Akron’s century-old polymer legacy is starting a new chapter. Bounce Innovation Hub and the Polymer Industry Cluster have launched the first cohort of the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator, backing eight startups tackling challenges from PFAS filtration to plastic recycling. The yearlong program provides funding, mentorship, and industry access to speed commercialization.

Cleveland students are stepping into the future of work with the launch of the Experiential Robotics Platform. The program brings 1,000 low-cost robotics kits into classrooms, giving kids hands-on experience in coding, design, and 3D printing—skills Ohio leaders say will define tomorrow’s jobs.

For Ohio Tech Day, student Daniel Herrmann visited the Mahoning County Career & Technical Center (MCCTC) and saw firsthand how Ohio schools are preparing the next generation of innovators. In this guest post, he shares how MCCTC blends classroom learning with real-world tech skills to shape Ohio’s future workforce.

Dayton-based drone delivery startup DEXA has closed an oversubscribed $15M seed round to expand operations and bring at-home drone delivery to U.S. cities. With rare FAA certifications and a hometown-first strategy focused on empowering local retailers, DEXA is positioning itself to compete with industry giants and make drone commerce a reality.

Centrus Energy is planning a multi-billion-dollar expansion of its uranium enrichment plant in Piketon, Ohio. The project could add 300 operations jobs and 1,000 construction jobs while bolstering U.S. capacity for advanced nuclear fuel — positioning southern Ohio at the center of America’s push for energy security and innovation.

OpenAI, Oracle, and SoftBank are expanding Stargate with five new AI data center sites — including one in Lordstown, Ohio. The $500 billion initiative is now ahead of schedule, bringing nearly 7 gigawatts of planned capacity, $400 billion in investment, and thousands of jobs that will help power the AI economy.

Youngstown startup REMPY is rethinking real estate with AI. Launched September 17th, the platform matches buyers, sellers, and agents based on compatibility — from communication style to market expertise — instead of cold leads or chance referrals. With roots in Northeast Ohio and national ambitions, REMPY shows how local innovation is reshaping one of life’s biggest financial decisions.

Ohio Tech Day 2025 launched in Bowling Green with an immersive kickoff event at BGSU, featuring Meta Quest VR experiences through the Be Pro Be Proud Mobile Workshop. Organized by OhioX and presented by Meta, the program sets the stage for statewide Ohio Tech Day celebrations this Friday, inspiring students to explore innovation careers.

Yonatan “Yon” Raz-Fridman has built ventures at the frontier of gaming, VR, and AI — most recently Supersocial, acquired earlier this year. Now, the repeat founder is taking a rare pause in New Albany. We caught up with Yon on coffee, running, and why Ohio should be thinking big about its role as a global AI hub.

JobsOhio, the Ohio Life Sciences Association, and One Columbus are teaming up on a new biomanufacturing workforce initiative. With up to $30 million invested over five years, the plan calls for a central Ohio training center with labs, clean rooms, and classrooms — preparing Ohioans for in-demand biotech and pharmaceutical manufacturing careers as the industry rapidly expands.

Nvidia’s $5 billion investment in Intel is fueling fresh optimism for Ohio One, Intel’s $28 billion “mega-site” in New Albany. While the project’s first fabs are delayed until 2031, leaders say the partnership and recent federal backing strengthen Intel’s footing — and could help secure Ohio’s place in the U.S. semiconductor supply chain.

A new Verizon Frontline survey finds that first responders are rapidly embracing emerging tech. Nearly half expect daily use of AI and drones within five years, while two-thirds have already boosted cybersecurity protections. The study underscores that reliable networks, advanced tools, and digital resilience are becoming essential pillars of modern public safety.

Ohio VC Fest 2025 brought two days of energy and deal-making to Cleveland, as founders, investors, and corporates connected around AI, healthcare, and venture trends. From startup pitches to curated investor meetings, the event showcased why Ohio’s venture ecosystem is gaining momentum—and why the Midwest is becoming a hub for innovation.

Cleveland-based Splash Financial has raised more than $70M in a Series C round led by Grand Oaks Capital, with participation from The O.H.I.O. Fund and others. The FinTech, which has originated more than $6 billion in loans, is expanding into home equity lines of credit while Ohio investors fuel the state’s growing financial services and FinTech ecosystem.

Ohio VC Fest is back in Cleveland this week, bringing together founders, funders, and leaders for two days of connections and dealmaking. With expanded programming, more national investors, and a regional Startup World Cup competition, VC Fest is cementing its place as one of the Midwest’s signature gatherings for startups and venture capital.

Techstars Columbus is turning two with a fresh milestone: its Fall 2025 cohort. Eight startups are joining the accelerator, and five are from outside Ohio—a sign that Columbus is becoming a magnet for companies from hubs like San Francisco and New York. Meet the class reshaping biotech, AI, aerospace, and more.

JumpStart’s Interim CEO Lorne Novick is steering one of Ohio’s most influential startup organizations through a pivotal moment. With VC Fest returning to Cleveland September 16–17, Novick is focused on connecting founders and funders, diversifying capital, and expanding services to help Ohio entrepreneurs grow faster and compete on a national stage.

Jessica Sublett is leading Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub from inside a nine-story former tire factory turned 300,000-square-foot innovation center. As CEO, she’s helping position Akron as a national leader in advanced materials and polymers while also serving as a connector for the city’s entrepreneurs. Outside of work, she recharges with boating, hiking, and cooking.

Cleveland-based startup Beacon has launched with a mission to pay people for helping their networks land jobs. Early customers are already seeing results, signaling how Beacon could reshape referrals into a formal, rewarding marketplace for recruiters, companies, and everyday professionals alike.

71/70 Angels has closed its first fund and already made two startup investments, including Cincinnati-based Nichefire. Backed by Rev1 Ventures and nearly 50 investors, the new fund is tackling one of Ohio’s toughest gaps—seed capital—while expanding access for both founders and first-time angels across the region.