The Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN) is injecting nearly $10.2 million into the state's innovation economy, awarding funding to seven collaborative projects designed to advance critical defense technologies and secure Ohio's status as a top-tier aerospace hub.
Why It Matters
This latest round of funding, known as "Round 7," targets high-stakes technology areas, including hypersonics, quantum processing, and AI-driven casualty triage. By connecting Ohio’s research universities with agile industry partners, the state is aiming to solve complex federal challenges while creating high-tech jobs at home.
The Big Picture
The awards are funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education (ODHE) and managed by Parallax Advanced Research in collaboration with The Ohio State University.
Since its inception in 2015, OFRN has invested nearly $72 million across seven rounds. The program is designed to bridge the "valley of death" between academic research and commercial deployment, specifically for federal partners like the Air Force Research Laboratory.
By the Numbers
- $10.198 million in total Round 7 funding.
- 64 new jobs projected to be created by these projects.
- $69 million+ in anticipated follow-on funding.
- $3.5 million+ in cost-share commitments leveraged.
What They're Saying
"Ohio continues to lead the way in driving innovation for our nation's defense and aerospace priorities," said Maj. Gen. (Ret.) Mark Bartman, Executive Director of OFRN. "We are strengthening research collaborations that not only fuel economic growth in Ohio... but also enhance our nation's security and global competitiveness."
The Winners
The seven selected projects represent a mix of emerging and critical technologies:
- Hypersonics: AsterTech LLC, in partnership with The Ohio State University (OSU) and Cleveland State University, received $1.25 million for the HERCULES project (Hypersonic Engineered Reusable Ceramic Ultra-Lightweight Enduring System).
- Space Sensors: The Ohio State University, with the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT), SK Infrared, and SenseICs, was awarded $1.25 million for Space GUIDE, a project focused on ultra-sensitive infrared detectors.
- Autonomous Trust: Kairos Research LLC, collaborating with Wright State University and Sinclair Community College, secured $1.25 million for VISTA (Validated Indicators for Selective Trust in Autonomy).
- AI Medical Triage: Mined XAI, with OSU and Wright State, received $1.24 million for REACT-X, a resilient AI system for casualty triage and logistics.
- Quantum Tech: The Ohio State University, partnering with Denison University and SRICO, Inc., was awarded $1.15 million for photonic interfaces in atom-based quantum processors.
- Advanced Materials: Laser Fusion Solutions LLC, with Wright State and OSU, received $1.13 million to advance the joining of ODS additive materials.
- Aerospace Power: The Ohio State University, with Miami University, Case Western Reserve, and GE Aerospace, secured $1.09 million for gas-insulated cables with integrated partial discharge detection.
What's Next
These teams will execute their research and development phases, with the ultimate goal of transitioning their technologies into real-world applications for the Department of Defense and commercial markets.
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