US Department of Energy

FirstEnergy Corporation, established in 1996 and headquartered in Akron, Ohio, is a diversified energy company that generates, transmits, and distributes electricity to approximately six million customers across Ohio, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Maryland, New Jersey, and New York. The company operates through regulated distribution and transmission segments, owning and managing a vast network of power plants, transmission lines, and distribution systems. These include coal-fired, nuclear, hydroelectric, natural gas, wind, and solar facilities, as well as 24,486 circuit miles of transmission lines and 269,691 miles of distribution lines, with a total installed transformer capacity of approximately 156,115,196 kilovolt-amperes. In addition to its core operations, FirstEnergy also provides energy-related products and services to retail and wholesale customers, contributing to the strengthening of local communities through its foundation's support of nonprofit organizations.

ArcelorMittal USA LLC is a prominent manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of steel products and mining materials, primarily serving North American markets. The company produces various flat products, including hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel sheets, steel plates, coated products, and tin sheets, as well as long products such as railroad rails and ingots. Additionally, it offers welded products, carbon and alloy tubular products, and engages in the production of iron ore and metallurgical coal. ArcelorMittal USA serves diverse sectors, including automotive, energy, construction, packaging, transportation, and heavy machinery. Established in 2002 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company has facilities in East Chicago, Indiana, and Richfield, Ohio. It operates as a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., having undergone a name change from ArcelorMittal USA Inc. in December 2010.

The University of Akron is a comprehensive public university that empowers students from diverse backgrounds to achieve academic, professional, and personal success through inclusive higher education.

Ohio University, located in Athens, Ohio, is a comprehensive institution offering a diverse range of undergraduate and graduate degree programs across various fields, including Biological Sciences, Creative Writing, and Health Services Administration. Established in 1804, it aims to provide students with the necessary academic support through resources such as tutoring, writing assistance, and computer labs, fostering a conducive learning environment. The university also emphasizes student life, featuring vibrant arts programs and various extracurricular activities. Additionally, the Ohio University Innovation Center, established in 1983, supports entrepreneurs by transforming innovative ideas into successful businesses. By providing access to a network of industry experts and essential resources, the Innovation Center enhances business stability and visibility, thereby contributing to local economic growth. Through these initiatives, Ohio University strives to equip students and entrepreneurs alike with the tools needed for academic and professional success.

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a private research university located in Cleveland's University Circle. Established in 1843, it comprises various schools including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Social Sciences, Dental Medicine, Management, and Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. CWRU is renowned for its biomedical discoveries, medical education, and top-ranked programs such as international law, health law, and intellectual property law. It offers practical experiences like real-client work and full-time practice experiences to students across various disciplines. The university is accredited by several professional associations and holds membership in the Association of American Universities.

BRITE Energy Innovators is an incubator located in Warren, Ohio, dedicated to supporting energy technology startups. Established in 2010, BRITE provides crucial resources, guidance, and connections to help these companies develop their products and bring them to market. With a strong emphasis on energy technologies, BRITE offers advanced materials, electronics, efficiency, and control systems as part of its comprehensive support. The organization features well-equipped laboratories for testing and developing energy storage and IoT solutions, making it accessible for startups and businesses of all sizes. Additionally, BRITE hosts coworking memberships and event spaces to foster collaboration and innovation. Since its inception, BRITE has assisted over 200 startups and has played a significant role in helping them secure in excess of $60 million in funding.

O-I Glass, Inc. is the world's largest manufacturer of glass containers, specializing in products for the food and beverage industry. Founded in 1903 and headquartered in Perrysburg, Ohio, the company produces a diverse range of glass packaging for alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, and spirits, as well as non-alcoholic drinks, food items, and pharmaceuticals. O-I Glass operates primarily in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia Pacific, with approximately 70% of its revenue generated from international markets. The company offers glass containers in various sizes, shapes, and colors, and markets its products directly to customers through long-term supply agreements and distributors. O-I Glass aims to maintain and expand its strong positions in key markets, including Europe, North America, and Brazil.

