Entrepreneurship : Featured Stories

In recent years, Ohio has become home to a bevy of physician inventors, thanks in part to the presence of leading health care institutions, a supportive web of entrepreneurial programs and critical early stage capital.  hiVelocity takes a peek at some of these docs' latest inventions, how they were created and how they'll benefit patient care.

A few years ago, Cincinnati's Over-the-Rhine neighborhood was considered to be endangered by the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Today, it is a redevelopment success story. That's partially due to startups that are not only fueling the state's economy, but also aiding the redevelopment of urban neighborhoods. ONE Fund accelerators have ignited demand for rehabilitated office space in Cincinnati, Columbus and Cleveland, bringing a new, exciting energy to their cities. 

Like most of the country, Northeast Ohio was slammed hard by the tidal wave of the most recent recession. But thanks to an increasingly diversified economic strategy -- one that saw a transition from traditional manufacturing (steel, tires) to modern forms of manufacturing (healthcare equipment, polymers) -- the region is emerging from those damaging waters stronger than it has in the past, say area advocates.

Terry Chan arrived in Cincinnati by way of Hong Kong and Carnegie Mellon University. His bold, forward-thinking plans for the Short Vine Innovation District reflect an international perspective on successful urban development. With the help of both new and long-term investors, Chan is now helping to create a technological hub of vibrant, early-stage businesses that's built to last.

Equity-based crowdfunding will allow everyone the opportunity to become a venture capitalist. But is this a good thing? Remember the dot-com bubble that burst in the 1990s? Yet while crowdfunding brings a certain amount of risk, even skeptics say that it has the potential to bring an important source of new capital to Ohio. The emerging phenomenon could also empower a new class of investors.

Even as women continue to rise in corporate leadership positions, studies show they're still underrepresented in high tech industries. Yet across Ohio, many women are now starting technology-focused companies, and this "new girls club" is playing an important role in driving our state's innovation economy. Along the route to success, they're also learning to define it on their own terms.

Video games no longer are child's play. A multi-billion dollar industry, video game development seduces countless wannabes, each hoping to design the next Call of Duty. Helping to train those people is Cleveland Institute of Art, which recently launched its Game Design program. Combining classes in 3D modeling, game mapping, screenwriting and sound design, this challenging program is no child's play either.

Accelerate (v.): 1) To increase the speed of, or 2) To cause to occur sooner than expected. In physics classes, students learn how velocity can change rapidly. Ohio's high tech leaders are applying the same principles to help accelerate the pace at which businesses are created. The spread of business accelerators statewide is helping bright, young entrepreneurs grow successful businesses with the aid of resources and mentoring.