Why these leaders are betting on Ohio

Optimism is easy when things are going well. What's more telling is why leaders stay committed when they have options to go elsewhere.

We asked Ohio tech leaders to finish this sentence: "I'm bullish on Ohio tech right now because..." Their responses go beyond generic talking points about talent and location. These are the specific advantages that keep them building here, from maturing ecosystems to deep industrial expertise. Here's what's keeping them invested.

1. The Ecosystem is Maturing Beyond Hype

"The ecosystem in Ohio is maturing beyond early-stage hype into execution and scale. There's a growing alignment between industry, universities, and startups, especially in sectors like healthcare, fintech, medtech, and industrial tech. That combination creates durable companies, not just quick exits." — Shani Bhavsar, CEO/CTO, Dash Technologies Inc.

2. Hard-Working, Loyal Doers Plus Smart Tax Policy

"We have a state full of hard working, smart doers who are loyal and committed to helping Ohio boom. We also have the right political leanings that are advantageous to developing technology in the state. This includes favorable tax policies for business, capital attraction and investment. Combine this with world class educational institutions specializing in STEM programs such as Ohio State, Case, Toledo, Akron and Cincinnati and it is hard to not be bullish on Ohio." — Tony Pietrocola, President, AgileBlue

3. A Lifelong Ohioan's Perspective

"As a lifelong Ohioan, I believe this is the place to be for technology success right now. I grew up on a working farm and earned my undergraduate degree at Ohio State (O-H!), and my graduate degree at Ohio University, and even after traveling extensively, I know Ohio has it all. Our greatest asset is our people — curious, talented, and deeply connected to industries technology can transform. From agriculture and manufacturing to world-class healthcare and high-tech innovation, Ohio brings unmatched experience and perspective. With tech-savvy graduates from across the state, strong professional networking organizations like OhioX, and forward-thinking companies, such as Hyland, that proudly call Ohio home, we're not just adapting to change, we're shaping the future." — Carissa Nettle, Director, Advising Services, Hyland

4. A Once-in-a-Generation Opportunity

"We have tons of smart people with deep experience in a number of critical areas. Armed with the capabilities of frontier AI models, some of these individuals will be able to rethink entire companies and perhaps even industries from the ground up. For those with enough ambition and risk tolerance, Ohio provides a once-in-a-generation opportunity right now." — Grant Schneider, Chief Technology Officer, Machine Learning, Upstart

5. Industrial Expertise Meets Collaboration

"Our state combines deep industrial expertise with a growing culture of collaboration across startups, corporates, universities, and public partners. We are seeing stronger alignment between research, capital, and commercialization, particularly in hardtech sectors where Ohio has a right to win. This maturity is shortening the path from idea to market and enabling more scalable companies." — Jessica Sublett, President & CEO, Bounce Innovation Hub

6. Authentic and Sustained Engagement

"I'm bullish on Ohio tech right now because the level of engagement and excitement across founders, investors, and civic leaders feels both authentic and sustained. The community energy and collaboration is something I've never seen here before, and I'm enthusiastic to play a part in this growth!" — Lynn Sautter Beal, VP, Consumer Lending Operations, Upstart

7. Research, Industry, and Entrepreneurial Energy Converging

"I'm bullish on Ohio tech right now because the region has become known as a place where research, industry, and entrepreneurial energy are converging in meaningful ways. As Ohio continues to invest in talent, innovation spaces, and commercialization pathways, including expansions like Rev1 at The Peninsula, founders have stronger infrastructure to launch, grow, and scale companies. That momentum is positioning Ohio as a hub for startup activity and a growing magnet for founders looking to build with access to customers, expertise, and capital." — Kristy Campbell, President and COO, Rev1 Ventures

8. Growing Connections Across State Tech Hubs

"The growing connections across the state of tech hubs, and organizations – these networks lead to surprising collaborations and opportunities that have already pushed the state tech foundations forward." — Miro Humer, Vice President and CIO, Case Western Reserve University

What emerges from these responses is a collection of reinforcing advantages. Tax policies that attract capital. Universities producing technical talent. Deep industrial expertise that gives startups real customers and problems to solve. Infrastructure investments that support commercialization. And something harder to quantify but repeatedly mentioned: authentic collaboration and sustained engagement across the ecosystem. The leaders betting on Ohio aren't doing it because it's trendy. They're doing it because the pieces are in place, the momentum is real, and the opportunity is now.

This article is part of The Blueprint: Insights from Ohio Tech Leaders, an exclusive editorial series from OhioX and Ohio Tech News showcasing the people and ideas shaping our state's tech sector. This invitation-only platform features curated perspectives from the state’s most influential technology executives and innovators. To learn more about this series or to inquire about future partnership opportunities and inclusion, please submit your interest.