Join our panel of FDA and life sciences experts (including special guest former FDA Principal Deputy Commissioner Dr. Namandjé Bumpus) as we provide an overview of the FDA Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER), Center for Devices and Radiological Health (CDRH), and Center for Biologics Evaluation and Research (CBER) approval of clinical investigations and marketing approval of new products for TTOs. Understand the process and explore options for taking your innovations from the lab into the hands of patients and physicians, as our experts guide you through the FDA approval pathways for drugs, medical devices, and biologics followed by expert panel advice and discussion regarding strategies, best practices, possible risks and challenges, and more.

Creative Meetups, is dedicated to connecting the creative community in Northeast Ohio. Our goal is to curate space designated for creators of all sorts (artists, poets, entrepreneurs, innovators). An environment where creativity can ignite with brilliant minds. Pull up to our co-creation oasis to share what you’re working on, connect with like minded creators, and express yourself.

Join us at Sora for a special Give Back Happy Hour in celebration of Futureland. Mix, Mingle, and raise a glass for a cause while supporting Cleveland's next generation of innovators, artists, and entrepreneurs. Enjoy handcrafted cocktails, light bites, and community energy - with a portion of proceeds benefiting local Futureland initiatives.

Copying what the Columbus folks do 🙂 and sending a standing calendar invite for the last Tuesday (previously on Wednesdays but rearranging due to some upcoming Wed evening holidays!!) of each month for sustainability, environmental, energy, and like-minded folks to grab a drink. All are always welcome!

GREYT BIG TALK Live Audience Podcast Recordings Feature:

• local culinary artisan breakfast and coffee,

• live music performances

• original art by local designers

• startup pitches for anything our community is making (send us your pitch)

• a short talk from a successful creative person

• all filmed to share with our community online.

Hosted at the Rev1 Labs Innovation Center, this high-energy event is the place to meet innovators who are changing lives and the world! More than 50 companies will be showcased, alongside entrepreneur support organizations and corporate innovation teams.

As universities put greater emphasis on entrepreneurship, TTOs play a critical role in helping research translate into real-world impact. But turning innovation into successful startups takes more than patents and licensing—it requires helping founders (and faculty considering entrepreneurship) tell a compelling story.
 
In this webinar, startup communications expert Otto Pohl introduces a simple framework TTOs can use to accelerate startup success through better communication. Academic founders often struggle to connect with investors, partners, and talent—not because the science isn’t strong, but because the language of startups is different. It’s not about precision and peer review; it’s about clarity, conviction, and momentum.
 
You’ll learn the difference between academic communication and business communication—and how to guide founders in crafting a narrative that excites, builds credibility, and speeds their path to traction.
 
If you support startups, advise entrepreneurial faculty, or champion innovation on campus, this session will help you empower the entrepreneurs around you to tell the story they need to succeed.

Transform your electronic ideas into working prototypes! Join us for a deep dive into the PCB design and prototyping process, covering best practices, common pitfalls, and key steps from schematics to testing. Plus, we’ll showcase Centrepolis Accelerator’s new prototyping capabilities, designed to help innovators bring their circuit board designs to life faster and more efficiently.

Are you ready to be part of the next big leap in infrastructure innovation? The Critical Infrastructure Modernization Conference (CIM2025) is your opportunity to engage with the brightest minds from industry, government, and the tech world. Set against the backdrop of the historic MAPS Air Museum, this one-day event will explore how UAS technology in reshaping critical infrastructure through AI, machine learning, predictive analytics, and last-mile delivery solutions.

We’re honored to welcome IFV Fund LP and Advisor Tom Lenehan, who currently serves as Chief Investment Officer of the Wallace Foundation, a nationally recognized philanthropic organization with a $2B foundation dedicated to fostering improvements in education, youth development and the arts. On September 1st he begins his new role as Managing Director of Investment Strategy and Co-Head of Hedge Funds at Euclidean Capital—the single-family office of Wall Street Legend Jim Simons and his wife Marilyn. Jim Simons is the founder of Renaissance Technologies, one of the most successful quantitative hedge funds in history.

If we can harness the collective power of the wider community - incumbent innovators, entrepreneurs, venture, academia, State and local economic development - together we can make this region into a global hub for IoT manufacturing. So when innovators and entrepreneurs across the USA - in Texas, Alabama, even California and Boston, perhaps even other continents - want to do something with IoT, someone says to them, "IoT? You should go to Ohio. They've got the whole package."

Join us for Ohio Life Sciences Advocacy Day, an opportunity to engage with state legislators and advocate for the growth and impact of the life sciences industry in Ohio. This event provides a platform to educate policymakers on the critical role of life sciences in healthcare, innovation, and economic development. Attendees will gain insights into key legislative issues, learn effective advocacy strategies, hear directly from legislators, and participate in individual office visits. Be a part of shaping the future of life sciences in Ohio!

The future competitiveness of American manufacturing hinges on how quickly we adopt Smart Manufacturing technologies—robotics, machine learning, AI, and 3D printing—and develop the talent and human interface needed to drive them.

We’re thrilled to welcome award-winning author, pioneering researcher, four-time entrepreneur, and noted professor Hod Lipson as our keynote speaker on the morning of May 13, 2025.

Hod will explore the cutting edge of advanced manufacturing and self-aware machines in a way that’s both practical and accessible. His talk is sure to spark fresh thinking across sectors—from traditional manufacturing to healthcare, construction, advanced materials, energy, transportation, agriculture, and food and beverage.

Ohio based startups closed 295 deals in 2024 that raised 1.4 B in venture funding to grow their companies. See how they break down by industry, region and stage of development in J.D.'s insightful and informative analysis based on his experience in California for 25+ years.

