COLUMBUS, Ohio — The Ohio Third Frontier Commission has authorized $1.4 million in funding to support the research and commercialization of cutting-edge medical, military, and scientific technologies. Seven Ohio-based companies will receive grants to advance early-stage innovations, helping to accelerate their path to market.
The funds will be distributed through the Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF), a program designed to assist companies in licensing institutional technologies and propelling them toward commercialization. The grants will support efforts such as market research, prototyping, and development, allowing these companies to raise capital and speed up the commercialization process.
“Ohioans are changing the world, and we’re helping them make their bold ideas a reality,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development and chair of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. “Whether it’s through life-saving advancements in healthcare or groundbreaking military technologies, Ohio is where dreamers and doers can come together to help shape the future.”
Grant Recipients
- Checkmate AI Holdings LLC (Dublin, Franklin County) – $200,000
Checkmate AI is developing a user-friendly artificial intelligence platform that helps elderly and neurodivergent individuals with appointment reminders, mental health check-ins, and medication management. The technology, licensed from Nationwide Children’s Hospital, aims to provide critical support for vulnerable populations. - ComfortCath LLC (Mason, Warren County) – $200,000
ComfortCath is working on a novel catheter design that enables natural urination without the need for a urine bag or drainage tube, reducing infection risks. The project, licensed from the University of Cincinnati, will focus on finalizing the design and prototyping. - Immobileyes Inc. (Kent, Portage County) – $200,000
Immobileyes is commercializing LUMALERT, a self-defense device that utilizes strobe lights, an alarm system, and location tracking to deter attackers. Initially targeting Ohio college students, the product is licensed from the U.S. Navy. - MetaMol Theranostics (Milford, Clermont County) – $200,000
MetaMol is developing a diagnostic test based on Osteopontin (OPN-c), a protein associated with precancerous lesions. The test could potentially be applied to multiple types of cancer, including breast, prostate, ovarian, and pancreatic. This technology is licensed from the University of Cincinnati. - Parcell Company (Columbus, Franklin County) – $200,000
Parcell is working on a secure item-tracking system that automates the tracking of hardware devices, streamlining operational efficiency. The system, which will replace manual tool control processes, is licensed from the U.S. Air Force. - Ravee Optics Limited (Oakwood, Montgomery County) – $200,000
Ravee Optics is commercializing a compact thermal image sensor for use in drones, handheld devices, and small vehicles. The sensor will provide thermal imaging and 3D mapping, even in inclement weather, and is licensed from the U.S. Air Force. - UP Biochemicals (Lewis Center, Delaware County) – $200,000
UP Biochemicals is working on a catalyst technology that converts plant-based sugars into high-value molecules, a process that could help reduce carbon emissions. The technology, licensed from Ohio State University, could have significant environmental benefits.
The next round of applications for the TVSF program will open on January 24, 2025, at 10 a.m. Companies interested in applying can visit the program’s webpage at Development.Ohio.gov/TVSF.
The Ohio Department of Development continues to support innovation and economic growth by investing in the state’s businesses and workforce. For more information, visit https://development.ohio.gov.