Published on
Feb 1, 2021

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: February 1, 2021

Eight Ohio companies will spin new technology out of their portfolios and into the defense and commercial markets through the Dayton Region’s newest defense accelerator: The Office of Economic Adjustment (OEA) Defense Accelerator. The Accelerator is a program funded by the Department of Defense OEA and will be managed by Launch Dayton partners Parallax Advanced Research and the Entrepreneurs’ Center.

The program seeks to help participating startups identify uses of their technologies; move their technology products to market; position their companies to create jobs and generate revenue and support growth of the regional economy.

“Parallax is proud to bring this new program to the region. It speaks to our commitment to connecting industry and academia with our defense partners to transform the science and technology capabilities of the future. It also speaks to our commitment to helping our local economies grow, which supports the process of innovation,” said Dennis Andersh, Parallax CEO.

The participant cohort will gather virtually for nine weeks, during which they’ll develop business models and identify customers, investors and strategic partners who will bring in outside capital and talent to grow and scale their businesses. The program will feature hands-on workshops, guest speakers, wrap-around services and resources from partners and a culminating pitch. The pitch prize is a combination of cash and in-kind services from the prize sponsor, Treble One. Treble One leads technology transition efforts by creating stakeholder alignment between research, user and industry; forging strategic partnerships with OEM/Tier Suppliers; helping understand and define requirements; and through product implementation/validation.

“Our goal is for founders to walk away from the Accelerator with a clear understanding of how to move the needle on their technology’s solution adoption by both industry and defense sectors,” said Lauren Tiffan, director of strategic programs at the Entrepreneurs’ Center.

The following cohort participants applied and interviewed for the accelerator program. Their founders have various levels of experience in commercial industry and with Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) funded government . They are developing a range of both physical products and software solutions.

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About Parallax Advanced Research

Parallax is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that tackles global challenges by accelerating innovation and developing technology and solutions through strategic partnerships with government, industry and academia across Ohio and the Nation. Together with academia, Parallax accelerates innovation that leads to new breakthroughs. Together with government, Parallax tackles critical global challenges and delivers new solutions. Together with industry, Parallax develops groundbreaking ideas and speeds them to market.

About Launch Dayton

Launch Dayton is a collaborative effort of regional entrepreneurial support organizations to connect and support Dayton’s entrepreneur and startup community. Launch Dayton partners believe everyone, regardless of their background, should have the opportunity to determine their own economic prosperity. The Launch Dayton community exists to support and inspire all Daytonians who are building businesses. Launch Dayton partners collaborate to build an easily accessible environment, run high-caliber programming and connect a network of champions, mentors and resource providers.

About the Entrepreneurs’ Center

The Entrepreneurs’ Center (EC) offers solutions to entrepreneurs by assisting small businesses, scalable high-tech startups, and research institutes ready to commercialize. Mentorship, connections, business planning, professional services, and technology commercialization programs are available at little-to-no cost to local entrepreneurs. The EC also manages multiple properties offering affordable, flexible space solutions such as co-working, shared space, and private offices. In partnership with the University of Dayton, the EC drives innovation in the region as the anchor tenant at The Arcade revitalization project in downtown Dayton, scheduled to open in February 2021.