A new statewide program that aims to pair entrepreneurs with top business mentors in Ohio has selected three startups for its inaugural cohort. One, hailing from Cincinnati, claims to be building the world’s smartest, safest and fastest pedestrian walkways targeting large urban areas such as airports, venues, universities and downtowns.
OhioXcelerate – an idea conceived by Alloy Growth Lab, a Norwood-based incubator and startup catalyst; Queen City Angels, a Cincinnati-based capital investment firm; and OhioX, a Columbus-based tech-focused nonprofit membership group – said the three companies were chosen from a pool of highly competitive applicants.
The goal is increase connectivity amongst various innovation stakeholders across the state. Each company hails from a different city: Beltways is based in Cincinnati, Vitruvian is based in Columbus and Cocoon Technologies is from Cleveland.
The trio will pitch their ideas for a chance to win more than $6,000 in prizes. The program’s first installment will be held virtually June 21.
"We believe these startups have the potential to disrupt their industries and make a significant impact in Ohio and beyond," Antony Seppi, vice president of Alloy Growth Lab, said in a news release. "We are excited to see them grow and thrive in our program and beyond."
Meet the companies:
- Beltways: Cincinnati-based Beltways is building high-capacity, last-mile pedestrian walkways using interchangeable modules that can be assembled above-ground – meaning its systems can be deploy anywhere in days with minimal construction.
- Vitruvian: Vitruvian, a Columbus startup, is building concrete 3D-printed homes in an effort to redefine housing with a platform that combines architects, engineers, designers, artists and artificial intelligence.
- Cocoon Technologies, based in Cleveland, is a software company building tech solutions to improve public safety and policing, including a contactless policing platform for routine traffic stops. Cocoon Technologies is a recent graduate of Flywheel Social Enterprise Hub’s ElevateEquity cohort, which wrapped in April.
The virtual event includes 10-minute pitches from the participants, who rotate between three breakout rooms, each focused on a different aspect of business and led by mentors with subject matter expertise.
At the end, mentors fill out a scorecard and feedback form.
The winner will receive a prize package valued at more than $6,000, with memberships to OhioX, Cohatch, Alloy Growth Lab and a $2,500 service package from Ulmer Law.
OhioXcelerate is still accepting applications for mentors with experience in transportation, last-mile transit, sustainable transportation, pedestrian mobility, smart controls, modular construction, 3D printing, construction technology, sustainable construction, architecture and design, justice tech, public safety, policing, civic tech and social impact technology.
An Alloy spokesperson said OhioXcelerate is expected to become a regular event.
The next session will likely be held in fall 2023 or early 2024.
