Five Centers support state’s work in nanotechnology, polymers, liquid crystals

Akron, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland and Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut today announced Ohio’s Centers of Excellence in Enabling Technologies: Advanced Materials and Sensors, at The University of Akron’s Goodyear Polymer Center.

The Centers, at five universities throughout the state, are committed to focusing their academic and research activities on advanced materials and sensors technology development to create jobs and strengthen Ohio’s ability to bring innovative technologies to commercialization.

“We are establishing Centers of Excellence to help make Ohio schools the best in the nation at turning research into economic development and new jobs,” Strickland said. “Because we know that the innovative and cutting-edge work of our public and private universities provides a solid foundation on which to strengthen Ohio’s economy.

“Committing resources and research to the development of advanced materials and sensors will allow Ohio to bring cutting-edge technologies to reality and create good jobs for Ohioans in our growing industries,” Strickland said. “I’m proud to announce these Centers today and am excited to see the innovative work they will accomplish in the future.”

The Centers are located at the following universities:

• Case Western Reserve University: The Institute of Advanced Materials at Case
• Kent State University: Liquid Crystal, Bioscience, Nanotechnology
• The Ohio State University: Materials, Manufacturing Technologies, and Nanotechnology
• University of Akron: Globally Distinctive Polymer Sciences and Engineering Applied in Regional Industry Clusters, including the BioInnovation Institute in Akron and its Center of Excellence in Orthopedics
• University of Cincinnati: Nanoscale Sensors

Youngstown State University was also identified as an Emerging Center of Excellence in Materials Science and Engineering, which indicates the university’s significant progress toward becoming a Center of Excellence.

The Centers of Excellence, as outlined in Ohio’s 10-year Strategic Plan for Higher Education, will position the University System of Ohio to be a magnet for talent and a leader in innovation and entrepreneurial activity. The Centers will accomplish this by developing distinct missions for each institution that are recognized by students, faculty and business leaders, while eliminating unnecessary competition for resources, students and faculty within the state.

“Higher education is continuing to focus its resources on those strengths that can drive economic growth in Ohio,” said Chancellor Fingerhut. “The Centers of Excellence in Advanced Materials and Sensors will drive the innovations that will help Ohio companies compete on a global scale and create more jobs.”

Ohio’s strength in the production of iron and steel, polymers, and various chemicals has positioned the state to make scientific and technological breakthroughs in new, advanced materials that are revolutionizing many industrial and consumer products.

From its early roots in tire production and support for the auto industry to supplying today’s growth industries, Ohio continues to be a world leader in the polymer industry. And by focusing their efforts on niche markets in liquid crystal technology, Ohio universities, companies and institutions are developing innovative technology and creating a world-class hub for liquid crystal research and development, as well as commercialization.

The state’s world-class competencies in advanced materials have also been a major focus for investment by Ohio’s Third Frontier program. Whether improving on more mature energy technologies or leading the development of next generation innovations, research and commercialization of advanced materials and sensors is making Ohio a recognized source for alternative and renewable energy solutions.

This Centers of Excellence category focuses on technologies that cross-cut Ohio’s growth industries such as advanced materials and sensors. Four other categories are specific to Ohio’s growth industries – advanced energy, biomedicine and health care, advanced transportation and aerospace, and agriculture, food production and bioproducts. A sixth group is focused on enhancing the quality of life around the state through additional programs that are essential in building communities and attracting the best and brightest to Ohio. There will be additional Centers related to advanced materials and sensors released in the advanced transportation and aerospace category as those centers specifically relate to that industry.

Today marks the fourth Ohio Centers of Excellence announcement. In October 2009, the governor and chancellor announced Ohio’s Centers of Excellence in Advanced Energy at eight of the state’s universities. Ohio’s Centers of Excellence in Biomedicine and Health Care at 14 universities were announced in February. Last month, Governor Strickland and Chancellor Fingerhut announced Ohio’s Center of Excellence in Agriculture, Food Production and Bioproducts at The Ohio State University’s Food Industry Center.

For more information, see Ohio Centers of Excellence and the 10-year Strategic Plan for Higher Education.

