This Month's Latest Tech News in Columbus, OH - Thursday July 31st 2025 Edition

Columbus is rapidly solidifying its status as a dynamic hub for AI and technology innovation, evidenced by recent high-profile events and strategic investments.

The Ohio Chamber of Commerce's 2025 Exploring AI Summit in downtown Columbus gathered business, policy, and tech leaders to discuss AI's transformative economic impact, workforce evolution, and education integration, underscoring Ohio's commitment to AI-driven growth (Ohio Chamber 2025 Exploring AI Summit).

Local companies like Optimum Technology, known for ethical AI governance in public safety, are gaining national recognition, with AI Practice Leader Nicole Jackson speaking at major conferences to showcase Columbus's leadership in responsible AI adoption (Optimum Technology's AI Leadership).

Significant funding from the Ohio Third Frontier Commission is accelerating medical and AI startup innovation statewide, supporting projects that range from AI-organized digital health records to nanobubble imaging for cancer biopsies, highlighting Columbus's growing AI-medical technology nexus (Ohio AI Medical Innovation Funding).

For those eager to join this expanding tech scene, Nucamp offers practical bootcamps such as the 15-week AI Essentials for Work program that teach AI skills applicable to any business role, supporting workforce readiness in this evolving landscape (AI Essentials for Work Bootcamp).

Ohio University students in the Digital Art + Technology program partnered with the Ohio Supercomputer Center (OSC) to design a decorative endcap for OSC's newest high-performance computing cluster, Cardinal, utilizing its AI capabilities to blend art and technology.

Over 14 students created a visual narrative reflecting Ohio's nature, innovation, and mascot - the cardinal - leveraging the supercomputer's AI-powered tool, Stable Diffusion Automatic 1111, hosted on OSC's HPC infrastructure and accessible remotely via the Open OnDemand platform.

This approach enabled rapid and complex image generation, significantly accelerating creative workflows; as senior Faun Winthrop noted, “we can create dozens of images in under an hour.” The project also emphasized ethical AI use, ensuring students developed AI art responsibly without compromising originality, an aspect highlighted by faculty member Basil Masri Zada who stated,

“It's crucial that we approach this technology with a sense of ethics and awareness.”

This collaboration exemplifies the integration of advanced computing resources into art education, empowering students while leaving a lasting creative mark on Ohio's supercomputing community.

For more on this innovative crossover between digital art and AI-enhanced supercomputing, visit Ohio University's detailed coverage at Ohio University News on AI and Supercomputing Art Collaboration and the Ohio Supercomputer Center's project announcement titled Ohio Supercomputer Center Design Collaboration Press Release.

Explore how the Digital Art + Technology curriculum continues to evolve with AI integration in this faculty overview on AI in Digital Arts Technology.

Billionaire Les Wexner, chairman of the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center board, has predicted that Columbus will soon emerge as a leading global hub for artificial intelligence (AI) and medical technology.

Speaking at the medical center's May 20, 2025 board meeting, Wexner forecasted that the "largest AI investment in the world will happen in Columbus," attracting around 100 new medical technology companies driven by robust regional economic development.

Columbus already hosts a vibrant biotech ecosystem, anchored by institutions such as Ohio State University's Wexner Medical Center, Nationwide Children's Hospital, and four major health systems, alongside substantial ongoing infrastructure projects including OSU's nearly $2 billion hospital tower.

Key recent investments highlight this growth: Amgen's $900 million pharmaceutical plant expansion and Pharmavite's $250 million gummy vitamin manufacturing facility in New Albany, a Columbus suburb developed by Wexner's real estate firm.

Ohio State University reinforces the city's tech leadership through federally funded AI initiatives like the AI Institute for Intelligent Cyberinfrastructure (ICICLE) and the AI Institute for Future Edge Networks (AI-EDGE), and by joining a 14-member international AI research consortium backed by OpenAI in early 2025.

Wexner emphasizes Columbus's rapid growth and under-recognized stature as Ohio's largest city, positioning it as a dynamic nexus for breakthrough AI and medtech innovation in Central Ohio.

For further insights, explore the Columbus Dispatch report on Les Wexner's vision for Columbus as an AI and medical tech hub, detailed analysis in the Columbus Business First coverage of Ohio State and AI developments, and the Forbes profile on Les Wexner's AI investment strategies.

