Cincy knows how to grow an innovation economy
Regional economies upgrade and create new jobs through continuous innovation. In this Brookings report, the University of Cincinnati’s Office of Innovation is cited as a leading model for how research universities can catalyze innovation-based economic growth in midsized cities. It’s recognized for overseeing a comprehensive innovation agenda, including the university’s technology transfer office, the Venture Lab pre-accelerator program, the development and curation of the Cincinnati Innovation District (CID), the 1819 Innovation Hub (nerve center of the CID), and the “front door” for corporate partnerships and other special projects.
Kroger to build AI lab
Kroger and tech company NVIDIA will build a state-of-the-art AI lab and demonstration center to expand Kroger’s freshness initiatives, improve shipping logistics, and create a better shopping experience in stores through digital twin simulations — virtual models designed to accurately reflect store layouts and other operations.
Queen City Angels’ biggest fund yet
Angel capital group Queen City Angels wrapped up capital raising in February on a $23 million fund that is double the size of previous biggest funds. This fund easily topped the previous Queen City Angels fund, completed in 2019 at $10.2 million.
GoSun lands $1.6M
Solar energy company GoSun has raised $1.6 million on StartEngine’s Equity Crowdfunding platform. The funds raised will help the company attract talent, scale, and develop new clean tech products. Recognizing the contribution that GoSun’s products make to eliminating global emissions, CES awarded GoSun with its Climate Change Innovation Award in 2019, and an Innovation Honoree Award for its solar water purifier in 2020.
Sense Neuro one of only 8 in world to be chosen for accelerator
According to a press release, medical tech company Sense Neuro Diagnostics, focused on improving outcomes for stroke and brain injury patients, has been selected among only eight companies around the world to participate in the Mayo Clinic and Arizona State University MedTech Accelerator. The accelerator was designed to provide early-stage medical device and health care technology companies with an entrepreneurial curriculum to accelerate go-to-market and investment possibilities.