Cleveland-Cliffs is a Cleveland, Ohio-based company specializing in the mining and processing of iron ore and coal, while also being a prominent producer of flat-rolled steel products in North America. The company operates through various segments, primarily focused on steelmaking, and is vertically integrated, managing the entire supply chain from raw materials to finished steel products. Its operations are organized by product type and geographic location, including U.S. Iron Ore, Eastern Canadian Iron Ore, Asia Pacific Iron Ore, and North American Coal. Cleveland-Cliffs serves a diverse range of markets with a comprehensive portfolio of offerings, operating primarily in the United States, Canada, and select international locations.

ArcelorMittal USA LLC is a prominent manufacturer and supplier of a wide range of steel products and mining materials, primarily serving North American markets. The company produces various flat products, including hot-rolled and cold-rolled steel sheets, steel plates, coated products, and tin sheets, as well as long products such as railroad rails and ingots. Additionally, it offers welded products, carbon and alloy tubular products, and engages in the production of iron ore and metallurgical coal. ArcelorMittal USA serves diverse sectors, including automotive, energy, construction, packaging, transportation, and heavy machinery. Established in 2002 and based in Chicago, Illinois, the company has facilities in East Chicago, Indiana, and Richfield, Ohio. It operates as a subsidiary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc., having undergone a name change from ArcelorMittal USA Inc. in December 2010.

Copeland designs and manufactures heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration products for residential, commercial, and industrial applications. Its offerings include compressors, condensing units, hydrofluorocarbon products, and scroll compressors, serving various sectors such as heat pumps, refrigeration, and air conditioning. The company operates globally, providing services like system design, testing, distribution, education, energy management, and on-site monitoring.

Tech4Imaging specializes in developing non-invasive imaging technology for commercial and industrial use. It focuses on creating instrumentation that optimizes and automates processes, even in extreme conditions where standard methods fail. The company's proprietary Electrical Capacitance Volume Tomography (ECVT) technology enables it to deliver advanced sensing solutions, backed by over 15 patents and numerous peer-reviewed publications.

Toledo Solar, Inc. is a manufacturer based in Perrysburg, Ohio, specializing in cadmium telluride (CdTe) thin cell solar panels. Established in 2019, the company markets its products for a range of applications, including residential, commercial, and utility-grade power generation. Toledo Solar aims to support energy independence and sustainability by offering innovative solutions such as rooftop systems, semi-transparent solar windows, skylights, sunroofs, greenhouses, and farm canopies. The company collaborates with regional partners across the United States to supply not only solar panels but also inverters, racking, and energy storage solutions, thereby helping customers reduce their carbon footprint and lower energy costs.

Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) is a private research university located in Cleveland's University Circle. Established in 1843, it comprises various schools including Medicine, Law, Engineering, Arts and Sciences, Nursing, Social Sciences, Dental Medicine, Management, and Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences. CWRU is renowned for its biomedical discoveries, medical education, and top-ranked programs such as international law, health law, and intellectual property law. It offers practical experiences like real-client work and full-time practice experiences to students across various disciplines. The university is accredited by several professional associations and holds membership in the Association of American Universities.

Echogen Power Systems, LLC is a developer of innovative heat-to-power generation systems that efficiently capture and convert waste heat into usable electricity. Founded in 2007 and based in Akron, Ohio, the company specializes in solutions for various applications, including gas turbines, industrial waste heat recovery, solar thermal, geothermal, and hybrid alternatives to internal combustion engines. Echogen's technology utilizes a carbon dioxide heat pump cycle to create emission-free renewable electricity, enabling clients to monetize their otherwise wasted heat and improve their energy returns. The company caters to businesses that produce heat as a byproduct of their processes, providing scalable and cost-effective energy solutions.