Technology : Featured Stories

From student business ideas to cutting-edge medical research, The Ohio State University Technology Commercialization Office is revolutionizing how companies are created on campus. Now, thanks to a new partnership with TechColumbus, the TCO promises to bring ideas to market even faster -- and make sure these startups have the resources needed to grow.

Whether it is health care, information technology, clean tech or business and consumer products, Cleveland's increased level of startup activity is attracting funding from venture capital firms in Northeast Ohio and beyond. But experts say there's a ways to go before the Silicon Valley comparisons stick.

Whether they are tackling the obesity epidemic, manufacturing new medical devices or growing microorganisms to save patients' lives, Ohio's bioscience companies are on the rise. Investment by Third Frontier along with medical commercialization and workforce development efforts have played a key role in developing the industry and creating good-paying jobs across the state.

Steve Case recently came to Cleveland to address entrepreneurial leaders from across the country who had gathered for the National Association of Seed and Venture Funds conference. After praising Ohio's innovation economy, he said that the key to creating more jobs in the U.S. is to support entrepreneurs and high-growth companies and argued policy leaders need to do more to spur innovation.

It's never been easier to validate an idea and launch a new company. Yet access to capital remains a critical issue for entrepreneurs. The upcoming National Association of Seed and Venture Funds Conference, to be held in Cleveland from October 15th-17th, will bring together a community of aspiring entrepeneurs and investors to explore ways to advance innovation capital.

Southeast Ohio may be off the beaten track, but it is also home to some of the state's fastest growing companies. Many of these startups are propelled to success by the Ohio University Innovation Center, which offers flexible, ready-to-go office space, mentoring and proximity to a growing roster of creative companies.

On the heels of London's breathtaking Olympic Games comes the Elevator Pitch Olympics. Startup companies will soon have the chance to pitch their ideas to venture capitalists for about as long as it takes to ride an elevator to the 50th floor. That's just one of the events at the upcoming Great Lakes Venture Fair, which takes place October 15th-17th in Cleveland.