Back by popular demand, register today for the 3rd annual Hamilton County Small Business Day on Monday, May 12, 2025, at the Cintas Center at Xavier University. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m.

Dive into a bustling atmosphere with small business service providers giving hands-on assistance. Connect with local entrepreneurs, discover services, and join workshops designed to grow your business.

What to expect:

Expansive Networking and onsite Coaching– Meet mentors, advisors, and service providers ready to help your business grow

Join us for an enriching evening of networking and connecting with fellow entrepreneurs and industry experts. Enjoy complimentary appetizers and wine tasting while exploring opportunities and resources designed specifically for second stage companies. Gain insights from peers who have benefited from Morgan Foundation-sponsored programs.

This panel discussion is a segment of Burton D. Morgan Foundation's Learning and Networking Series for Second Stage Entrepreneurs. Visit our website to learn more about events and programs for second stage companies.

The 4th Annual Ohio Tech Summit will focus on advancing Ohio’s role as a leading technology hub. This premier event will bring together the brightest minds from across Ohio’s technology sector, including enterprise leaders, innovative startups, investors, and more, to collaborate and envision the future of tech in Ohio.

The next Startup Columbus Happy Hour is on Wednesday, May 7th, from 4:30 PM to 6:30 PM at BrewDog Franklinton, Downtown Columbus. It's hosted by OhioX and Purpose Jobs, and the first 100 attendees receive a free drink. This event is an opportunity for the Columbus startup community to network and connect. 

The "Midwest Showcase" in Chicago is a recurring event, not a specific date. It's a conference focused on the Midwest Medtech industry, featuring panel discussions, networking, and a pitch competition. The 2025 event is planned for May. 10Times and Project Medtech describe it as a Midwest Medtech industry event with panel discussions, networking, and a pitch competition.

Project Medtech also mentions the event as a networking and collaboration opportunity for companies, service providers, investors, and innovation groups.

The Defense Innovation OnRamp Hub: Ohio is pleased to announce an upcoming virtual Operational Use Case Workshop with Joby Aviation, a leader in all electric, vertical lift aircraft. In 2023, Joby announced it is building a manufacturing facility in Dayton, Ohio, and in March of 2024 purchased a facility. As Joby marks its presence in the state, this session provides a unique opportunity for small and startup firms to gain valuable insights into the evolving eVTOL market and partnership opportunities.
The session will revolve around a facilitated discussion followed by Q&A opportunities.

Speaker: Greg Bowles, Head of Government Affairs for Joby Aviation

Danny Allred will present and discuss the 4 C's of an effective product manager.

North Coast Ventures invites you to an exclusive evening of networking, engaging discussion, and refreshments. This invitation-only gathering will bring together exited founders, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders to foster connections and explore potential collaborations. Join us for an opportunity to connect with key figures in the Northeast Ohio startup ecosystem and gain insights into the latest industry trends. We look forward to welcoming you. Doors open at 5pm. Brief remarks will begin at 5:30pm. NCV thanks our co-sponsors - Centric Consulting and the Greater Cleveland Partnership.

Cincinnati Children’s partners with organizations across our community and around the globe to build healthy and vital economies in the places where we live and work. This includes collaborating with a wide variety of suppliers that reflect the markets we serve. 

Our annual DirectConnect event provides a forum for small, local, and underrepresented businesses to connect with others while also hearing perspectives and ideas from leaders on ways they can set themselves up for success. In addition, suppliers and health system leaders will have an opportunity to share their knowledge and network throughout the day.

Join us for in April for Founders' Story, featuring the remarkable journey of entrepreneur Greg Tran, Co-Founder and CEO of TRACE.

Greg Tran is an award-winning Product Leader and Creative Director specializing in Design and Augmented Reality (AR). With over a decade of experience in AR, he brings a unique, holistic perspective to business challenges and product strategy.

Melinda Gloriosa, Managing Director, Investments at Rev1 Ventures, will moderate the event and lead a discussion in which Greg will reflect on the milestones, challenges, and lessons learned along his journey.

This event is a chance to hear firsthand how one visionary's pursuit of progress has led to groundbreaking success and to gain inspiration for your own journey in entrepreneurship and beyond.

Connect with fellow attendees, foster meaningful relationships, and explore new possibilities within the startup community. Have your questions ready!

About TRACE:

TRACE offers a platform that streamlines the creation and monetization of augmented reality content for businesses, aiming to enhance sales, training, and brand visibility.

About the Speaker:

Greg Tran is a graduate of the Harvard Graduate School of Design, his work has received international recognition, being featured in leading publications, symposia, and film festivals.

He has lectured at prestigious institutions like Harvard and the University of Toronto and has spoken at conferences nationwide. Greg has led major AR partnerships, secured product competition wins, and played a pivotal role in shaping the foundation of a spatial operating system.

Join Geauga Growth Partnership (GGP) and MAGNET for an insightful discussion on building a resilient supply chain. In today’s unpredictable business environment, companies must be prepared for the unexpected by ensuring their supply chains are robust, agile, and strategically aligned.

This event offers attendees the opportunity to:
– Gain expert insights on emerging supply chain trends
– Learn best practices for risk mitigation and adaptability
– Network with industry professionals and business leaders

Don’t miss this chance to strengthen your supply chain strategy!

Register today: Trends in Business – Building a Resilient Supply Chain | Geauga Growth Partnership, Inc.

Techstars helps founders scale their startups into world changing businesses. We have invested in more than 4,800 early-stage startups, our portfolio is as diversified as our 10,000+ founders are unique — from HealthTech and FinTech, to Web3 and CleanTech.