US Department of Energy

FirstEnergy Corp. is a diversified energy company based in Akron, Ohio, specializing in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity across the United States. The company operates through regulated distribution and transmission segments, utilizing a diverse mix of energy sources, including coal, nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, wind, and solar power. FirstEnergy manages an extensive network of infrastructure, comprising over 24,486 circuit miles of transmission lines and approximately 269,691 miles of distribution lines. It serves around six million customers across multiple states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. Founded in 1996, FirstEnergy aims to be a leading regional energy provider while offering various energy-related products and services to both retail and wholesale customers.

ArcelorMittal USA LLC, based in Chicago, Illinois, is a manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of steel products, including flat products like hot-rolled and cold-rolled sheets, steel plates, coated steel products, and tin sheets. The company also produces long products such as railroad rails and ingots, as well as welded products and various tubular products. In addition to steel, ArcelorMittal USA manufactures iron ore and metallurgical coal. Its diverse customer base spans several sectors, including automotive, energy, construction, packaging, transportation, and heavy machinery. Established in 2002, the company operates additional facilities in East Chicago, Indiana, and Richfield, Ohio. As of December 2010, it operates as a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

Ohio University, located in Athens, Ohio, has been a hub for education and entrepreneurship since its founding. The Ohio University Innovation Center, established in 1983, supports entrepreneurs in transforming innovative ideas into successful businesses. By providing access to a network of industry experts and essential resources, the Innovation Center helps startups stabilize and grow. The university offers a diverse range of academic programs, including degrees in Biological Sciences, Creative Writing, Health Services Administration, and Psychology, catering to the educational needs of students pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, or doctorate degrees. To ensure students succeed academically, Ohio University provides various support services, including tutoring and writing assistance through its academic advancement center. Additionally, the vibrant student life on campus features strong arts programs and cultural activities. Financial aid advisors are available to assist students in navigating funding options, ensuring that they can afford their education.

BRITE Energy Innovators, established in 2010 and located in Warren, Ohio, is the state's only energy incubator dedicated to nurturing startups in the energy technology sector. The organization offers a comprehensive range of resources, including advanced technology testing tools, well-equipped labs for energy storage and IoT solutions, and coworking spaces. BRITE's entrepreneur in residence program provides critical expertise and guidance to help startups navigate their development processes and achieve long-term success. Since its inception, BRITE has supported over 200 startups, assisting them in securing more than $60 million in funding. The incubator also serves as a collaborative hub, housing 19 physical tenants and offering event spaces to foster innovation and community engagement.

Cliffs Natural Resources, formerly Cleveland-Cliffs, is a Cleveland, Ohio business firm that specializes in the mining and beneficiation of iron ore and the mining of coal. The firm is an independent company whose shares are traded on the New York Stock Exchange. Cliffs’ primary operations are organized and managed according to product category and geographic location: U.S. Iron Ore, Eastern Canadian Iron Ore, Asia Pacific Iron Ore, and North American Coal. Cleveland-Cliffs operates several mines and pellet plants in the Great Lakes region, serving customers in the steel industry. In addition to iron ore, the company also produces and sells steel products.

O-I Glass, Inc. is a leading global manufacturer of glass containers, primarily serving food and beverage manufacturers across the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific. Founded in 1903 and headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio, the company specializes in producing glass packaging for a variety of products, including alcoholic beverages like beer, wine, and spirits, as well as food items, non-alcoholic beverages, and pharmaceuticals. O-I Glass offers its products in diverse sizes, shapes, and colors and sells them directly to customers through long-term supply agreements, as well as via distributors. With approximately 70% of its revenue generated from international markets, O-I Glass holds a significant position in key regions such as Europe, North America, and Brazil, with beer serving as its primary end market.

ArcelorMittal USA LLC, based in Chicago, Illinois, is a manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of steel products, including flat products like hot-rolled and cold-rolled sheets, steel plates, coated steel products, and tin sheets. The company also produces long products such as railroad rails and ingots, as well as welded products and various tubular products. In addition to steel, ArcelorMittal USA manufactures iron ore and metallurgical coal. Its diverse customer base spans several sectors, including automotive, energy, construction, packaging, transportation, and heavy machinery. Established in 2002, the company operates additional facilities in East Chicago, Indiana, and Richfield, Ohio. As of December 2010, it operates as a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

Copeland is a manufacturer and distributor of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration products, catering to residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. The company specializes in producing compressors, condensing units, and refrigerants, including hydrofluorocarbons, which are utilized in various applications such as heat pumps, refrigeration, and air conditioning systems. By focusing on energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions, Copeland aims to enhance comfort and sustainability for its customers. In addition to product manufacturing, the company offers services including system design, testing, education, training, energy management, and on-site monitoring. Headquartered in Sidney, Ohio, Copeland operates internationally with locations across Asia Pacific, Canada, Europe, the United States, Latin America, the Middle East, and Africa.

Tech4Imaging is a leading developer of non-invasive imaging technology aimed at commercial and industrial applications. The company specializes in creating advanced instrumentation that provides critical information for optimizing and automating processes in challenging conditions where traditional tools may fail. Central to their innovation is proprietary capacitance-based imaging technology, specifically Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography (ECVT), developed in collaboration with researchers from The Ohio State University. This technology addresses complex multiphase flow challenges encountered in various industries. Tech4Imaging holds over 15 patents and has published more than 30 peer-reviewed journal articles, underscoring its commitment to research and development. The company offers a range of products, including acquisition hardware, sensors, and software, alongside consultation services, all designed to enhance industrial process visualization and efficiency. Through strong partnerships and a focus on core values, Tech4Imaging continues to advance its technological offerings and expand its impact in the industry.

Toledo Solar, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Perrysburg, Ohio, specializing in cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin cell solar panels designed for a range of applications, including residential, commercial, and utility-scale power generation. Established in 2019, the company aims to enhance energy independence and resilience while promoting ethical practices in the solar industry. Toledo Solar supplies its products through regional partners across the United States, providing not only solar panels but also inverters, racking systems, energy storage solutions, and app-based client control systems. In addition to traditional solar panels, the company is developing innovative products such as semi-transparent solar windows, skylights, sunroofs, greenhouses, and farm canopies, all intended to help reduce carbon footprints and lower energy costs for users.

Case Western Reserve University, located in Cleveland's University Circle, is an independent research institution established in 1843. It encompasses various schools and colleges, including the School of Medicine, School of Law, Case School of Engineering, College of Arts and Sciences, Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing, Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, School of Dental Medicine, and Weatherhead School of Management. The university is known for its excellence in medical education and biomedical research, with the School of Medicine recognized for its contributions to medical discoveries and training future physicians. The School of Law offers nationally ranked programs in international law, health law, and intellectual property law, integrating leadership courses and practical experiences into its curriculum. Case Western Reserve University is a member of the Association of American Universities and maintains full accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission, reflecting its commitment to educational quality and research excellence.

Echogen Power Systems, LLC specializes in developing heat-to-power generation systems that capture and convert waste heat into usable electricity. Founded in 2007 and based in Akron, Ohio, the company offers a range of heat recovery solutions suitable for applications such as gas turbines, industrial waste heat recovery, solar thermal, and geothermal energy, as well as hybrid alternatives to traditional internal combustion engines. Echogen's technology employs a carbon dioxide heat pump cycle to efficiently generate clean, renewable electricity, allowing businesses to monetize otherwise wasted heat and improve their overall energy investment returns. The company serves various industries that produce heat as a byproduct of their operations, helping to create reliable and emission-free energy options.