A new statewide program that aims to pair entrepreneurs with top business mentors in Ohio has selected three startups for its inaugural cohort, including Cocoon Technologies, based in Cleveland.
Cocoon Technologies is a software company that is building tech solutions to improve public safety and policing. Founded in 2021, Cocoon seeks to add a layer of protection — a cocoon — around both civilians and law enforcement officers during face-to-face interactions, according to the company's website.
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 to increase connectivity amongst various innovation stakeholders across the state. Each company hails from a different city: Cocoon Technologies is from Cleveland, Beltways is based in Cincinnati and Vitruvian is based in Columbus.
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 on 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:
- Cocoon Technologies, based in Cleveland, is building tech solutions that include 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.
- 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 deployed 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.
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.
