Ohio Third Frontier

MetaMol is an early-stage biotech startup focused on developing a highly targeted diagnostic and treatment technique to combat cancer spread. MetaMol's commitment to the discovery of anti-metastasis medications stems from research on osteopontin, a glycoprotein ordinarily released by immune system cells. Osteopontin has also been linked to metastasis development in several malignancies. Because the immune system can restrict tumor growth, it was assumed that there must be distinctions between host osteopontin and tumor-derived osteopontin to explain for their unique activities.

Afference specializes in wearable electronics, focusing on innovative technologies that bridge the gap between digital and physical experiences. Their core product enables users to interact with various devices such as VR, AR, and gaming consoles through advanced neural stimulation, providing tactile feedback.

Lyceum is a company built around the principle that teachers are the drivers of education.

NeoIndicate commercializes a technology for detecting, visualizing, and selectively treating cancer.

​University of Akron ​Research ​Foundation offers resources for entrepreneurs, students, and faculty to innovate and launch ideas.

Spectrin has commercialized a diagnostic kit that can detect early signals of heart failure before symptoms appear, representing a significant improvement in healthcare.

Reglia Therapeutics Commercializes a treatment that prevents neurodegeneration and disability in diseases such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, multiple sclerosis, Huntington's, and ALS. This initiative will concentrate on investigating the preclinical efficacy of animal models of neurodegeneration.

Engineered Products is Designer of radio-frequency identification tags intended for field and environmental testing. The company's tags work in challenging environments which detect ultra high frequency on metal or in close proximity, enabling clients to access their products in small batches and lean manufacturing technology integration.

Auxilium Health is creating low-cost, smart biomaterials for difficult-to-heal wounds.

Biochip Labs is a company based in Cleveland, Ohio, founded in 2019. It specializes in providing laboratory testing services focused on blood disorders, particularly sickle cell disease and thalassemia. The company offers a range of proprietary microfluidic biomarker assays, including tests for blood cell adhesion, red blood cell deformability, whole blood rheology, and endothelialized microfluidics. These assays are designed to evaluate the effectiveness of emerging targeted and curative therapies, allowing clinicians to monitor patients' responses to treatment accurately.

Established in 2010, Aviatra Accelerator is a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs. It provides resources, mentorship, and access to capital to help women start and grow their businesses.

Smart Response Technologies is a technology company focused on developing innovative artificial intelligence solutions. It offers a cloud-based intelligence platform specifically designed for industries such as call centers, corrections facilities, event management, courthouses, and security services. This platform provides near-real-time transcription of radio communications, integrating audio, visual, and location data to enhance situational awareness. By utilizing live mapping and patented communication AI, Smart Response Technologies enables clients to access updated information swiftly, improving operational efficiency and decision-making processes across various sectors.

HDO Health is a medical device portfolio company dedicated to bringing life-saving technologies to the world. Our first medical device being developed is an innovative tourniquet technology being commercialized in partnership with the Ohio State Innovation Foundation (OSIF) at the Ohio State University that helps prevent people from bleeding to death from a traumatic junctional wound.

Datirium is a developer of a scientific data analysis platform designed to enhance the accessibility of next-generation sequencing (NGS) data analysis and experiment management for biologists. The platform, known as SciDAP, facilitates collaboration between biologists and bioinformaticians by combining user-friendly, push-button analysis with advanced customization options. It visually presents analytical data, allowing biologists to quickly grasp complex concepts and identify patterns. Additionally, the platform offers interactive charts and graphs that enable scientists to delve deeper into their data for more detailed insights. By empowering biologists to perform analyses independently and automate routine tasks, Datirium aims to streamline the research process and enhance scientific productivity.

DialGuide develops and commercializes an AI-enabled digital VP of sales position.

Battle Sight Technologies specializes in developing infrared marking products designed for military personnel, law enforcement agencies, and first responders. Their offerings include research and development services, focusing on process design, testing, material processing, component assembly, and modification.

HDO Health is a medical device portfolio company dedicated to bringing life-saving technologies to the world. Our first medical device being developed is an innovative tourniquet technology being commercialized in partnership with the Ohio State Innovation Foundation (OSIF) at the Ohio State University that helps prevent people from bleeding to death from a traumatic junctional wound.

