# Ohio Third Frontier Commission

Ohio Third Frontier Commission is an other based in Columbus, United States.

## Overview

- **Organization type:** other
- **Headquarters:** Columbus, United States
- **Region:** North America
- **Address:** Columbus, OH, United States
- **Founded:** 2002
- **Assets under management:** Undisclosed
- **Website:** thirdfrontier.com

## Regulatory record

- **Reports private funds:** No

## About

The Ohio Third Frontier is a state initiative to expand Ohio's technological strengths and promote commercialization. It aims to build research programs, nurture early-stage companies, and foster technology development. The Ohio Third Frontier Commission has made 45 investments, including a grant to JumpStart on April 22, 2025.

## Sectors

- Advanced Manufacturing
- Biomedical Technology
- Energy Technology
- Information Technology
- Materials Science

## People

- John M. Zumwalde — Chairman (as of public records)

## Questions

### How does the Ohio Third Frontier Commission source deal flow?

The commission sources opportunities through its network of university technology transfer offices, regional innovation clusters, and an open application process. It also partners with venture development organizations across Ohio, such as JumpStart in Cleveland and Cintrifuse in Cincinnati. Proposals are evaluated by external panels before commission review.

### Is the Ohio Third Frontier Commission structured as an investment fund or a grant-making entity?

It operates as a hybrid: it provides grants, loans, and equity investments through multiple programs including the Technology Validation and Commercialization Fund, the Pre-Seed Fund, and the Innovation Incentive Fund. Its portfolio includes both grant-funded research and equity-backed startups. The commission has a statutory mandate to achieve financial returns while generating economic development.

### Which sectors does the Ohio Third Frontier Commission explicitly avoid?

The commission focuses exclusively on technology-based ventures. It does not invest in real estate, oil and gas drilling, retail businesses, or professional services. Its statutory scope restricts funding to technology commercialization and manufacturing-related projects that can be considered "advanced manufacturing" or "technology" per Ohio Revised Code.

### How is the Ohio Third Frontier Commission funded?

Its primary funding comes from state bond issues approved by Ohio voters in 2002, 2005, and 2010. Additional appropriations from the state biennial budget have provided supplementary funding. The commission also leverages private matching funds from participating companies and venture firms.

## Related profiles

- [Chasing Unicorns](https://altss.com/profile/chasing-unicorns)
- [Kirsh Group](https://altss.com/profile/kirsh-group)

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Last updated: 2026-06-03T20:00:00.000Z

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