Akron, Ohio State, Ohio and Kent State universities are among the recipients.
Ohio Third Frontier, a state economic development driver that invests in promising startups and new technologies, is investing $12.5m in the state. Akron, Ohio State, Ohio and Kent State universities are all set to receive part of the money.
Also profiting from the latest round of cash injections by Third Frontier are Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, Cleveland Clinic as well as companies Rekovo, Akron Ascent Innovations, iRx Reminder, Miach Medical Innovation and OsteoNovus.
Kent State University received two grants totalling $50,000 for research into improving LCD displays and for research into new materials improving OLED displays.
Ohio State University was also awarded $50,000 for the development of a prototype battery to be used with electric bikes. It further received $2.2m to develop insulating foams, a coating resin for manufacturing a nano-paper for electromagnetic shielding.
Ohio University is the beneficiary of a $1.45m award to create a wastewater treatment system for use at shale well sites, which will enable the wastewater caused by the drilling to be reused.
Meanwhile Akron University secured the largest chunk with $3m awarded to develop a range of products such as novel polymers, X-ray shielding materials, protective coatings for medical devices as well as catheters and antimicrobial materials for wound healing. It is also the recipient of $1.74m to create a smart sensor technology aimed at mitigating electrial grid outages as well as a heating, ventilation and air conditioning sensor system to regulate airflow and improve efficiency.
David Goodman, chair of the Ohio Third Frontier commission, said: “Taking ideas and getting them to the marketplace strengthens Ohio’s technology economy. In addition, moving the state’s companies to the next level with new products will keep them competitive, ensuring jobs for Ohio’s future.”