Thermalin’s insulin analogs, which are new proteins engineered to act like insulin, were developed at Case Western Reserve University Medical School by Dr. Michael A. Weiss, a Harvard University Ph.D. who has investigated the structure and function of insulin for more than 20 years. The company’s lead analogs include an ultra-fast meal-time insulin expected to have a near immediate absorption time and reduced post-meal hypoglycemia, and a long-acting basal insulin, expected to have ‘flat’ 24-hour action and reduced long-term side-effects. The ultra-fast insulin also maintains potency even after many months at relatively high temperatures, which makes it easier to transport and store in environments that lack refrigeration, such as mail-order delivery.

“Over the next 20 years, worldwide insulin sales are expected to grow from $12 billion to $54 billion,” said JumpStart Venture Partner Ted Frank, who will be providing Thermalin with entrepreneurial development assistance. “That growth, combined with the medical community’s interest in insulin with higher performance, fewer side effects, and storage flexibility, position Thermalin’s pipeline to be in high demand.”

With the JumpStart Ventures investment and entrepreneurial development assistance provided by Frank, Thermalin plans to validate its insulin analogs’ characteristics, secure a manufacturer, and move forward in the investigational new drug process with the Food and Drug Administration.

This investment represents JumpStart Ventures’ 60th investment in its 47th company.

About Thermalin Diabetes Incorporated

Based in Cleveland and built on technology developed by Dr. Michael A. Weiss at Case Western Reserve Medical School, Thermalin Diabetes Incorporated is developing clinically-superior, second generation, insulin analogs for the rapidly-growing $12 billion insulin market. Thermalin’s patent pending compounds include rapid-, intermediate- and long-acting analogs. With patents expiring on existing analogs in the next three to four years, Thermalin looks to form partnerships with large pharmaceutical companies that wish to market superior, next generation insulin therapies and plans to build a substantial new employer in Northern Ohio. For more information, contact Richard Berenson, Executive Chairman, at rick@thermalin.com.

About Dr. Michael A. Weiss

Dr. Michael Weiss, Founder and Chief Scientific Officer of Thermalin Diabetes Incorporated, has investigated aspects of the structure and function of insulin for more than 20 years. He earned his A.B., summa cum laude in Physics in 1978, his M.D., summa cum laude, in 1985, and a Ph.D. in biophysics in 1986, all from Harvard University. Dr. Weiss’ interest in insulin began during his post-doctoral studies under the supervision of Professor Karplus (Harvard Department of Chemistry) and the late Dr. L. J. Neuringer (MIT Magnet Laboratory). He has more than 150 publications, including four on his insulin analogs, which were named Papers of the Week by the Journal of Biological Chemistry within 12 months. Dr. Weiss is Board-Certified in Internal Medicine and is on the NIDDK’s board of Scientific Councilors.  He lives in Cleveland and is Chairman of Biochemistry at Case Western Reserve Medical School.

About JumpStart Ventures

JumpStart Ventures is the investment arm of JumpStart Inc., a nationally recognized non-profit organization creating economic transformation by efficiently securing and providing resources to entrepreneurs leading high potential early-stage companies. JumpStart provides intensive entrepreneurial development assistance to entrepreneurs leading high potential, early-stage companies, acts as a champion for entrepreneurs by aggressively advocating for the entrepreneurial economy, and focuses on economic inclusion and activates that increase the success of minority and women entrepreneurs in growing high impact companies.

SOURCE JumpStart Ventures

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland, Director of the Ohio Department of Development Lisa Patt-McDaniel and Energy Advisor to Governor Strickland Mark Shanahan today announced that 28 Ohio projects will receive $15 million in grant awards funded through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant: Local Governments program. These awards are part of the total $25 million allocated to the State of Ohio through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program.

“These counties and cities have recognized the importance of energy conservation, and will use these ARRA resources to lead the way in energy efficiency improvements,” Strickland said. “These projects will make our communities more sustainable and create jobs in a growing industry.”

Local county and city governments will use the funds to: implement energy efficiency retrofits and install energy technologies; utilize more efficient traffic signals and street lights; reduce and capture methane and greenhouse gases; and install renewable energy technologies on government buildings.

“The opportunity we have to increase energy efficiency is immense and needs consideration at multiple levels,” Patt-McDaniel said. “Our state’s local governments are utilizing critical recovery resources to implement energy saving measures that will provide a lasting improvement to our economy.”

