State gives $1.8 million in grants to 9 Ohio startups

The Ohio Third Frontier Commission announced Tuesday that it would give out nearly $1.8 million in grants to nine startups across the state.

The money comes from the Technology Validation and Start-up fund, and is meant to help accelerate the commercialization of health, science and military technologies. These are technologies that are owned by other institutions, like universities.

“Ohioans are making strides in healthcare and military advancements, and the Department of Development is proud to support them,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development and chair of the Ohio Third Frontier Commission. “The technologies we’re funding today have the opportunity to change lives and exemplify why Ohio is the heart of innovation.”

Just under $400,000 went to two companies in Cuyahoga County.

Zafer Therapeutics in Pepper Pike was given $200,000 to commercialize a cell-based therapy that is supposed boost the body’s natural anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The therapy would target misguided immune cells without affecting cells that are working properly. The focus is on preventing end-stage organ failure in patients with severe autoimmune conditions, according to the news release.

AxoNeural Therapeutics was awarded $198,000 to commercialize a therapeutic that is meant to provide strong enzymes to areas of neurological disease and to enhance healing, according to the news release. The treatment is meant to stabilize injured spinal cords that are affected by degenerative re-injury, which is often caused by repetitive movements or overuse.

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