A pair of technology startups located in the Dayton region have been awarded new funding from a state agency. The funds will help the local companies demonstrate that their technology is commercially viable through activities such as testing and prototyping.
The Ohio Third Frontier Commission awarded technology validation and startup funds to Collaborative Concepts LLC in Dayton and Ignyte Assurance Platform in Miamisburg. Both startups received $100,000 from the commission.
Collaborative Concepts, a startup with technology developed out of The Ohio State University, seeks to commercial a "GPS Denial Training Unit." These units are used to deny GPS reception to single military aircraft for training purposes. This enables air crews to experience the system impacts of lost GPS signals, allowing instruction for air crews on alternative forms of navigation when a GPS system is compromised.
The firm will use this award to help develop and commercialize its GPS training aid.
Ignyte, a provider of full-spectrum cybersecurity, governance, risk and compliance management services, will use its funds to develop and commercialize an automated process for cybersecurity compliance scanning and analysis on operating systems and applications.
This is at least the second award Ignyte has received from the Third Frontier Commission. In December 2018, the company was awarded $100,000 to develop and integrate cybersecurity technology from the Air Force Research Laboratory to improve data collection and analysis.
Ignyte and Collaborative Concepts were two of seven Ohio startups to receive awards from the commission during the current funding round. Other entities receiving funds include Cincinnati Children's, the Cleveland Clinic, University of Akron, Desulf-TEK LLC in Columbus and Hyperpath Solutions in Kingston.
Companies aiming to license institution-owned technologies can also receive funding to accelerate commercialization through activities such as market research and further prototyping. This helps companies either raise funds or get the licensed technology to the marketplace faster.
“In addition to advancing cutting-edge technology, we are investing in young talent to ensure these companies have the skilled workforce necessary to continue growing and innovating here in Ohio,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development and chair of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. “We are building Ohio’s inclusive tech economy while helping companies stay competitive by identifying and implementing new technology-driven solutions.”
The commission approved a total of $2.5 million in funding to provide capital to technology startup companies in industries ranging from health care to military applications. It also approved $3 million in funding for continued support of the Diversity & Inclusion Technology Internship Program to help companies fill their technology needs, build Ohio’s workforce and grow the state’s inclusive tech economy.
“These new technologies and breakthroughs speak to the future of innovation in Ohio,” Gov. Mike DeWine said. “These companies have the potential to improve health outcomes, strengthen our military, improve the energy supply and enhance cybersecurity.”