Proposals for Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant: Local Governments were accepted beginning October 16, 2009. Projects submitted were selected through a competitive review process based on several criteria: project readiness to ensure completion by July 20, 2012; innovation, transferability and collaboration; positive impact on the community; reduction in energy usage and fossil fuel emissions; and direct economic impacts in Ohio to create and retain jobs.

“These projects will boost energy efficiency, develop the advanced energy industry in local communities and save local taxpayers money by reducing the operating costs of local government,” Shanahan said.

Awarded projects exemplify the goals of the Recovery Act’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program to reduce fossil fuel emissions, improve energy efficiency in the public sector, and create or preserve jobs. The recipients include:

Cities:

• City of Athens (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $362,000 to replace lighting, motors, HVAC systems, and other equipment at the waste water treatment plant.
• City of Bryan (Street Lighting) – $540,000 to replace 1,246 street lamps and ballasts with more energy efficient lighting. The city estimates a savings of more than $1 million over 16 years through reduced maintenance and operations costs.
• City of Cambridge (Energy Efficiency Retrofit and Street Lighting) – $413,177 for the installation of energy efficient lighting, building controls and mechanical upgrades in seven city buildings, including city hall, the fire department, armory, street department, water treatment plant, water distribution garage, and sewage treatment plant. The measures were selected from a comprehensive energy audit completed in 2009.
• City of Kent (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $501,517 for the installation of a myriad of energy efficiency upgrades in 10 city buildings, including lighting retrofits, upgraded HVAC systems with automated controls, load-managing device sensors on vending machines, two hot water boilers, and many other improvements.
• City of Marietta (Energy Efficiency Retrofits and Renewable Energy Technologies) – $461,144 for the installation of many energy efficiency improvements to the Armory Square facility, including a HVAC system, windows and doors, high efficiency lighting, and roofing insulation. In addition, a 21.3 kilowatt solar electric system will provide on-site power and serve as an educational tool for visitors.
• City of Powell (Energy Efficiency Retrofits and Renewable Energy Technologies) – $821,861 on a major lighting retrofit to include the installation of LED and light sensors, along with a 77 kilowatt solar electric system on the roof of the municipal building. The city estimates an annual savings of $18,500.
• City of Steubenville (Traffic Signals and Street Lighting) – $579,520 to upgrade its 25-year-old city lighting system by replacing 340 street lights and 898 traffic signals with energy efficient LED bulbs. The city estimates annual savings of $96,847.
• City of Wilmington (Renewable Energy Technologies) – $352, 600 for the installation of a 58.3 kilowatt solar electric system at their waste water treatment facility.
• City of Wilmington (Methane Gas Reduction) – $309,393 for the installation of a 43 kilowatt electric generator and associated piping that can collect methane gas from the city landfill. The electricity generated will be used to power the city wastewater treatment plant.

Counties:

• Auglaize County (Energy Efficiency Retrofits, Energy Distribution, and Renewable Energy Technology) – $1,306,854 to renovate the county courthouse with lighting upgrades, HVAC systems, and the installation of a 20 kilowatt solar electric system.
• Carroll County (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $542,000 for upgrades to the HVAC system and lighting in the county courthouse and nursing home.
• Champaign County (Energy Efficiency Retrofit) – $342,166 to upgrade the electrical and mechanical systems of the Lawnview Child & Family Center with the installation of a variable refrigerant flow system designed with inverter technology to maximize energy efficiency.
• Clinton County (Renewable Energy Technologies) – $340,175 for the installation of a 58.3 kilowatt solar electric system at the county jail.
• Coshocton County (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $479,298 for upgrades to the HVAC system and lighting along with installation of load-managing controls on vending machines in 12 county buildings. The county estimates an annual savings of $34,965.
• Darke County (Energy Efficiency Retrofit) – $160,248 to install energy efficient lighting and to upgrade the HVAC system at the Anthony Wayne Early Childhood Center and Wayne Industries facilities.
• Hancock County (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $272,661 to upgrade the lighting system and replace furnaces in buildings on the county Job and Family Services campus.
• Lucas County (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $160,000 for interconnecting the boiler systems, which operate in two buildings, to allow the more efficient boiler to supply the majority of the heating load for both buildings and the flexibility to rely on one boiler or the other during maintenance.
• Lucas County (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $700,000 for the installation of building controls that allow for the real-time control of HVAC equipment. These controls will result in an estimated 20 percent reduction in operational cost of the equipment.
• Mahoning County (Energy Distribution) – $2,608,385 to replace the steam boiler system at Oak Hill Renaissance Place with modular, high-efficiency boilers that serve nine designated areas of the facility.
• Meigs County (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $260,942 for upgrades to HVAC systems in county buildings that include the installation of condensing water heaters and hydronic boilers.
• Muskingum County (Energy Efficiency Retrofit) – $1,265,544 to renovate a former junior high school building that includes an absorption cooling system. This facility will house the Muskingum County Business Incubator, which will use the cost saving results from the energy improvements to train business owners on implementing similar measures.
• Trumbull County (Renewable Energy Technologies) – $302,802 to install a 43.2 kilowatt solar electric system on the roof of the Job and Family Services building.
• Union County (Energy Efficiency Retrofit) – $314,844 to upgrade the HVAC system and controls at the county courthouse.
• Vinton County (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $542,498 to replace the existing boiler heating system in the courthouse with a new high efficiency variable refrigerant flow zone system.
• Wood County (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $173,097 to replace less efficient boilers at the county jail with condensing boilers, which will maximize fuel efficiency.
• Wood County (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $512,845 to replace windows in the county administration building that have broken frames or are inefficient due to low U-value.
• Wood County (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $220,348 to replace the boiler system in the county courthouse with condensing boilers, which will maximize fuel efficiency and include a connection for domestic hot water and a variable primary pumping system.
• Wood County (Energy Efficiency Retrofits) – $154,081 to replace windows, doors, and insulation at four county water pumping and wastewater plants.

View more information about the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program and project details.

Ohio Leads Nation In New and Expanded Facility Investment

Columbus, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland, Lt. Governor Lee Fisher, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lisa Patt-McDaniel today joined members of Ohio’s business and economic development communities to announce that the State of Ohio has been awarded Site Selection magazine’s fourth consecutive Governor’s Cup Award for leading the nation in new and expanded facilities in 2009.

The March edition of the magazine highlights the award, Ohio’s economic accomplishments, and the numerous Ohio cities around the state as the best in the country in their respective categories.

Cooperation Key

“One of the reasons I believe in Ohio is that companies know Ohio is a great place to do business,” Strickland said. “We have reduced taxes and regulations, we have increased the skills and education of our workforce, and we have been recognized once again by setting the pace for the nation in new and expanded capital investments.”

“Economic achievement only thrives when commitment and collaboration at the federal, state, and local level is attained on a daily basis,” Fisher said. “This award is shared with the Ohio economic development community and the people of Ohio, because only their ideas and talents help build and create a lasting positive change in Ohio. Let us use this momentum to continue building and growing Ohio’s economy with innovation and creative solutions.”

This year marks the eighth time Ohio has been awarded the Governor’s Cup, receiving the award in 1993, 1994, 1995, 2003, 2006, 2007, and 2008. The occasion marks the fourth win in a row for Ohio and our state’s fifth in seven years. The award is based on corporate location projects that meet at least one of three criteria: (a) involve a capital investment of at least $1 million, (b) create at least 50 new jobs or (c) add at least 20,000 square feet of new floor area.

“This award belongs to the Ohio economic development communities, which are leading Ohio’s efforts to bring prosperity to the people and businesses of our state,” Patt-McDaniel said. “We as a state are working with our local communities to give Ohioans a State of Perfect Balance between business pursuits and quality of life.”

Governor Strickland attributes Ohio’s fourth consecutive Governor’s Cup win to our state’s manufacturing strengths, logistics capabilities, skilled workforce and competitive business environment.

The City of Dayton played an outstanding role again this year, ranking number one in their category for the second year in a row in mid-sized metropolitan areas with populations between 200,000 and one million.

Cincinnati/Middletown ranked 6th among metros cities with a population over 1 million, which marks the eighth-consecutive time the city has been ranked in the Top 10 nationally (2002-2009).

