OhioXcelerate

Welcome to OhioXcelerate!

Ohio's Award Winning Statewide Startup Pitch Program
Powered by OhioX and Alloy Growth Lab, we are a program for startups to connect with investors, mentors, support organizations, and each other. Our mission is to provide startups with the guidance, resources, and platform they need to thrive in Ohio's diverse industries.

Click on the links below to apply or scroll down to learn more about the 2024 program.

Apply to Mentor

Apply to Present

Sponsor the Program
Program Schedule

OhioXcelerate launched in 2023, accepting three startups to our pitch program. These startups hailed from across the state and interacted with a group of over 20 mentors during a half day virtual summit. The 2024 OhioXcelerate programming is an expanded approach to increase interaction with mentors and support organizations across the state. The 2024 program will be accepting four total participants and will culminate at the Ohio Tech Summit on May 16th in Columbus, where participants will share their pitch live. Below is a timeline of the program.

December 2023: Program Announcement and Mentor Recruitment
Early December: Official Launch of OhioXcelerate 2024
Through December: Open call for mentors, outreach to Ohio-based organizations, venture capitalists, government entities, and other stakeholders
December 2023 to January 2024: Application Period (Eligibility Requirements Link)
December 1, 2023: Application Period Opens
January 31, 2024: Application Deadline
February 2024: Finalist Selection and Initial Preparations
Early February: Selection of Four Finalists
Mid-February: Finalists Submit Virtual Pitches
Late February: Distribution of Feedback and Scorecards to Finalists from first round of Virtual Pitches
March 2024: Virtual Mentoring and Pitch Prep
Weekly Throughout March: Virtual Sessions with Subject Matter Experts
Focus on refining pitches and business strategies
Categories include Problem & Solution, Go to Market, Financial Projections, and General Pitch Feedback
April 2024: Virtual Presentation Sessions
Each Week of April: Virtual Presentation Sessions
Format: Virtual 10-Minute Pitches, 40 Minute Q&A, 10-Minute Participant Questions
Followed by Mentor Scoring and Feedback
May 2024: Ohio Tech Summit and Grand Finale
May 16th 2024: Ohio Tech Summit
Finalists showcase their startups
Audience Scoring Segment
Winner Announcement
Late May: Announcement of OhioXcelerate for Fall 2024

Learn More
What is OhioXcelerate?

At its core, OhioXcelerate is about fostering a community of innovators and thinkers, driving economic growth and technological advancement in Ohio.
We are investors, mentors, support organizations, and startups across the state.

Our Commitment - Empowering Innovators, Driving Growth, and Uniting Ohio's Visionaries.
Mission - To provide startups with the guidance, resources, and platform they need to thrive in Ohio's diverse industries.
Vision - To lead Ohio as a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, transforming industries and impacting the future.
Values - Innovation, Collaboration, Inclusivity, Growth
Why It Matters - Job Creation, Economic Prosperity, Technological Advancement
Collaborate with OhioXcelerate

1
Spread the Word
Utilize our provided sample messages for your social media and newsletters to encourage startups in your circle to participate in OhioXcelerate.
2
Recommend Startups
Actively refer promising startups from your community, investment portfolio, or professional network to our team for consideration and follow-up.
3
Participate Actively
Nominate someone from your organization to take an active role in OhioXcelerate as a mentor offering their expertise to evaluate and guide participating startups.
4
Facilitate Connections
Introduce us to key figures in the startup ecosystem – mentors, investors, and industry experts – who you believe could significantly contribute to and benefit from OhioXcelerate’s network.
💡 For Mentors
Join us in shaping the future of Ohio's innovation landscape. Your expertise and guidance can be the catalyst for the next big breakthrough across Ohio's diverse business industries. Mentor the brightest minds and help us cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

🚀 For Startups
Whether you're in Advanced Manufacturing, Healthcare, Tech, or any of Ohio's diverse industries, we offer a platform to accelerate your growth. Get ready for an enriching four-week journey with expert mentors, insightful feedback on your pitches, and an opportunity to shine at the Ohio Tech Summit.

Apply to Mentor

What Mentor's can Expect Link

Apply to Present

Startup Eligibility Requirements Link
Sign Up
Join our mailing list to be the first to know about exciting opportunities.
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Ohio's Award Winning Statewide Startup Pitch Program

Program Schedule

What is OhioXcelerate?

At its core, OhioXcelerate is about fostering a community of innovators and thinkers, driving economic growth and technological advancement in Ohio.

Collaborate with OhioXcelerate

Spread the Word

Recommend Startups

Participate Actively

Facilitate Connections

💡 For Mentors

Join us in shaping the future of Ohio's innovation landscape. Your expertise and guidance can be the catalyst for the next big breakthrough across Ohio's diverse business industries. Mentor the brightest minds and help us cultivate a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

🚀 For Startups

Sign Up

Join our mailing list to be the first to know about exciting opportunities.