Startups + VC
Cleveland-based Auxilium Health closed an oversubscribed $3.4 million seed round to move its Aer biomaterial platform toward FDA clearance and first-in-human studies, aiming to prevent infection by stopping bacteria from attaching in the first place.
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
Founders, investors, operators and creators converge in Cincinnati July 14–16 for Black Tech Week, with sessions on capital, AI, corporate partnerships and career pathways plus JobsOhio-led programming linking attendees to statewide tech and startup resources.
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.
Startups + VC
The equity-free Trailblazer program provides non-dilutive capital and hands-on mentorship to pre-seed and seed-stage founders. Beyond tapping a network of 200 service providers, the group will present their traction to Ohio's investment community at a showcase on August 27.
Capital + Deals
The Columbus-based startup solves a massive bottleneck for early-stage automation companies by embedding fractional sales teams to navigate complex enterprise deals. Backed by new capital and institutional scale, the acquisition aims to position the region as the country's premier tech corridor.
Startups + VC
The new Battelle and Ohio State spinout is commercializing a wearable, closed-loop sleeve that reads muscle signals to help patients regain grip control. Led by a veteran medtech entrepreneur, the startup is scaling up operations ahead of planned mid-2027 clinical trials.
Startups + VC
Veteran software operator Gerald Hetrick is tackling the costly hurdle of fractional CFO services by integrating with existing accounting tools to offer instant financial clarity. Through proactive alerts, the new software helps business owners anticipate cash gaps and track margins in real time.
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.
Capital + Deals
The Case Western spinout will use the capital to automate production of its 100-year optical discs. By slashing archive energy costs by 90%, the Solon startup aims to challenge legacy systems and capture the booming market for training massive AI datasets.
Advanced Manufacturing
Central Ohio is about to build the Air Force’s next generation of semi‑autonomous “robotic wingmen,” as Anduril’s FQ‑44 Fury fighter and Lattice mission autonomy software move from rapid prototyping into full production at the new Arsenal‑1 campus.
Startups + VC
With over 12,000 startup jobs created locally in the last five years, Cincinnati is growing fast enough to challenge hubs like Nashville. Now, Cintrifuse is deploying a fresh 30-student cohort to ensure the region's top collegiate tech talent stays and builds in Ohio.