Former JumpStart board chair Cindy Torres Essell joins the staff as chief administrative officer

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.

Vertiv closes $1.45 billion acquisition of UtilityInnovation Group

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.

Ohio State names AI and operations scholar Aravind Chandrasekaran dean of Fisher College of Business

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.

Oklo backs $4.5 million push for Ohio State undergraduate nuclear engineering major

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.

VC Fest logs 665 founder-investor meetings in Cleveland

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.

Ohio State breaks ground on Timashev Technology Tower in Columbus Innovation District

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.

CWRU launches $2.5 billion campaign, opens $300 million Cleveland research hub

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.

AT&T opens Akron's first Connected Learning Center at Boys & Girls Club

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.

Columbus startup Tandem uses technology to staff child care classrooms with substitutes

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.

Erebor Bank launches $20 million nationwide opportunity initiative, taps Marcia Fudge as chair

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.

ODOT installs drone-in-a-box systems to monitor Brent Spence Bridge Corridor construction

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.

Dublin Pitch returns Oct. 15 with more than $25,000 in prizes and past winners as judges

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.