In a decisive move on July 1, 2025, the U.S. Senate overwhelmingly voted 99-1 to remove a proposed 10-year moratorium from President Trump's major tax and spending bill that would have prevented states and localities from regulating artificial intelligence (AI).

This bipartisan amendment, introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn and Maria Cantwell, underscored the importance of preserving state-level oversight amid increasing concerns about AI's impact on employment discrimination, consumer protection, and child safety.

The moratorium had faced strong opposition from 40 state attorneys general, numerous governors - including 17 Republican governors led by Arkansas' Sarah Huckabee Sanders - and advocacy groups warning it would curtail essential AI safeguards without federal protections.

As Senator Cantwell affirmed,

“We can't just run over good state consumer protection laws,”

emphasizing states' role in addressing emerging AI risks like deepfakes and unauthorized use of likeness.

The vote ensured that states such as California, Colorado, and Tennessee can continue pioneering AI regulations supporting transparency and accountability, while the federal government explores creating a balanced national AI framework.

This legislative outcome marks a significant victory for local governance and consumer advocates, preserving states' ability to respond swiftly to the evolving AI landscape.

For detailed analysis, see the comprehensive coverage by Ogletree Deakins on the Senate vote to remove AI moratorium, PBS NewsHour's report on state reactions to AI regulation changes, and Governing's legislative overview of Senate's AI law decision.

Microsoft has announced a pause on its ambitious $1 billion plan to build three AI data centers in Licking County, Ohio, covering sites in New Albany, Heath, and Hebron.

Originally set to begin construction in 2025, the project included a $420 million facility in New Albany on a 197-acre site, alongside two additional campuses in Heath and Hebron.

According to Data Center Dynamics and reports from the Columbus Dispatch, Microsoft will retain ownership of the land but repurpose two sites temporarily for farming, while continuing roadway and utility improvements.

This strategic reassessment reflects broader industry trends, with Microsoft also canceling or delaying over 2 GW of data center projects globally amid anticipated oversupply and evolving cloud demands.

Microsoft Cloud President Noelle Walsh emphasized in a statement that despite the pause, the company remains on track to meet its $80 billion infrastructure investment for fiscal 2025 and continues to scale its global footprint to align with customer needs, adapting swiftly to dynamic market conditions.

This decision has drawn mixed local reactions, highlighting the complexities of balancing regional economic development with shifting technology infrastructure strategies.

Columbus law enforcement is significantly expanding its use of AI-powered surveillance technology amidst ongoing privacy debates. The Columbus Division of Police is developing a new real-time crime center integrating government traffic cameras, license plate readers, body cameras, and private cameras - including those from businesses and residents with permission - to assist in rapid crime response and evidence gathering, as demonstrated in solving a recent homicide.

While Columbus maintains four police helicopters, contrasting with neighboring Dublin's investment in four autonomous drones capable of rapid, remote deployment costing under $500,000, the city balances traditional aerial surveillance with modern technology.

Additionally, Dublin has deployed two AI-powered security robots equipped with 360-degree cameras and emergency call systems to patrol high-traffic public areas, enhancing safety without replacing officers.

The police drone programs in Ohio, including Hamilton County's 16 drones, emphasize first-response capabilities and situational awareness, with drones autonomously flying to emergency scenes within 90 seconds.

However, these advances have drawn concern from the ACLU of Ohio about potential privacy erosion and the creation of a surveillance state, urging legislative guardrails, as expressed by ACLU lobbyist Gary Daniels:

“The burden always needs to be on the government as to why they think they need to do this.”

Law enforcement officials argue for transparency, noting audit trails for camera use, and emphasize the technology's focus on public safety rather than invasive surveillance.

Columbus police Deputy Chief Nicholas Konves noted, “We do believe that guardrails are very important on this type of technology.” Meanwhile, the City Council's recent approval of two advanced American-made Skydio drones for $62,861 further underscores Columbus's commitment to leveraging secure, state-of-the-art technology for public safety, aligning with regional trends toward integrating autonomous systems for more efficient crime fighting and emergency response.

In April 2025, the City of Columbus launched its Next Generation 911 (NG911) system, incorporating groundbreaking AI-powered text translation and video-sharing technologies to transform emergency response across its diverse population of over one million residents.

