Throughout history, there have been certain technological shifts that were so massive they redefined entire industries. Today, artificial intelligence (AI) is driving the next seismic shift in technology — one that is touching every sector of business. AI isn’t just another tool; it’s a force multiplier, redefining competition and accelerating the pace of innovation in ways we’ve never seen before.
For established businesses, this presents both a challenge and an opportunity. AI’s ability to automate operations, analyze vast data patterns and generate new solutions means that infrastructure is no longer enough to maintain market leadership. At JumpStart, we see this shift firsthand as we work with startups every day that are harnessing AI to move faster, operate more efficiently and punch well above their weight.
What once required six months and $300,000 can now be achieved in six days with $30,000. In the past, building disruptive technology required access to elite coding teams and venture capital. Today, AI-powered platforms enable industry experts — not just software engineers — to create transformative solutions with little coding knowledge. The barriers to entry are lower than ever, meaning the greatest innovations will come from those operators who dare to think outside the box.
This is where Ohio’s business ecosystem has an edge. Our region is home to startup founders, innovators and legacy industries that have first-hand experience with real world problems, and are producing essential goods and services to solve them. When businesses and industries embrace AI, we cultivate fertile ground for growth — leveling the playing field and positioning our region to compete with coastal powerhouses. AI enables companies to scale efficiently, overcome traditional enterprise software costs and optimize operations in ways that weren’t possible before.
But here’s the hard truth: businesses that insist on doing today’s work with today’s tools will struggle to stay relevant. AI is not an opt-in to consider in the near future — it’s happening now. Workflow-based AI agents are emerging as viable alternatives to expensive, monolithic enterprise software systems. Businesses that embrace these technologies will gain a competitive edge. Those that don’t risk obsolescence.
Apprehension is understandable. But with intentional curiosity, executive leaders can nurture the entrepreneurial spirit that lives within their employees. Companies that actively seek out new ideas, challenge their own assumptions and embrace the mindset of an entrepreneur will thrive in the AI era. One of the best things about working with startup founders is the fact that they see a problem and imagine there is a different way to approach it, outside of the confines of business-as-usual. Today’s leadership teams would do well to infuse the art of the impossible within their teams and encourage the intrapreneurs they have at their fingertips. When used thoughtfully, AI is not a threat; it’s an accelerant for productivity and growth.
At JumpStart, we are committed to ensuring that businesses — both startups and established enterprises — understand and capitalize on these shifts. We provide education, resources and strategic guidance to help companies integrate AI into their growth plans.
Exposure is always a critical component to change. JumpStart’s Ohio Venture Capital Fest (September 16-17) is one way to immerse yourself in this evolving landscape. Now in its third year, the conference brings together thousands of people who are at the precipice of innovation. From pitch competitions to demo halls to provocative discussions, it’s an opportunity to see the world through the eyes of a startup founder — someone who views AI not as a challenge, but as an invitation to build the future. ●
Julie Jacono, MBA, is CEO of JumpStart and JumpStart Ventures
