About this programme
TechGrowth Ohio (TGO) is southeastern Ohio's innovation hub for early-stage, high-growth technology companies. It is a public-private partnership among the Ohio Third Frontier program, Ohio University, and the private investment community, and is one of the regional Venture Development Organizations (VDOs) that Ohio Third Frontier funds to provide business expertise, services, and investment to startups across the state.
TGO is run as a program of Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, alongside other programs supporting university and regional technology commercialization and small business incubation. It focuses exclusively on tech startups with high growth potential across a 19-county region of southeastern and Appalachian Ohio, serving as a connector for founders who might otherwise lack access to capital and expertise in a rural part of the state.
TGO's homepage reports 2,569 entrepreneurs engaged, 880 jobs created, and $1.04 billion in regional economic activity. Executive Director Lynn Gellermann, who also directs Ohio University's Center for Entrepreneurship, has led TGO through more than $500 million in regional economic activity during his tenure. Associate Director Jessica Kopelwitz drives business development across the 19 counties TGO serves.
How it works
TGO offers three forms of support: intensive venture development (hands-on technical assistance for early-stage companies), help with talent recruitment and development, and direct investment through seed-stage and co-investment capital.
TGO also draws on Executives-in-Residence and Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, who bring finance, legal, tax, and operating experience from careers in venture capital, accounting, corporate law, and company leadership, to work directly with portfolio founders.
A network of trusted partners, including venture capital firms, angel investors, experienced entrepreneurs, industry experts, and academic institutions, provides further resources and guidance to the startups TGO works with.
Who can apply
The company must be an early-stage, high-growth technology business.
It must be located in, or serve, TGO's 19-county southeastern Ohio service area.
How to apply
- Start the conversation by submitting TGO's online inquiry and application form to begin the process.
Frequently asked
What kind of companies does TechGrowth Ohio fund?
Early-stage, high-growth technology companies in its 19-county southeastern Ohio service area.
What does TechGrowth Ohio offer besides money?
Venture development support and help with talent recruitment and development, plus access to Executives-in-Residence, Entrepreneurs-in-Residence, and a network of venture capital firms, angel investors, and industry experts.
How do I apply?
Submit TGO's online inquiry and application form to start the conversation with their team.
Who runs TechGrowth Ohio?
It is a public-private partnership of the Ohio Third Frontier program, Ohio University, and the private investment community, run through Ohio University's Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Affairs, with Lynn Gellermann as Executive Director.
What impact does TGO report?
Its site reports 2,569 entrepreneurs engaged, 880 jobs created, and $1.04 billion in regional economic activity to date.
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Reviewed 2026-09-25. Programmes change, so check eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private firm and is not part of any government body.