Third Frontier sends additional $2 million to TechColumbus

TechColumbus has moved closer to its goal of securing $15 million from the state to help drive technology-led economic development in the region.

The Third Frontier Commission has added $2 million for the group from its Entrepreneurial Signature Program, bringing TechColumbus' state take to $8.8 million. The state last month spread $57 million across six regions, giving Central Ohio $6.8 million in that round.

TechColumbus CEO Ted Ford said the new funding will help start the TechGenesis Fund, a grant program to help researchers and inventors develop business plans for products they conceptualize.

Also with the $8.8 million, the group will establish a $4.5 million Ohio TechAngel Fund and a program to attract tech entrepreneurs.

TechColumbus hopes to attract $15 million from the state, which it would combine with $7.5 million in area funding commitments to help technology development over the next three years.


Omeris lands big grant for bioscience biz recruiting

Omeris has a new tool to help bring bioscience businesses to the state.

The Third Frontier Commission approved a $1.5 million grant for the Columbus-based group, which will use the money over three years to attract eight to 12 companies to relocate or establish operations in Ohio. Target companies must have annual sales of more than $100 million.

"This grant will allow us to make companies around the world aware of the abundance of bioscience opportunities, innovation and research expertise in Ohio," Omeris CEO Tony Dennis said in a release.

Omeris is the state's bioscience Edison Center, one of seven organizations created to promote tech industries.