Ted Ford has technology on his side.
Ford, the president and CEO of
TechColumbus, heads an organization
brought together by a group of Central
Ohio business, higher education and government leaders to accelerate the growth
of the region’s technology economy.
Ford’s charge came from the recognition
that Central Ohio was already a tremendous
resource of research technology assets that
could serve to leverage the development of a
new innovation economy in the area.
In 2006, TechColumbus led a regional proposal to the state of Ohio’s Third Frontier
Entrepreneurial Signature Program to secure
funds over three years todoublethenumberof
tech companies formed in Central Ohio. Added
to the funding garnered from that proposal, 19
companies and organizations provided even
more funding for TechColumbus’ cause.
Today, TechColumbus is reaching out to the
business and technology community like
never before. Using strategic advocacy, a
strong member services program, world-class
business formation and incubation services,
capital formation, and technology-related real
estate development, it is able to fully leverage
the area’s capabilities. With new membership
offerings and a highly interactive Web presence, the goal has been set to grow membership from 325 to 1,000 by the year 2010. In fulfilling those goals, TechColumbus will double
the number of successful tech start-ups in the
region during that time and help many entrepreneurs get on their feet. Those efforts are
starting to get noticed, as Forbes.com listed
Columbus as the No. 1 up-and-coming tech
city in March 2008.
HOW TO REACH: TechColumbus, (614) 487-3700 or
www.techcolumbus.org