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With support from the Entrepreneurs’ Center, two tech ventures are helping drive Ohio’s growing innovation ecosystem.
DAYTON, OH, July 24, 2025 – Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) clients Airelon and Auxilium have secured a combined $400,000 in grant funding from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission through its Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF). These competitively awarded grants support the development and commercialization of breakthrough technologies with the potential to transform industries and improve lives across the state.
“These awards reinforce the role innovation plays in driving Ohio’s economic growth,” said Scott Koorndyk, President of Entrepreneurs’ Center. “We’re committed to supporting the people and ideas that turn emerging technologies into meaningful solutions.”
Airelon has secured $200,000 to advance HelioChain, its fixed-cost, on-premise AI platform designed to serve the unique needs of small-to-midsize businesses and municipalities. Airelon is a technology studio building transformational AI solutions for startups, enterprises, and public sector partners. HelioChain enables secure, scalable AI deployment without reliance on third-party cloud infrastructure, empowering organizations to harness AI fully while maintaining complete data sovereignty.
“Entrepreneur’s Center has been instrumental in the development and launch of the HelioChain platform. From refining the concept to opening up critical networks and resources, the EC team has been a true partner at every stage, said Tushar Kulkarni, CEO and Founder of Airelon. “Their support was key to helping us secure funding, and that funding is now enabling us to bring HelioChain into the hands of real-world users who need AI solutions that are both affordable and secure.”
Auxilium has secured $200,000 to advance its biomaterial platform, which integrates therapeutics and diagnostics to address skin tissue infections and support regeneration. The technology is designed to provide point-of-care, predictive, and preventative solutions for microbial infections—particularly biofilms—transforming the treatment of chronic wounds. As a preclinical-stage company, Auxilium is developing breakthrough therapies aimed at reducing hospital readmissions, improving healing outcomes, and reshaping the standard of care for skin tissue repair.
“Securing this grant would not have been possible without the exceptional support of the Entrepreneurs’ Center, whose mentorship and strategic input were instrumental,” said Isaiah Kaiser, PhD, Co-founder and CEO of Auxilium. “We are deeply thankful to the Ohio Third Frontier Commission and the Ohio Department of Development for their continued investment in innovation and their support as we work to bring our technology to patients.”
Airelon and Auxilium are engaged with Entrepreneurs’ Center, which supports a wide range of technology ventures by providing strategic guidance, commercialization support, and access to resources that accelerate growth and drive regional economic impact.
“As we move into the second half of the year, we’re encouraged by the strong progress our clients have made,” said Paul Jackson, VP of Strategic Programs at Entrepreneurs’ Center. “Securing $2.5 million in non-dilutive funding from TVSF so far this year reflects the strength of Ohio’s innovators, and we’re excited to continue building on that momentum.”
About Entrepreneurs’ Center
The Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) is a modern venture development organization that powers progress and prosperity through entrepreneurship. Annually, the EC works with over 1,000 entrepreneurs to start and grow companies, create jobs, generate revenue, and attract investment. The EC empowers main street and technology businesses through complimentary professional services, including business planning, mentoring, training, networking, commercialization, and capital investment. The EC’s talented and experienced team of advisors, entrepreneurs-in-residence, and staff design and facilitate diverse, world-class business acceleration programs on behalf of corporations, higher education institutions, and government agencies, including the U.S. Department of Defense from their headquarters at The Hub Powered by PNC Bank in the historic Dayton Arcade. Learn more at EC Innovates.
About Ohio Third Frontier
Managed by the Ohio Department of Development, Ohio Third Frontier (OTF) is an internationally recognized $2.1 billion economic development initiative supporting technology entrepreneurship and growing jobs across the state of Ohio, positively changing the trajectory of its economy. Through a statewide robust network of resources, entrepreneurs with compelling business models for near-term market opportunities based on technology and tech-enabled products and services have access to the technology, business assistance, capital, and talent to turn great ideas into thriving companies. OTF is driving this expanding, vibrant community of high-growth technology companies and making Ohio a top destination for tech entrepreneurs. Learn more at Ohio Third Frontier.
About the Entrepreneurial Services Provider Program
The purpose of the Entrepreneurial Services Provider (ESP) Program is to fill gaps in the entrepreneurial system for high-potential Ohio concept, seed, and early-stage technology companies. Its goal is to significantly increase technology-based entrepreneurial commercialization outcomes in the State. Each ESP represents a coordinated network of high-value services and assistance providers that is visible and easily accessible to technology-based entrepreneurs and small tech-based companies. The ESP providers take an approach that tightly integrates sources of deal flow, entrepreneurial support, and capital to effectively grow each region’s startup ecosystem. Reaching out to minorities, women, veterans, and rural entrepreneurs, the program seeks to position Ohio as a leader in inclusive technology and entrepreneurship. Learn more at ESP Program.
For More Information, Contact:
Leslie Klenke, Director of Marketing
Entrepreneurs’ Center
[email protected]