Partnering with Intrado, the new system enables 911 call takers to send secure links for live video feeds from callers' smartphones after obtaining consent, providing crucial real-time visual context for first responders in incidents such as fires and car crashes - described by operators as “almost like a one-way FaceTime” (City of Columbus News article on 911 capabilities, April 2025).

Additionally, the AI-driven Text-2-911 Translation tool auto-detects and translates emergency text messages in 55 languages, including non-Latin scripts supported by certain carriers, facilitating equitable access for non-English speakers and residents with disabilities.

This capability dramatically reduces communication barriers that previously delayed response times and improves situational awareness for emergency personnel (Intrado news release on Columbus NG911 upgrades, April 2025).

Since implementation, the Columbus Emergency Communications Center has seen enhanced accuracy, responsiveness, and community trust, with city leaders emphasizing the inclusivity and lifesaving potential of these advances - Mayor Andrew J. Ginther stated,

“No one should be unable to call for help when they need it most. These inclusive technologies will help make our city even safer and stronger.”

The system is designed with strict privacy measures, ensuring video streams end immediately after calls, exemplifying Columbus's commitment to secure and efficient emergency services (The Columbus Dispatch report on 911 text translation and video update, April 2025).

Ohio State University is pioneering a comprehensive AI integration across its undergraduate education with the launch of the ambitious AI Fluency initiative starting fall 2025.

Designed to embed AI literacy into every major's curriculum, this program ensures graduates are equipped with technical skills alongside a deep understanding of AI's ethical, societal, and disciplinary impacts.

Students will engage with generative AI basics in required seminars, participate in workshops integrated into the First Year Success Series, and can enroll in the newly introduced Unlocking Generative AI course, which enhances skills such as AI prompt engineering and fosters critical thinking about AI's role in society.

Ohio State's leadership highlights the need for students to become "bilingual" in their fields and AI applications, preparing them to lead rather than merely adapt to the AI-driven future workforce.

To support this, faculty receive expanded resources and financial backing for AI integration through the Michael V. Drake Institute for Teaching and Learning, ensuring responsible AI use in pedagogy and assessment.

Complementing education efforts, the university boasts a robust AI research ecosystem with over 300 faculty members and $235 million awarded for AI projects from 2015-22, driving advancements from healthcare to agriculture.

Despite early concerns over AI's effect on student cognition, Ohio State is pioneering an evidence-based approach by monitoring AI's impact on learning across its 45,000 undergraduates.

As part of its broader AI strategy, Ohio State recently joined the NextGenAI consortium, partnering with OpenAI and leading institutions to accelerate AI research and education.

This holistic commitment positions Ohio State as a national leader advancing AI fluency, innovation, and ethical grounding in higher education.

Ohio legislators have reintroduced Senate Bill 163 (SB163), a significant AI regulation proposal aimed at combating the misuse of artificial intelligence in creating simulated child pornography, identity fraud, and misleading content.

The bill, sponsored by Senators Louis W. Blessing III and Terry Johnson, seeks to expand the state's obscenity laws by criminalizing AI-generated child sexual abuse material, which current laws cannot prosecute due to the lack of real victims.

To promote transparency, SB163 mandates that all AI-generated products carry a machine-readable digital watermark embedded within their metadata, invisible to humans but detectable by technology, allowing the origin of AI content to be verified.

Unauthorized removal of these watermarks would expose offenders to civil lawsuits and presumed harm damages. The legislation also targets identity fraud by prohibiting the use of AI to replicate a person's likeness or voice for fraudulent or reputational harm.

As Attorney General Dave Yost has testified, this “three-pronged approach” addresses legal gaps and aims to safeguard Ohioans from emerging AI-enabled abuses while encouraging federal and international collaboration on AI oversight.

Despite facing opposition from tech industry stakeholders concerned about feasibility and innovation restrictions, proponents emphasize the bill's careful crafting to withstand constitutional scrutiny, citing ongoing legal challenges faced nationwide concerning AI-generated content.

For more details on the bill's provisions and legislative progress, visit the Ohio Senate Bill 163 official page, the Columbus Dispatch coverage of SB163, and the Ohio Capital Journal's detailed report on AI restrictions.

The Ohio Third Frontier Commission recently approved over $1.1 million in grant funding to accelerate the commercialization of cutting-edge medical and AI technologies across the state.

Six organizations received awards through the Technology Validation and Start-up Fund (TVSF), aiming to bring early-stage innovations from research to market, with projects spanning AI-driven document management, wound care, gene therapies, and cancer diagnostics.

