Driving Ohio's Federal R&D Competitiveness
Driven by the requirements of our five government partners (Air Force Research Laboratory, Naval Medical Research Unit Dayton, National Air and Space Intelligence Center, National Aeronautical and Space Administration's Glenn Research Center, and Ohio National Guard), the OFRN investments are growing federal research spending in Ohio; advancing research initiatives aimed at emerging national security requirements; enhancing university collaborations with Ohio-based industry to engage in innovation; creating and retaining jobs in Ohio, and having a broad and significant impact on Ohio's economy.
The OFRN program has competitively allocated over $51.4 million across 5 R&D project rounds, resulting in 35 research projects led by industry-academic collaborative teams throughout Ohio. The OFRN collaborators include 21 colleges and universities and 97 businesses throughout Ohio. Additionally, the OFRN R&D projects resulted in 13 Ohio companies spread across Ohio.
The OFRN-funded projects have collectively been awarded $355.7 million. This is broken down by $34.7 million in industry-sponsored research, $314.9 million in federal funding, and $6.1 million in other (state, local, etc.) funding. The total follow-on funding awarded in 2022 is $150,863,383.
Furthermore, OFRN's economic impact is significant in terms of job creation. Specifically, the OFRN created 349 jobs through its R&D investments, 96 jobs were retained, and +1,167* indirect jobs were created. *Based on the Economic Policy Institute's analysis of the Bureau of Labor Statistics data. These OFRN-funded projects also resulted in 12 IPs with 2 pending.
Supporting small businesses and academia on their Small Business Innovation Research and Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) application journeys
The SBIR and STTR programs are designed to encourage U.S. small businesses to engage in federal research/research and development with the potential for commercialization. Through a competitive awards-based program, SBIR and STTR enable small businesses to explore their technological potential. The STTR program is a collaboration between small businesses and nonprofit research institutions. STTR's most important role is to bridge the gap between the performance of basic science and the commercialization of resulting innovations. The program requires the small business to formally collaborate with a research institution in Phase I and Phase II. The Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN) provides its network partners, specifically small business and academic researchers and innovators, free SBIR/STTR education, training, and proposal process navigation services, including team matchmaking and collaboration events, throughout the proposal development journey. The following are OFRN's success metrics supporting its network of academic and small business partners in Ohio in their pursuit of SBIR/STTR funding.
Download the Ohio Federal Research Network Annual Reports here:
2023 Fire (Category Blazer Winner)
The vibrant Gem City is radiating with brilliance as it upholds its illustrious legacy of pioneering spirit and cooperative ideation. Within its bounds, emerging startups, industrial pioneers, charitable organizations, and tech enterprises are harnessing substantial resources such as grants, governmental investments, venture capital, and dedicated effort to drive the locality into an era of novel concepts and progress.
In celebration of the area's swiftest expansion, most ingenious endeavors, and substantial influence, Dayton Inno proudly presents the second edition of the Fire Awards. This accolade serves to honor the enterprises and individuals igniting a fervent blaze within the local innovation landscape.
The Ohio Federal Research Network (OFRN), a recipient of the Category Blazer Award, is making waves. Managed by Parallax Advanced Research in collaboration with The Ohio State University and funded by the Ohio Department of Higher Education, OFRN has achieved remarkable feats in the past year.
Securing follow-on funding totaling $832,000, OFRN has ignited seven research projects, bolstered by a cost share of nearly $2 million, intensifying the flames of innovation.
In Fiscal Year 2023, projects funded by OFRN led to the creation of 31 jobs.
OFRN's mission is to establish a collaborative research hub that amplifies Ohio's advanced research capabilities and generates fresh economic prospects in sectors like defense, aerospace, energy, and health. This group collaborates with federal agencies, academic institutions, and industries to drive innovation and commercialization. Sparked in 2014, OFRN has not only advanced research to meet emerging national security needs but has also fostered partnerships with around 21 academic institutions and nearly 88 Ohio-based companies.
Jessica Pacheco from Parallax Advanced Research highlights, "OFRN's impact transcends funding and research, playing a vital role in job creation and retention in Ohio. With its collaborative and inventive approach, impressive funding, and economic contributions, OFRN stands out as an exceptional player in its field."