CincyTech, established in 2006, is a Cincinnati-based venture capital firm focused on transforming innovation into venture-worthy companies, primarily in southwest Ohio. The firm provides advice and capital to entrepreneurs, helping research institutions commercialize technology through startups, and catalyzes investment from various sources. CincyTech specializes in seed-stage investments, targeting sectors such as information technology, healthcare, life sciences, and technology-based companies. The firm has raised multiple funds, with its most recent, CincyTech Fund V, investing in up to 25 companies over five years, focusing on high-potential life science and technology startups in or willing to move to southwest Ohio. CincyTech is supported by Ohio Third Frontier, foundations, corporations, municipalities, and individual investors, with founding partners including Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, the University of Cincinnati, and the Cincinnati USA Regional Chamber.

Akron PolyEnergy, Inc. (APE) designs, develops, and commercializes of new polymer based solutions for a wide ranges of energy applications including energy storage and transmission as well as novel and emerging energy products. APE works with partners to both identify new technology needs and match solutions to our partners products and processes.

SweatID is a developer of wearable fabric sensors designed for health and fitness applications. Their sensors help to monitor hydration on the surface of the skin in real time, enabling users to continuously monitor biomarkers.

Prapela is a pediatric medical device company focused on enhancing the health of newborns through noninvasive stimulation therapy. Its primary product, a reusable pad designed for placement in hospital bassinets or incubators, provides gentle stimulation that aids in regulating breathing control and improving oxygenation. By addressing common clinical issues such as irregular breathing and low oxygen levels, Prapela aims to improve cardiorespiratory outcomes for infants while reducing the need for pharmacotherapy and minimizing the duration of conventional treatments. Since its inception, Prapela has gained recognition as a leading innovator in the pediatric medical device sector, collaborating with neonatologists, the National Institutes of Health, and the FDA to advance its mission of improving newborn health.

Connect Ohio is working to bring the benfits of universal broadband to Ohio. Technology, especially widespread access, adoption, and use of broadband, improves all areas of life. Connect Ohio works together with the State of Ohio to advance broadband issues in communities across the state and invites you to join us in changing communities and lives.

Prapela is a pediatric medical device company focused on enhancing the health of newborns through noninvasive stimulation therapy. Its primary product, a reusable pad designed for placement in hospital bassinets or incubators, provides gentle stimulation that aids in regulating breathing control and improving oxygenation. By addressing common clinical issues such as irregular breathing and low oxygen levels, Prapela aims to improve cardiorespiratory outcomes for infants while reducing the need for pharmacotherapy and minimizing the duration of conventional treatments. Since its inception, Prapela has gained recognition as a leading innovator in the pediatric medical device sector, collaborating with neonatologists, the National Institutes of Health, and the FDA to advance its mission of improving newborn health.

O2 RegenTech specializes in developing innovative wound care solutions. Its proprietary technology, OXAID™, is a patented dressing that promotes chronic wound healing by providing an oxygenating, moist, and antimicrobial environment.

AssetWatch specializes in proactive predictive maintenance solutions. It offers a rapidly deployable remote condition monitoring service featuring wireless sensors, communication hubs, advanced software, and expert analysis. The company combines predictive analytics with expert insights to provide actionable recommendations, helping global manufacturers minimize unplanned downtime and transition from reactive to proactive maintenance.

Intellirod Spine, Inc. is a biomedical company based in Akron, Ohio, focused on the development and commercialization of innovative solutions for spinal surgery. The company's flagship product, the IntelliRod system, is a wireless implantable microelectronic sensor that attaches to spinal fusion implants. This sensor measures the load on the rod, providing surgeons with real-time data to assess the progress of spinal fusion over time. By offering objective insights into rod strain, the IntelliRod system helps spine surgeons evaluate the success of procedures, potentially reducing the need for unnecessary post-operative CT scans and exploratory surgeries. This technology not only aims to improve surgical outcomes but also facilitates quicker patient recovery and return to work after surgery. Intellirod Spine was previously known as OrthoData and was incorporated in 2003.

Synapse Biomedical Inc. is a medical device company based in Oberlin, Ohio, founded in 2002. It specializes in the research, development, and commercialization of neurostimulation products aimed at improving the quality of life for individuals with neurological impairments, such as spinal cord injuries and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. The company's flagship product, the NeuRx Diaphragm Pacing System, utilizes a minimally invasive outpatient procedure to enhance breathing patterns in patients. Additionally, Synapse Biomedical has developed the TransAeris System, a temporary diaphragm stimulator designed for patients at risk of or requiring prolonged mechanical ventilation. The company's innovations stem from extensive research conducted at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals of Cleveland, contributing to advancements in the treatment of chronic respiratory insufficiency.

Founded in 2009, Acculon Energy is a manufacturing company specializing in energy storage solutions. It leverages artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things to accelerate and de-risk the transition to next-generation lithium-ion technology.