A San Francisco startup building browser infrastructure for AI agents has raised $22 million — with Cincinnati’s Cintrifuse Capital and Refinery Ventures joining Accel, Y Combinator, and others in the round. The deal spotlights how Ohio investors are helping shape the core infrastructure powering generative AI.

The O.H.I.O. Fund has made a minority investment in Dublin-based EASE Logistics, one of Ohio’s fastest-growing logistics firms. The partnership — including a new collaboration with Columbus AI company Jakib.ai — aims to expand EASE’s AI capabilities and advance Ohio’s role in technology-driven supply chain innovation.

Cleveland Clinic is teaming up with Silicon Valley’s Khosla Ventures in a new collaboration designed to fast-track the future of healthcare innovation. The partnership links Ohio’s world-class medical research and clinical expertise with one of the nation’s top venture firms, opening new pathways for AI, digital health, and next-generation therapeutics to move rapidly from concept to commercialization.

Honda is opening a new Advanced Materials Science Lab at Ohio State’s SciTech Campus—a $2.6 million expansion backed by JobsOhio. The project deepens Honda’s nearly 50-year presence in the state and strengthens Ohio’s position as a leader in EV, hydrogen, and quantum research powering the next generation of mobility.

The Ohio State University has launched the AI(X) Hub — a new cross-campus initiative uniting 15 colleges to advance artificial intelligence research, education, and innovation. Focused on six core pillars, the hub positions Ohio State and the state of Ohio as national leaders in responsible, real-world AI development and deployment.

Cincinnati-based Heylo, built within Vessel’s venture studio, has appointed ShiftAbility founder Brian Hart as its first CEO. The company is developing technology to modernize care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, blending software, hardware, and human-centered design to help agencies scale person-first support.

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.