Ben Blanquera has spent 25 years shaping Ohio’s tech scene — and he’s still pedaling forward. From advising enterprises on AI strategy to cycling across the state for charity, the Rackspace VP blends technology, mentorship, and community to make an impact on Ohio’s tech sector.

Two Columbus-based technology leaders, Andelyn Biosciences and AlignAI, are teaming up to tackle one of the toughest challenges in BioTech: how to adopt artificial intelligence responsibly in a highly regulated, high-stakes manufacturing environment.

Tyler Technologies has acquired Columbus-based Emergency Networking, a SaaS provider for fire and EMS agencies, to strengthen its public safety suite ahead of the Jan. 1, 2026 federal shift to NERIS reporting. Emergency Networking is among the first fire records solutions to meet NERIS compliance, serving 500+ clients nationwide.

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce will host its 2025 Exploring AI Summit on July 16 in Columbus, bringing together business, government, and tech leaders to explore how AI is transforming Ohio’s economy. Panels will cover workforce, education, security, and policy—spotlighting the state’s growing leadership in AI adoption.

A new digital-first bank called Erebor is coming to Columbus. It’s backed by tech heavyweights Palmer Luckey, Joe Lonsdale, and Peter Thiel. With a focus on crypto, AI, defense, and manufacturing, Erebor aims to fill the gap left by Silicon Valley Bank’s collapse and serve America’s next generation of innovators from the heart of Ohio.

Ohio State University has unveiled a bold new AI Fluency Initiative aimed at preparing every student, from art majors to engineers, for the AI-driven future. By embedding AI education across disciplines, the university is equipping students with the tools to thrive in a rapidly evolving workforce and ensuring Ohio remains a leader in innovation.

Defense tech company Anduril has raised $2.5 billion in a new funding round led by Founders Fund, which contributed $1 billion—the largest investment in the firm’s history. The raise comes as Anduril’s Ohio-based Arsenal-1 facility begins to take shape, signaling a major step forward in U.S. defense manufacturing and autonomous systems.

Meta celebrated its 2025 Community Action Grant recipients at the New Albany Data Center, recognizing local nonprofits and schools advancing STEAM education, sustainability, and opportunity. With new projects ranging from electric trams to tech-equipped recovery programs, the initiative underscores Meta’s growing footprint and long-term investment in Central Ohio communities.

Columbus's tech scene is buzzing as Forbes names its 30 Under 30 Class of 2025, packed with innovative founders from real estate AI to medical tech. This announcement prefaces the 2025 Forbes Under 30 Summit arriving in Columbus this September, underscoring Ohio's growing prominence as a growing tech hub.

Google and the Columbus Chamber of Commerce hosted a free in-person AI workshop to equip small businesses with practical tools and skills. Part of Google's Grow with Google initiative, the event highlighted how AI can boost productivity, reduce costs, and drive innovation—reinforcing Ohio’s growing role in the AI-powered economy.

Columbus-based FinTech company Lower has acquired Movoto, one of the most visited real estate search platforms in the U.S., to create a fully integrated homeownership experience. The move connects home search directly with financing, allowing Lower to engage with millions of users earlier in their journey and streamline the path to ownership.

Columbus’ startup scene takes center stage on May 22 at Innovation Hop 2025, hosted by Rev1 Ventures. Featuring 50+ standout startups, live demos, and bold tech from biotech to AR, this high-energy event is a must for investors, innovators, and anyone who loves what’s next.

The Ohio State University is launching the Meta STEM Instruction Innovation Hub, a $700,000 Meta-funded facility set to open in 2026. Designed to enhance STEM education for thousands of students annually, the high-tech space reflects Meta’s growing investment in Ohio’s tech ecosystem, including two data center locations in Northwest and Central Ohio.

Columbus-based AssetWatch has raised $75 million in Series C funding to expand its AI-powered predictive maintenance platform globally. The investment, led by Viking Global Investors, will support product innovation, international growth, and deeper customer engagement as the company continues helping manufacturers eliminate unplanned downtime and improve equipment reliability at scale.

Columbus-based HealthPlan Data Solutions has secured $15 million in growth equity led by MK Capital to scale its real-time pharmacy benefit oversight platform. Backed by JobsOhio, Rev1, and Tamarind Hill, HDS aims to help employers and health plans control rising pharmacy costs and drive transparency in a PBM market under national scrutiny.

Amgen is expanding its Central Ohio manufacturing facility with a $900 million investment, bringing its total commitment in the state to over $1.4 billion and creating 750 jobs. The BioTech giant’s growth strengthens Ohio’s position as a major hub for life sciences and advanced biomanufacturing.

Ohio-based Clarence Health is innovating senior care by blending technology with empathy. Their AI-powered mobile app offers daily check-ins, medication reminders, mental stimulation, and connects seniors with family and healthcare providers. Founded by an Ohio healthcare veteran, Clarence aims to personalize care, combat social isolation, and scale health monitoring, offering a free "lite" version to get started.

Delaware-based sustainable asphalt company, necoTECH, is in the national spotlight for revolutionizing the construction materials infrastructure with cutting-edge, eco-friendly solutions—and they’re making major moves in Ohio.

Hilliard, a growing suburb west of Columbus, has earned national recognition for its efforts to build a high-tech innovation ecosystem, landing a spot on Fast Company’s prestigious 2025 list of the Most Innovative Companies in Economic Development. Local innovations developed through City Lab include a drone for 911 response, a sewer overflow detector, an algae-clearing boat, and even a virtual scoreboard for local sports games.

ZoCo Design has been a powerhouse in Columbus for over 12 years. They deliver high-impact user experience (UX) design for a diverse range of industries, but as of late 2024, their focus sharpened. They’re transforming healthcare and healthtech, partnering with product and technology teams to make understanding people and what to build for them, radically easy.