$3.95M in Ohio Third Frontier grants supports technology startups, diverse talent

The Ohio Third Frontier Commission approved $3.95 million in funding to support entrepreneurs bringing products to the marketplace and to develop diverse talent in the technology field. 

The commission approved $3 million in funding for the Diversity & Inclusion Technology Internship Program, which matches companies with diverse college students across all areas of study, including marketing and design, engineering, mathematics and software development. 

The program has a track record of success, according to a news release release: Interns help companies create mobile apps; build out websites; develop social media platforms to connect with new customers; conduct market research, data analysis and product design; develop new augmented reality and virtual reality technologies; implement new software to modernize accounting and operations; and enhance cybersecurity. 

"We are helping to advance cutting-edge technology through these grants, and at the same time, we are building the tech workforce of the future here in Ohio," said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development and chair of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission, in a statement. 

The commission also approved $950,000 in funding through the Ohio Third Frontier Technology Validation and Start-up Fund, which provides grants to Ohio companies aiming to license institution-owned technologies to accelerate commercialization through activities like market research and prototyping, according to the release, which notes this helps companies raise funds and get the licensed technology to market faster.