Wooster, Ashtabula, and Findlay ranked 2nd, 6th and 10th respectively among micropolitan cities of 10,000 to 50,000 in population.

This award indicates the diligent efforts of elected officials, economic development professionals and private sector leaders as they work together to retain and attract capital investment in our state. Their efforts to stimulate economic growth have put Ohio on the top for the fourth consecutive year.

“The collaboration between business and state make for an ideal location for Alcoa,” said William F. Christopher, Alcoa Executive Vice President and President of Alcoa Engineered Products and Solutions. “Our revitalized press capacity will allow the continued presence of manufacturing operations in Cuyahoga County and provide continued growth and good jobs for years to come at Cleveland Works.”

Conway Data, Site Selection’s publisher, has annually recognized the U.S. state with the most new and expanded corporate facilities since 1978 as tracked by its New Plant database.

“It is a privilege to be the bearer of good news in the economic development arena, particularly during challenging economic times,” said Mark Arend, Editor in Chief of Site Selection. “Ohio fought hard in 2009 to win new projects and to expand existing operations in the state. Its 381 projects and fourth consecutive Governor’s Cup are proof that many companies are investing and growing in Ohio because they want to be there.”

The magazine’s yearly analyses are regarded by corporate real estate analysts as “the industry scoreboard.” Ohio won the award with 381 projects; Texas placed second with 374 projects, followed by Michigan (371), Pennsylvania (333) and Tennessee (234) to round out the top five. In addition, several cities ranked in the top 10 metropolitan and micropolitan categories for new and expanded corporate facilities.

“The Ohio Economic Development Association is honored to participate in today’s announcement,” said Mike Jacoby, President of OEDA. “Our members are often the front line of Ohio’s economic development efforts, and we work in close partnership with the talented professionals at the Ohio Department of Development. Ohio’s receipt of the Site Selection Governor’s Cup for the fourth year in a row is validation that Ohio continues to be viewed as a good location for investment by corporate America.”

Additional information about the Governor’s Cup is available at the Site Selection magazine Web site.

Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority Also Receives $20 Million in TIGER Funding to Improve Transit Opportunities in Northeast Ohio

Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Ted Strickland today announced that Ohio has been awarded $30 million in federal Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grants for the CSX National Gateway project.

The National Gateway is an $842 million, multi-state infrastructure freight project aimed at reducing congestion on roads and highways, lowering emissions, and conserving energy. The TIGER Discretionary Grant program is part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

“The National Gateway will improve the movement of freight and give Ohio even more opportunities to deliver goods to markets across our region and country,” Strickland said.

A total of $98 million was awarded in TIGER grants today to cover the federal portion of National Gateway clearance projects in Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia. Ohio served as the lead sponsor of the National Gateway TIGER application.

The State of Ohio has already committed $20 million in targeted ARRA resources from the Federal Highway Administration to the National Gateway project and $5 million from the Ohio Rail Development Commission for safety improvements around the new CSX terminal in North Baltimore. An additional $10 million in logistics and distribution funding from the Ohio Bipartisan Job Stimulus Plan is pending Development Financing Advisory Council and Controlling Board approval.

The National Gateway project will create a highly efficient double-stack rail corridor between East Coast sea ports and consumption centers and Midwest distribution centers, improving the nation’s economy and environment.

“This award is a validation of the benefits of freight rail and the prominent role that railroads play in growing our economy and protecting our environment,” said Strickland. “With anticipated freight growth of 70 percent over the next two decades, the National Gateway is a timely and critical investment in our transportation infrastructure.”

In August 2009, Strickland broke ground on the new CSX intermodal terminal in North Baltimore, near Toledo, as part of the National Gateway Project. The facility will support the efficient and environmentally beneficial movement of containers between rail and truck.

“Ohio has made investments in a vast multi-modal transportation network for the movement of goods, and this project will further position our state as a national leader in logistics and distribution. Through this announcement and last month’s passenger rail awards, President Obama and Transportation Secretary LaHood have signaled their commitment to freight rail, passenger rail and multi-modal transportation opportunities that will move our state and country into the future.”

The Portage Area Regional Transportation Authority in Kent was awarded a $20 million grant that will assist in the construction of a building with a commercial space, parking garage, bus bays and bicycle storage to improve transit accessibility in Kent and linkages to Cleveland and Akron.

