Cleveland : Featured Stories

Ohio is becoming ground zero for an expected renaissance of "printing" three-dimensional solid objects from computer models within manufacturing. A $70 million public-private pilot institute to promote the technology has been launched in Youngstown, while Columbus boasts one of the nation's largest enthusiast groups for 3D printing.

In today's world of widely distributed knowledge, companies can no longer afford to rely entirely on their own research. Many large companies are now using open innovation, or the adoption of external ideas and processes, to help solve business problems. Now, with the aid of a new program, help is available to assist middle market companies in adopting open innovation practices, as well.

The growing field of health care information technology promises to improve the efficiency, accuracy and quality of care in the industry. From big data startups to innovative mobile apps, Ohio companies are quickly becoming big players in this game-changing field.

Whether it is health care, information technology, clean tech or business and consumer products, Cleveland's increased level of startup activity is attracting funding from venture capital firms in Northeast Ohio and beyond. But experts say there's a ways to go before the Silicon Valley comparisons stick.

Steve Case recently came to Cleveland to address entrepreneurial leaders from across the country who had gathered for the National Association of Seed and Venture Funds conference. After praising Ohio's innovation economy, he said that the key to creating more jobs in the U.S. is to support entrepreneurs and high-growth companies and argued policy leaders need to do more to spur innovation.

It's never been easier to validate an idea and launch a new company. Yet access to capital remains a critical issue for entrepreneurs. The upcoming National Association of Seed and Venture Funds Conference, to be held in Cleveland from October 15th-17th, will bring together a community of aspiring entrepeneurs and investors to explore ways to advance innovation capital.

On the heels of London's breathtaking Olympic Games comes the Elevator Pitch Olympics. Startup companies will soon have the chance to pitch their ideas to venture capitalists for about as long as it takes to ride an elevator to the 50th floor. That's just one of the events at the upcoming Great Lakes Venture Fair, which takes place October 15th-17th in Cleveland.