Technology Validation and Start-Up Fund

Ohio Third Frontier TVSF Phase 2 Start-Up Fund

Funds Ohio startups commercializing licensed institution technologies through Ohio Third Frontier project grants.

Eligibility · Ohio

⚠ This may reflect a past cycle — verify the current call on the funder's site.

Ohio Third Frontier TVSF Phase 2 Start-Up Fund is the company-facing commercialization path inside the Ohio Department of Development's Technology Validation and Start-Up Fund. The Round 45 RFP covers Phase 2 only and says Ohio startup companies may apply for funding to commercialize technology licensed from a university, research institution, or federal lab. The source states that Start-Up Fund awards may be up to $200,000 for each project and that cost share is not specifically required, although any committed cost share becomes part of the grant agreement.

Eligible lead applicants are Ohio-based for-profit startups and young companies with a principal place of business in Ohio, a federal tax identification number, and a plan to keep commercialization benefits in the state. The technology must already have intellectual property protection and must be tied to an exclusive license or purchase from an eligible institution before funds are disbursed. Focus areas are advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, biomedical and life sciences, energy, sensors, and software or information technology.

Round 45 opened on April 24, 2026 and proposals were due by 4:00 p.m. on May 7, 2026, so the captured round is closed as of this verification date. The application route is the Ohio Department of Development Communities Portal, where applicants create an account and navigate to the TVSF Grant application. The proposal is short but detailed: it asks for a market opportunity, technology or product overview, development timeline, commercialization strategy, IP position, business model, financial stage, economic impact in Ohio, management team, ESP engagement, project plan, budget, and next steps.

Applicants should not treat this as general proof-of-concept money. The RFP says projects must already be beyond basic research, must generate proof needed for market entry or follow-on funding within one year, and must have a technology transfer office support letter. Program funds can cover purchased services, supplies, equipment, and personnel, but personnel cannot exceed 20% of the total budget.