The Ohio Third Frontier Commission has approved nearly $1.8 million to support the research and commercialization of emerging technologies across Ohio, including projects in artificial intelligence, 3D printing, life sciences, chemistry and virtual reality training. Several of these projects are advancing technologies developed by researchers at The Ohio State University.
“This investment helps ensure that discoveries made at Ohio State continue moving toward real-world application,” said John M. Horack, vice president for research at Ohio State . “By pairing strong research with targeted commercialization support, we can expand the impact of our work and strengthen Ohio’s innovation economy.”
Nine organizations will receive funding through the Technology Validation and Start-up Fund, or TVSF, which assists Ohio companies seeking to license institution-owned technologies. The program supports activities such as market research, customer validation and prototype development, helping early-stage companies demonstrate feasibility and position themselves for additional investment.
The Ohio State projects include:
- Tactical Triage Technologies, LLC, of Powell, was awarded $200,000 to commercialize a virtual reality training system designed to prepare first responders for mass-casualty and disaster incidents. The platform delivers immersive, data-driven scenarios without the need for live instructors, incorporating the stress, time constraints and sensory complexity of emergency response situations. An integrated analytics engine allows agencies to assess and document participant readiness. The technology was developed at Ohio State through collaboration between the university’s Innovation and Commercialization team and Health Sciences Innovation team.
- Qualzai Inc., based in Loveland, received $200,000 to commercialize an artificial intelligence voice interview platform that enables health care researchers to conduct qualitative studies at scale. Through a web-based interface, researchers can develop interview guides, invite participants, generate transcripts and analyze responses. The platform is expected to support hospital patient experience research and provide behavioral health investigators with preliminary data for grant proposals.
- OncoMechanics, LLC, in Columbus, was awarded $200,000 to advance small molecule therapies intended to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapies. The company’s approach focuses on mechanically reprogramming tumor cells to reduce immune resistance.
- EndoEvolve, LLC, also in Columbus, received $200,000 to commercialize an endoscopic hand support device that reduces the muscle activation required during gastrointestinal endoscopy procedures. The device is designed to help lower the risk of endoscopy-related injuries among physicians.
- Pantronix LLC, of Columbus, was awarded $199,996 to commercialize a mass spectrometry component used to identify and quantify compounds in analytical chemistry. By introducing a universal ionization method capable of handling diverse sample types, the technology reduces analysis time and simplifies workflows.
“These awards demonstrate how strategic state investment, combined with Ohio State research, can accelerate innovation and support company growth,” said Kevin Taylor, chief innovation officer at Ohio State. “By supporting validation at a critical stage, we are helping bring new technologies to market that can improve lives and contribute to Ohio’s economic vitality.”