Notably, Lewis Center's Airelon LLC secured $200,000 to commercialize an AI platform that automates sorting of digital records, targeting small businesses and government agencies to enhance accessibility to advanced AI tools.

Several Northeast Ohio firms also received support, including Auxilium Health's antibiotic-free wound dressing technology, Recall Therapeutics' novel Alzheimer's gene therapy, and Visano Theranostics' prostate cancer imaging method improving biopsy accuracy.

Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development and chair of the commission, emphasizes the state's commitment:

“Ohio is committed to investing in the technologies that are shaping the world of tomorrow. Through these projects, we're supporting Ohioans who are transforming bold ideas into life-changing breakthroughs.”

This initiative strengthens Ohio's innovation ecosystem by enabling startups to validate, prototype, and commercialize promising health and AI advancements, contributing to local economic growth and improved patient care.

For detailed eligibility and application information, innovators are encouraged to visit the official TVSF webpage at Ohio Third Frontier Technology Validation and Start-up Fund official page, while news coverage of the state's investment can be found on WSYX Fox 28 Columbus local news and Cleveland Business Journal funding announcement.

Columbus, Ohio, is experiencing rising electricity costs driven largely by the surging energy demands of AI-powered data centers. These facilities, vital for supporting advanced artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and Big Tech operations, have contributed to a notable 22% increase in wholesale electricity prices within the PJM Interconnection territory - a grid that supplies 67 million customers across 13 states including Ohio.

Local households in Columbus have seen monthly electric bills rise by approximately $27, attributing to an annual increase near $240, according to analyses from regional energy data and AEP Ohio utility figures.

To address such impacts while sustaining the booming tech infrastructure, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio recently approved a landmark tariff requiring large data centers to pay for at least 85% of their subscribed electricity capacity for up to 12 years, aiming to equitably allocate grid expansion costs and protect residential customers.

This growing energy usage aligns with industry-wide trends highlighted by reports from the International Energy Agency projecting that electricity consumption by data centers globally is expected to more than double by 2030, largely driven by AI workloads.

As Columbus and surrounding regions expand high-voltage power lines and upgrade grid infrastructure to meet this demand, concerns remain among residents about affordability and environmental impact.

Industry experts emphasize the critical need for rapid innovation and investment in power generation, including renewables, natural gas, and nuclear energy, to sustain AI growth while balancing community and regulatory interests.

For deeper insights into the effects of data centers on electricity pricing and grid policy, see detailed analyses from Business Insider on data centers driving energy prices, POWER Magazine on Ohio's new data center tariff, and the International Energy Agency's report on AI energy demand growth.

Columbus is rapidly establishing itself as a key hub at the intersection of AI innovation and evolving policy frameworks, as highlighted by recent developments like the Ohio Chamber's 2025 Exploring AI Summit and statewide mandates requiring K-12 AI policies by mid-2026.

The city's proactive engagement with AI spans workforce development, education, and public safety - evidenced by Ohio State University's AI fluency initiatives and Columbus's deployment of AI-powered 911 systems offering real-time multilingual translation.

These initiatives align with national efforts such as the U.S. AI Action Plan, which emphasizes removing regulatory barriers while promoting AI literacy and open-source models, ensuring a balanced approach to technology adoption and ethical oversight.

In parallel, local policymakers and educational leaders collaborate to craft adaptable AI guidelines, recognizing the technology's transformative potential while addressing privacy and equity concerns.

This environment fosters opportunities for professionals and entrepreneurs alike to upskill through targeted programs like Nucamp's AI Essentials for Work bootcamp and Solo AI Tech Entrepreneur bootcamps, equipping individuals with practical AI capabilities and entrepreneurial skills needed to thrive in this dynamic ecosystem.

For those seeking to deepen their expertise in AI and technology, these comprehensive courses offer pathways ranging from foundational AI knowledge to launching scalable businesses, backed by flexible financing options and scholarship opportunities.

As Columbus prepares for AI Week 2025, its emerging role as a national model for responsible AI integration and innovation underscores a promising future where policy evolution, technological advancement, and workforce readiness converge to position the city at the forefront of the AI revolution.

Learn more about the AI Essentials for Work bootcamp, explore opportunities with the Solo AI Tech Entrepreneur program, and stay informed on Ohio's AI policy changes through the Ohio schools AI policy mandate.