(COLUMBUS, Ohio) – The Ohio Department of Development today announced the opening of a new round of grant funding to help innovators and entrepreneurs bring breakthrough technologies to market.

The Ohio Third Frontier, an initiative of the Department of Development, is seeking Request for Proposals (RFP) for phase 2 projects through the Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF).

The program aims to boost the state’s economy through commercializing technologies invented by and developed at higher education institutions, nonprofit research institutions, and federal labs, as well as supporting startups with licensing of their products.

“Ohio has built a strong foundation for innovation and entrepreneurship,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Department of Development and chair of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. “By supporting startups and the technologies they’re developing, we are ensuring that Ohio’s most creative minds have the resources they need to make an impact on the local and global marketplace.”

Phase 2 Start-up Fund awards are up to $200,000 for each project and target companies ready to move technologies from Ohio research institutions to the marketplace. Awards support startups and young companies with the validation of products and technologies to help them move forward with the commercialization of their product.

Prospective applicants may submit written questions on the RFP through May 2. Proposals are due by 4 p.m. May 9. Awards are expected to be announced in July.

Since 2012, the Ohio Third Frontier has awarded more than 300 TVSF grants worth nearly $59 million. The Department of Development recently announced $1.8 million in funding to support eight Ohio companies and two research institutes looking to expand their commercialization and research efforts in medical, engineering, and scientific technologies.

Companies that have received awards have gone on to have commercial success based on TVSF-supported technologies and often receive additional investments from Ohio Third Frontier’s Pre-Seed Funds.

Awards focus on technology and tech-enabled products in advanced manufacturing, materials, biomedical and life sciences, energy, sensors, and software and information technology. To learn more and apply, visit the program webpage at Development.Ohio.gov/TVSF.

The Ohio Third Frontier works with innovative startup companies across the state, making Ohio the destination for technology entrepreneurs.