Dayton’s startup ecosystem gains momentum as The Corps and Sensate Biosystems lead the way.
DAYTON, OH, January 24, 2024 – Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) technology clients The Science and Engineering Corps (The Corps) and Sensate Biosystems secured $400,000 in grant funding from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. The two 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 two 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.”
The Corps, based out of The Hub in Dayton, secured $200,000 to bring to market a cutting-edge product currently designed for military use that combines the durability and adaptability of a MOLLE-compatible hydration pack with the cooling abilities of a cold-water therapy system.
“The Science and Engineering Corps (The Corps) is excited to announce our successful TVSF grant selection, thanks to the collaborative support provided by the Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) and the mentorship of Paul Jackson,” said Matt Sunday, Founder of The Corps. “Their expertise in nurturing high-tech startups, and broad understanding of the commercialization landscape, provided our team with invaluable insights and strategies that were instrumental to our proposal’s success. Together, we will advance our technological capabilities in support of the Warfighter, drive economic growth and innovation in Ohio, and demonstrate how strategic partnerships can effectively bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and market viability.”
Sensate Biosystems, based in Elyria, Ohio, secured $200,000 to advance their proprietary techniques in structural biology and biosensor technology to detect stress, fatigue, and other low-abundance biomarkers for applications in human performance monitoring. Sensate’s aim is to translate this platform into innovative wearable sensors for military personnel, athletes, and health-conscious consumers.
“The Entrepreneurs’ Center has been instrumental in supporting Sensate Biosystems’ early development, especially in securing this critical grant funding. Through the EC’s Entrepreneurial Services Provider program, guidance from experienced advisors, and strong ties to the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL), we successfully obtained $200,000 from the Ohio Third Frontier’s Technology Validation and Start-Up Fund,” said Elliot Reed, President of Sensate Biosystems. “This award is enabling Sensate to further advance the novel biosensing technology born out of an AFRL research collaboration. We ultimately chose the EC as our business accelerator because no one else could match their expertise and connections within Ohio’s aerospace innovation ecosystem. With continued support from organizations like the EC and AFRL, we aim to translate cutting-edge science into wearable sensors that monitor personal health and performance.”
The Corps and Sensate 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.
“Since 2021, we’ve helped 19 companies successfully access the TVSF program—that’s over $2M in early stage funding to help transition lab technologies to the marketplace,” said Paul Jackson, EC’s VP of Strategic Programs.
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]