Entrepreneurs’ Center Tech Start-ups Secure $350,000 in Grant Funding

Posted by Leslie Klenke on August 23, 2023

Dayton’s startup ecosystem gains momentum as Kilele Health, Medical Interface Solutions, and Raider Technologies lead the way.

DAYTON, OH, August 23, 2023 – Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) disruptive technology clients Kilele Health, Medical Interface Solutions, and Raider Technologies recently secured $350,000 in grant funding from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. The three competitively awarded Technology Validation Start-up Fund (TVSF) grants will help accelerate these Ohio-based companies in the development and commercialization of innovative products that hold the potential to transform industries and improve lives.

“We are grateful to the Ohio Third Frontier Commission and the Ohio Department of Development for awarding these grants to three remarkable companies,” said Scott Koorndyk, President of the EC. “There is no better place to build a business than the Dayton Region, and we are proud to support each of these companies on their path to success.”

Kilele Health, Inc., based in Dayton (Montgomery County), secured $150,000 to bring to market a wearable sensor for heart failure patients. The button-sized sensor detects chemical indicators of heart stress, empowering patients and healthcare providers with real-time insights. This technology originated from the University of Cincinnati.

“Kilele was delighted to learn of the TVSF Phase II award. It will make a critical difference in moving ahead with the technology and de-risking the opportunity to the point where investors are comfortable,” said Andrew Cothrel, CEO of Kilele Health. “The support we received from the UC Venture Lab and the Entrepreneur’s Center was essential in getting to this point.”

Medical Interface Solutions, LLC, headquartered in Springboro (Warren County), received $100,000 to propel their stroke detection technology to market. Their innovative proof of concept work enables first responders to accurately detect signs of stroke and promptly connect with stroke clinicians, streamlining treatment processes. The technology was developed in collaboration with the University of Cincinnati.

“The founders at Medical Interface Solutions are incredibly excited to have received the TVSF phase 2 grant,” said Michale Lakes, Co-Founder of Medical Interface Solutions. “Collaborating with a local AI company, these funds will be invaluable in furthering our proof of concept into a clinical tool to advance acute stroke care. The support of the Entrepreneurs’ Center with our Entrepreneurs in Residence (EIRs), Tim Gatzulis, and now Mark Shaker, has been incredible. Their insight and knowledge is helping our team translate our idea into reality.”

Raider Technologies, LLC, located in Dayton (Montgomery County), secured $100,000 to commercialize a groundbreaking radar solution designed for the Advanced Air Mobility market. Leveraging a distinctive frequency diverse array radar architecture, this technology is poised to revolutionize target detection and tracking. The breakthrough was developed in collaboration with the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory.

“The grant, coupled with EC’s support, will allow Raider Technologies to take a significant step forward. The expertise that has and will be provided by the EC will help Raider turn our low cost, size, weight, and power (C-SWaP) radar concept into reality,” said Aaron Jones, Founder and President of Raider Technologies. “Raider expects the grant will ultimately prove to be more than just funding but also act as a tool to help guide our product development. The collaboration between the EC and the State of Ohio is essential to Raider’s progress.”

Kilele Health, Medical Interface Solutions, and Raider Technologies are clients in the EC’s Entrepreneurial Services Provider (ESP) program, supporting Dayton’s technology startup and early-stage companies throughout the region with strategic assistance to accelerate their growth and help them achieve significant success, which in turn stimulates the local economy.

About Entrepreneurs’ Center

The Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) is a modern economic 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 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]

Share Article