COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Ohio Third Frontier Commission today approved nearly $1.8 million in grants to accelerate the commercialization of health, science, and military technologies. 

Nine organizations will receive grant funding to support further validation of early-stage technologies through the Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF). 

The Ohio Third Frontier TVSF provides grants to Ohio companies aiming to license institution-owned technologies to accelerate commercialization through activities such as market research and further prototyping. This helps companies raise funds and get the licensed technology to the marketplace faster. 

“Ohioans are making strides in healthcare and military advancements, and the Department of Development is proud to support them,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development and chair of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. “The technologies we’re funding today have the opportunity to change lives and exemplify why Ohio is the Heart of Innovation.” 

Technology Validation and Start-up Awards 

Advanced & Innovative Multifunctional Materials, LLC, (AIMM), located in the city of Dayton (Montgomery County), was awarded $200,000 to commercialize a platform technology that involves the scale-up of its sorbent, oil-absorbent material used for water treatment. The technology increases the lab scale of roughly 5 grams of product per day to 100 grams per day. This increased production will enable AIMM to develop enough water treatment sorbent materials to enter into a pilot scale to replicate its performance into a commercially viable scale. The University of Dayton is the licensing institute.   

AxoNeural Therapeutics, Inc., located in the city of Cleveland (Cuyahoga County), was awarded $198,000 to commercialize a therapeutic that is meant to provide strong enzymes to areas of neurological disease and to enhance healing. The product stabilizes the injured spinal cord from degenerative re-injury and restores the dynamics at the lesion site to create a protective and regenerative microenvironment. The combined effect facilitates downstream neurological and functional recovery. Cleveland Clinic Foundation is the licensing institute. 

LAACClamp Inc., located in the city of Columbus (Franklin County), was awarded $200,000 to commercialize an implantable device that has a curved base to conform to the base of the left atrial appendage. This product is meant to be used during open heart surgery in order to prevent strokes. The device can be inserted using relatively common instruments, which makes it applicable in most practices. This reduces costs of research and development, manufacture, ecological impact, and quality management by avoiding the need for a proprietary delivery system. The Ohio State University is the licensing institute.  

LLKD, LLC, located in the city of Powell (Delaware County), was awarded $200,000 to commercialize anti-drone ammunition in military settings. The ballistic counter drone ammunition offers a multifaceted, low-cost approach to neutralizing close-range drone threats. The technology could be useful in a variety of settings and with minimal training. The key design difference to other kinetic solutions is a sleek pusher that allows for longer-distance shots to neutralize drones. The shells stand out with their unique advantages in that they require no infrastructure, are easy to transport, can be deployed through existing tools (e.g., shotguns), and need little additional training. The initial target market is the Department of Defense. The U.S. Army is the licensing institute.  

Protein Capture Science, LLC, located in the city of Columbus (Franklin County), was awarded $200,000 to commercialize a tag for simple protein purification.  The technology addresses a known issue with biopharmaceutical research development and manufacturing by providing high-speed protein purification for applications in both academic research and biopharmaceutical production. The Ohio State University is the licensing institute.  

Raider Technologies, LLC, located in the city of Dayton (Montgomery County), was awarded $200,000 to commercialize a hybrid radar-communication system using the same frequency spectrum to serve both functions simultaneously. This novel approach leverages intellectual property from the Air Force Research Laboratory to transform Raiders' existing Continuous Wave radar technology into a multi-function system. This integration addresses a multitude of issues that are crucial for supporting the launch of autonomous air and ground ecosystems. The project's intended outcome is a commercially viable solution that improves operational safety and efficiency in autonomous vehicles, forging the way for better vehicle-to-vehicle communication and logistics in a variety of industries, including aerospace, automotive, and intelligent transportation systems. The U.S. Air Force is the licensing institute.  

Scioto AgriTech, LLC, located in the city of Columbus (Franklin County), was awarded $200,000 to commercialize a protein-delivery system. The commercial model focuses on the development of the first product to meet a specific market need: bacterial spot in tomato. This technology will initially protect tomatoes from receiving bacterial diseases. Eventually, it could be capable of meeting other market needs, such as nutrient use efficiency and abiotic stress management. The Ohio State University is the licensing institute.  

Shark Rescue Systems, LLC, located in the city of Springfield (Clark County), was awarded $200,000 to integrate optionally piloted autonomous capability systems into three personal watercraft designed specifically for Special Operation Forces (SOF). These enhanced units will serve as a pilot program, allowing SOF personnel to field-test the technology in operational environments and provide feedback in order to meet the needs and requirements of military operators before potentially committing to larger-scale procurement. The U.S. Air Force is the licensing institute.  

Zafer Therapeutics, Inc., located in the city of Pepper Pike (Cuyahoga County), was awarded $200,000 to commercialize a cell-based therapy that boosts the body's natural anti-inflammatory mechanisms while still preserving its vital protective function. With a focus on preventing end-stage organ failure in severe autoimmune conditions, Zafer is developing a therapy that educates cells to target misguided immune cells without affecting those that defend against foreign invaders. Zafer intends to assess a minimally effective dose. Case Western Reserve University is the licensing institute. 

Awards are focused on technology and tech-enabled products in advanced manufacturing; advanced materials; biomedical and life sciences; energy; sensors; and software and information technology. The next round opens July 26 at 10 a.m. To learn more and apply, visit the program webpage at Development.Ohio.gov/TVSF.  

Ohio Third Frontier works with innovative startup companies across the state, making Ohio the destination for technology entrepreneurs. The Ohio Department of Development empowers communities to succeed by investing in Ohio’s people, places, and businesses. Learn more about our work at development.ohio.gov.