In today's fast-changing economy, Ohio businesses are tapping into innovative programs to develop their workforce, strengthen teams, and stay competitive. Whether you're looking to train existing employees, attract emerging talent, or engage with untapped workforce potential, Ohio offers robust resources to help you succeed. Here is your guide for 2025.

In 2024, Ohio tech made headlines with groundbreaking innovations, billion-dollar investments, and initiatives shaping the future of education, manufacturing, and cloud technology. From Amazon Web Services’ $10 billion expansion to Microsoft’s latest data center and a landmark digital driver’s license launch, 2024 was a year of major tech growth for Ohio. Stories of local startups making global waves and ambitious public sector programs drew attention to the state’s growing tech hub.

Following the groundbreaking Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) policies introduced by the NCAA, two former Ohio State cheerleaders have developed an exciting new platform called Five Star Fans. Designed to transform how college sports fans engage with athletes, this Columbus-based startup offers real-time financial support to collegiate players.

Google has its continued its strong commitment to Central Ohio with the announcement of more than $1.1 million in direct grants to 13 local nonprofit organizations. The funding targets critical community needs, including education, STEM initiatives, mental health services, and digital equity programs.

The world has changed a lot in the last few years, reshaping how we live and work. The introduction and rise of the hybrid work model has introduced new complexities to cybersecurity, while global supply chain disruptions have driven a shift toward nearshoring, impacting manufacturing, production, and trade, writes Mike Caralis of Verizon in an OhioTechNews.com guest column.

Streamline, a Cleveland-based startup is building a groundbreaking mobile application that combines cutting-edge mobile app development expertise with social media functionality to simplify how people navigate the complex world of streaming. The free app specializes in helping users track, schedule, and share their favorite streaming content with ease. Currently at the end of its initial app development process, Streamline is now available for download on the Apple App Store.

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has unveiled plans to invest an additional $10 billion to expand its data center infrastructure throughout Ohio, marking the second-largest private sector investment in the state’s history. The investment, announced by Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, JobsOhio, and the Ohio Department of Development, is expected to create hundreds of high-paying jobs by 2030 and continue boosting Ohio’s growing reputation as a tech hub.

In an era where agriculture faces unprecedented challenges, from climate change to labor shortages, Ohio's AgTech Innovation Hub is emerging as a beacon of technological advancement and innovative solutions. This pioneering collaboration between The Ohio State University's College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), Nationwide, and Ohio Farm Bureau is revolutionizing the way we approach agricultural challenges.

Ohio's commitment to building a technology-ready workforce continues to gain momentum, with the September TechCred application period showing remarkable results and a significant emphasis on artificial intelligence training. Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Director of the Governor's Office of Workforce Transformation, has announced that 597 employers will receive funding to support 7,421 tech-focused credentials for Ohio workers.

MorelandConnect is reshaping the health tech landscape—and they’re doing it from Cleveland. Founded by two native Clevelanders, John Lurtz and Jeff Kavlick, their vision wasn’t just about software—it was about creating a life, and a legacy of innovation. Those roots have firmly anchored the company in a city that boasts a vibrant healthcare ecosystem, from the Cleveland Clinic to University Hospitals to MetroHealth and beyond.

In the wake of the pandemic's e-commerce boom, the retail landscape has undergone a dramatic transformation. Today, the line between traditional retailers and service providers continues to blur as companies across sectors embrace innovative technologies to enhance customer experiences. Among these pioneers stands The Wendy's Company, an Ohio company which is revolutionizing one of fast food's most familiar features: the drive-through window.

Columbus is about to get a major tech infusion. Rev1 Ventures, the Ohio State University, and the City of Columbus announced last week plans to create Ohio’s two newest innovation destinations: a software startup space in downtown Columbus and a life sciences facility at the Carmenton district.

Ohio’s leadership in AI education continued to grow this week with the launch of a new statewide strategy to help prepare the Buckeye State for Artificial Intelligence’s impact on the future of education. Announced and led by Ohio Lt. Governor Jon Husted, Ohio’s AI in Education Strategy was built to help schools and students for the transformative potential of AI.

The Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC) and its partners have secured a $5 million National Science Foundation grant to enhance and expand Open OnDemand, their widely-adopted high performance computing (HPC) web portal. The five-year initiative aims to make advanced computing resources more accessible to researchers, educators, and students worldwide.

Cyrannus, a Columbus-based startup, is revolutionizing the venture capital industry with a transformative venture polling platform utilizing advanced AI technology and collective intelligence to evaluate early-stage startups and provide a prediction market for accredited investors. The app is backed by a $100 million fund and 200 investors, each committed to check sizes of $10,000.

AgileBlue recently won the AI Innovation category at Greater Cleveland Partnership’s 2024 Best of Tech awards and was a finalist for Cybersecurity Partner Excellence. What makes them best in class? GCP recently sat down with Co-Founder and President Tony Pietrocola to learn more and share some of their AI excellence with OhioTechNews.com.

Innovative startups are fueling Northeast Ohio's economic growth, and a leader of this ecosystem is JumpStart, a Cleveland-based nonprofit driving investment and inclusive development. In this exclusive interview with OhioTechNews.com, Chris Berry, President and CEO of OhioX, spoke with JumpStart CEO Julie Jacono about her vision for the organization and its impact on Ohio.

In a major development first reported by TechCrunch's Marina Temkin, defense technology company Anduril is reportedly considering Ohio as one of three potential locations for its ambitious new manufacturing facility. According to TechCrunch's exclusive reporting, the company is evaluating sites in Ohio, Arizona, and Texas for what would be its first major manufacturing plant.

The University of Toledo’s Tech419 Pitch Competition marked the culmination of a 12-week program that honed five tech entrepreneurs’ storytelling skills through intensive deck reviews, feedback sessions, and mock judging panels.

In a significant move for Ohio's healthcare technology ecosystem, St. Elizabeth Healthcare has announced a strategic partnership with CincyTech, marking a new chapter in healthcare innovation for the region. The collaboration, revealed on November 4, 2024, aims to accelerate the development and implementation of breakthrough healthcare technologies while enhancing patient care outcomes.