Startups + VC
The former Heinen's chief people officer now oversees human resources, IT, legal and compliance, facilities and administrative operations at the Cleveland nonprofit, reporting to CEO Lorne Novick as the organization prepares its next strategic plan for serving entrepreneurs.
Capital + Deals
New microgrid controls, onsite generation and energy storage capabilities expand Vertiv’s support for AI data centers. The Westerville-based company aims to help customers bring facilities online faster, scale power capacity and choose from a broader range of power sources as their needs evolve.
Workforce + Education
Fisher is refreshing its undergraduate experience to prepare students who combine digital agility with business expertise, critical thinking and leadership. The approach emphasizes applied learning and stronger connections between classroom education and industry.
A statewide coalition is moving quickly to turn aerospace expertise, defense infrastructure and higher-education partnerships into a formal bid for a proposed federal academy intended to develop the nation’s next generation of space leaders.
AI25, presented by Ohio Tech News and OhioX, recognizes leaders turning artificial intelligence into real-world impact across Ohio, from startups and classrooms to hospitals, public agencies, manufacturing floors, and the capital backing what comes next.
Fueled by logistics dominance and aggressive site development, the state’s rise reflects years of coordinated economic strategy. Major investments in semiconductors, energy, and AI infrastructure are accelerating its position as a national hub for industrial-scale innovation.
AI25, presented by Ohio Tech News and OhioX, recognizes leaders turning artificial intelligence into real-world impact across Ohio — from startups and classrooms to hospitals, public agencies, manufacturing floors, and the capital backing what comes next.
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Students could begin pursuing the new degree in fall 2027, expanding a field now offered only at the graduate level. Plans include faculty hiring, endowed scholarships, expanded reactor research capabilities and a hands-on lab for capstone projects, simulation and interdisciplinary engineering work.
More than 400 founders and 140 investors spent two days at the Huntington Convention Center, with about 30% of the investors traveling from outside Ohio. In an early pulse check, 47% of rated meetings were marked a great fit worth a follow-up, according to JumpStart Inc.
Shared labs, flexible offices and coworking space will give technology and life sciences startups room to grow alongside university researchers and students. JobsOhio plans a low-interest loan for the project, which will also house ventures emerging from the BuildX student startup program.
Shared laboratories will bring together 65 faculty members and 300 researchers working on batteries, robotics, advanced manufacturing and medical devices, while a Google partnership will provide AI tools and expertise. Students will gain hands-on experience alongside researchers across disciplines.
Students and families at the Steve Wise Club now have free fiber internet, Dell computers and digital literacy courses, backed by a $50,000 investment. The Akron site is the company's fourth in Ohio, and 50 local families also received free refurbished laptops.
Seven years after its founding, the company runs technology-enabled credential checks, daily pay and shift booking for child care substitutes in six states, with Texas launching soon. A hiring tool released in June extends that work to permanent teachers.
The partnership aims to connect Ohio’s technology and industrial growth with financing for housing, workforce training and healthcare. With Adelphi Bank as its first partner, Erebor plans to build a Columbus model for community investment before expanding across Ohio and eventually nationwide.
Docked on the roof of Longworth Hall in Cincinnati, the aircraft can launch remotely, fly pre-programmed routes and return to recharge on their own. The Ohio UAS Center installed its first system in Springfield in 2025 before bringing the technology to the $4.05 billion bridge project.
COhatch and the City of Dublin will put three Ohio startups on stage for live pitches in the competition's fourth year. Its first three winners, DASI Simulations, Apricity Robotics and Sonic Fire Tech, have collectively raised more than $30 million since the event started in 2023.
Revenue grew from less than $3 million in 2021 to $447.8 million in 2025 as hyperscale customers bought its power and modular systems. The initial public offering raised $540 million, with $180 million going to the company and the rest to affiliates of owner Olympus Partners.
Nine leadership moves across Ohio's venture, technology and public sectors, including a new chief executive at Rev1 Ventures, a permanent talent chief at JobsOhio, an executive in residence at CincyTech and a retirement after 30 years at Alloy Development Co.
Humtown Products CEO Mark Lamoncha started working with YBI in 2012 to bring 3D printing to sand casting. The former Vindicator building in downtown Youngstown now carries his family's name, five months after the SBA named him the nation's top small business owner.