“This investment in transit will help maximize transportation opportunities for people in Northeast Ohio,” Strickland said.

Centers support state’s work in creating and growing technology-based companies in the biomedical and health care field

Cleveland, Ohio – Governor Ted Strickland, together with Ohio Board of Regents Chancellor Eric D. Fingerhut, today announced Ohio’s Centers of Excellence in Biomedicine and Health Care at a press conference at BioEnterprise, a Cleveland-based organization designed to grow health care companies and commercialize bioscience technologies.

The Centers at 14 universities throughout the state are committed to focusing their academic and research activities on biomedical and health care to create jobs in Ohio and further strengthen Ohio’s international reputation as a leader in bioscience research and development. Ohio is already home to 775 bioscience-related companies, including the headquarters to two Fortune 500 companies — Cardinal Health and Procter & Gamble.

“Aligning Ohio universities with Ohio’s growing biomedical and health care industries will generate economic growth and new, hard-to-outsource jobs,” Strickland said.  “Biomedicine and Health Care in Ohio create high wage jobs, investments in facilities, research and development, and production. But much more than that, these industries bring forth medical breakthroughs that benefit citizens of Ohio and citizens of the world.”

The Centers are located at the following universities:

• The University of Akron/NEOUCOM: The Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron
• Bowling Green State University: Health and Wellness Across the Lifespan
• Case Western Reserve University: Translating Technology and Research into Better Health: Case Center for Imaging Research, National Center for Regenerative Medicine, Infectious Disease, and Case Comprehensive Cancer Center
• University of Cincinnati: Transforming Health care in the 21st Century: Neurosciences, Environmental Health and Cancer, Pediatrics, and Diabetes and Obesity
• Cleveland State University: Center for 21st Century Health Professionals and Researchers
• University of Dayton: Tissue Regeneration and Engineering
• Kent State University: Health of Individuals and Communities
• Miami University: Structural Biology and Metabonomics
• NEOUCOM: Institute for Neurobehavioral Health
• The Ohio State University: Health and Well Being, Human Behavior, and Bioinformatics
• Ohio University: Health and Wellness: From Translational Research to Best Practices for Rural/Underserved Populations
• The University of Toledo: Translational Health and Bioscience
• Wright State University: BioHealth Innovation: Wright State University & Premier Health Partners Neuroscience Institute, National Center for Medical Readiness, and Knowledge-Enabled and Human-Centered Computing
• Youngstown State University: Understanding Disease and Other Disorders: Applied Chemical Biology and Study of Autism

The Centers of Excellence, as outlined in Ohio’s 10-year Strategic Plan for Higher Education, will position the University System of Ohio to be a magnet for talent and a leader in innovation and entrepreneurial activity by developing distinct missions for each institution that are recognized by students, faculty and business leaders, while eliminating unnecessary competition for resources, students and faculty within the state.

“The Biomedical and Health Care sectors are two of the fastest growing industries in the country,” said Chancellor Fingerhut. “Each Center of Excellence brings unique approaches that, together, will drive economic growth and establish Ohio as the national leader in biomedicine and health care.”

Ohio has already received high rankings in biomedicine and health care. In U.S. News & World Report’s 2008 “America’s Best Hospitals” list, 14 Ohio hospitals were ranked among the nation’s top 220 hospitals in a variety of specialties, ranking Ohio among the top five states. Of those Ohio hospitals, the Cleveland Clinic’s Heart Center was named the best in the nation for cardiac care — a title it has held for 14 years in a row. Ohio’s research medical centers either directly or indirectly employ 252,195 Ohioans, according to BioOhio, a non-profit organization designed to build and accelerate bioscience industry, research, and education in Ohio.
Today’s announcement is the second of five announcements of university Centers of Excellence that align with the state’s targeted industries and focus on talent recruitment. In October 2009, the governor and Chancellor Fingerhut announced Ohio’s nine Centers of Excellence in Advanced Energy at eight of the state’s universities.

The first four categories are specific to Ohio’s growth industries–advanced energy, biomedical and health care, transportation and logistics, and agriculture and food production.  The fifth group is focused on attracting and retaining talent to the state through additional programs that are essential in building communities and attracting the best and brightest to Ohio.