational layer, helping organizations "Operate as One" through real-world AI implementation.