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The startup ecosystem in Dayton is gaining momentum, with four tech companies leading the way.
DAYTON, OH, July 25, 2024 – Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) technology clients Advanced & Innovative Multifunctional Materials (AIMM), LLKD, Raider Technologies, and Shark Rescue Systems secured $800,000 in grant funding from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. The four competitively awarded Technology Validation and 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 four 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.”
AIMM secured $200,000 to advance its tunable filter for water treatment. The AIMM filter is based on its proprietary platform technology, which can be optimized for the specific contaminant of interest. AIMM’s current focus is using this tunable materials technology to remove chemical dyes and PFAS (commonly known as “forever chemicals”) from wastewater streams.
“We at AIMM are ecstatic to receive this TVSF Phase II award. This will enable us to scale up the production of our filter materials to meet the demand of current and potential customers interested in the technology, said Luis Estevez, President & CEO of AIMM. “This really “moves the needle” for AIMM and lets us bridge the gap from promising technology to actual product–it’s amazing. We are extremely grateful to the Entrepreneurs’ Center and the Entrepreneurial Services Provider Program for their guidance and support in this endeavor!”
LLKD secured $200,000 to develop a counter-drone company dedicated to offering a straightforward, affordable solution for securing skies, assets, events, and personnel.
Originally developed from a Department of Defense system for large-bore military weapons, LLKD has been adapted for shotguns already common for security and military groups. The product integrates all necessary technologies into a single shell, requiring no additional tools and minimal training, making it easy for anyone to secure a perimeter against drone intrusion.
“Receiving the TVSF Phase II award was a significant milestone for LLKD,” said Amul Tevar, Co-Founder of LLKD. “It provides the necessary resources to progress our technology and reduce uncertainties, making it more appealing to investors and potential first adopters. The partnership of support from TechLink and the Entrepreneurs’ Center was invaluable in achieving this.”
Raider Technologies secured $200,000 to develop revolutionary radar technology to support the growing infrastructure for drone monitoring and advanced air mobility across the US and globally. Their innovative radar solutions combine the best features of existing technologies, offering superior performance and affordability.
“Raider is beyond excited to be supported by the Ohio Department of Development through a TVSF grant to confirm our dual-use radar-radio, the Raider-R2, supporting multiple DoD and commercial use cases in low airspace monitoring, said Aaron Jones, Founder of Raider Technologies. “We also consider the EC as a key partner in this award, without the full-circle support for Raider, this wouldn’t have happened, and Raiders’ tech maturation would have lost momentum. We’re also thrilled to partner with seasoned tech transition experts, Converge Technologies, on this project to ensure the highest quality of development and the most efficient use of State funds.”
Shark Rescue Systems secured $200,000 to develop autonomous maritime rescue vehicles and devices for military and first responders. Shark Rescue Systems aims to save lives without putting lives in danger in scenarios where personnel risk is at its highest and the environment is unpredictable.
“I was thrilled to learn that SRS received the TVSF Phase II award,” said Hayk Azatyan, CEO of Shark Rescue Systems. “EC has been instrumental in assisting with my business plan and in preparing for the TVSF proposal and interviews. I am deeply grateful to EC and look forward to continuing our collaboration for further support in my entrepreneurial journey.”
AIMM, LLKD, Raider Technologies, and Shark Rescue Systems are engaged with 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.
“A core aspect of our ESP program is helping companies access non-dilutive capital like TVSF or SBIR which are funds that don’t take away equity from the founders,” said Paul Jackson, EC’s VP of Strategic Programs. “Since 2021, we’ve helped 27 companies successfully access the TVSF program—that’s nearly $4M in early-stage funding to help transition lab technologies to the marketplace,
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 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]
