October 23-25 at Ohio Wesleyan University


Ohio's Startup Event
Featuring Steve Wozniak at Ohio Wesleyan University

Kickstart Ohio celebrates innovation, entrepreneurship, and community growth in Ohio. The event connects entrepreneurs, investors, and businesses to share ideas, collaborate, and grow. Attendees will gain insights from industry leaders, network with peers, and experience the vibrant spirit of Ohio's entrepreneurial ecosystem.


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Steve Wozniak
Keynote Speaker
Co-Founder, Apple Computer, Inc

Come hear from the man himself, kicking off Kickstart Ohio as this year's keynote speaker.


Steve Wozniak is an American technology entrepreneur, electrical engineer, computer programmer, philanthropist, and inventor. In 1976, he co-founded Apple Computer with his early business partner Steve Jobs. 

Our schedule is jam-packed with talks and workshops from founders, investors and business experts

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Roy Hall, Jr.

Corporate Speaker

Roy Hall Jr.

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Steve Wozniak

Co-Founder

Apple Computer, Inc

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Michele Reynolds

Senator, District 3

State of Ohio

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Lindsay Karas Stencel

Partner

Thompson Hine LLP

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Rick Coplin

Principal

Rick Coplin International

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Julie Jacono

CEO

JumpStart Inc.

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Lee Mosbacker

CEO

Cyrannus

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Cliff Hurst

Assistant Professor of Business and Economics

Ohio Wesleyan University

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Danny Ortiz

Founder

Wonder Creations

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Craig Smith

Co-Founder & CEO

Visor

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Jim Johnson

Co-Founder

Flashpass

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Jennifer Bleen

Founder, CEO

Peer to Peer LLC

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Yyvette McKenzie

President

FF Veterans Holistic Services

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Tushar Kulkarni

Chief Executive Officer

Big Kitty Labs

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Tia Whittney

Chief Executive Officer

MVP Studio

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Sid Dutta

Founder & CEO

Privaclave Inc.

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Ravi Tenneti

Senior Vice President of Engineering

Jorie AI

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Ralph Smithers, Jr.

AVP, DEI and Community Relations

Encova Insurance

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Janet Tressler-Davis

President/CEO

Westerville Area Chamber of Commerce

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Anthony Regalado

Founder

Anarco Labs

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Rachael A. Pinckney

Leadership Development & Cultural Competence Consultant

Virago Consulting

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Phil Smith

Director of Delaware Entrepreneurial Center, OWU

Ohio Wesleyan University

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Pamela Conn

Director of Corporate Engagment

Healthy New Albany

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Orlie Benjamin

Founder & Managing Director

Fulcrum Consulting

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Nilanjan Raychaudhuri

Founder

Tubilan

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Mike Alvarez

CTO & Head of Product

NeuZeit

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Michael Fulton

Enterprise Architect

Koch

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Lucretia Williams

President & CEO

Distinct Event Planning, LLC

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Kendall Horner

Partner

Braveheart Sales Performance

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John Hill

VP Story

Whop

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John Hambrick

Work-Based Learning Coordinator

Educational Service Center of Central Ohio

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Jeremy Banta

Associate Professor/Program Coordinator - Supply Chain Management

Columbus State Community College

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Jeff Spitzner, PhD

Founding CEO & Chief Strategist

DNA Nanobots

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Jacqueline Rinehardt

Director of Business Development

Taivara

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George R. Simms

President and Chief Executive Officer

Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council

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Eric Estadt

Attorney

Carlile Patchen & Murphy LLP

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Emil Barr

Co-Founder

Flashpass

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Elizabeth Tolia

Co-Founder, President, Board of Directors

getWITit National

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Deonna Barnett

CEO & Director of Consulting

Aventi Enterprises

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Deborah Johnson

Author

Coaching the Dream

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De'Lona Moultrie

Senior Consultant

Aventi Enterprises

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Dave Whorton

CEO & Founder

Tugboat Institute

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Dan Rockwell

Founder

Meaning Optional

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Dan Greenleaf

Co-Founder CEO

AI Rising

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Christopher Thompson

Founder

CORE Inclusive Consulting LLC

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Chris Miller

Partner

Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

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Ben Lachman

Technologist

Nice Mohawk Limited

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Ankit Shah

Manager, Culture & Engagement & Corporate Affairs

Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc

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Allison Ditmer

Content Strategist & Creator

AllisonDitmer.com

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A-Jay Orr

CEO

Simple Plan IT

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Neal Bell

EOS Worldwide Implementer

EOS Worldwide

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Jeannie Mok

Chief Strategy & Growth Officer

Omni Alliance

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Ryan Lunka

Co-Founder and CEO

Doohickey AI

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Scott Hauman

SVP, Growth & Innovation

Hart

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Ray Waite, MS, PMP

Founder, Professional Speaker and Trainer

Lighthouse Force LLC

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Randy Mullen Jr

Principal and Founder

SightLine Ventures Inc.

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Morgan Koth

Founder & CEO

Accentus Health

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Mark Sullivan, Ph.D.

Chief Executive Officer

Performance Learning Academy

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Ron Savoia

Managing Partner and Founder

Stratus Innovations Group

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Nomiki Petrolla

Founder & CEO

Theanna & PDS Lab

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Ibrahim Mohmed

Co-Founder & CEO

Taja AI

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Chris Slee

Principle

Transform Labs

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Manny Larcher

Tech Founder & Investor

Colaeb

Why Attend

Join entrepreneurs, founders, and business leaders at Kickstart Ohio for three days of learning and connection. Get practical insights and meet the people shaping Ohio's business future.

What You'll Learn

Learn from experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders about what's working in Midwest tech and startups. Get real insights on funding, growth strategies, and emerging opportunities. Our speakers share practical knowledge you can use to grow your business in today's market.

Who You'll Meet

Connect with Ohio's entrepreneurs, investors, and business professionals who are building and growing companies. Network with people who understand your challenges and opportunities. Meet others working to build successful businesses in Ohio's growing startup community.

What to Expect

Three days of practical sessions, including a keynote from Steve Wozniak, panel discussions, and hands-on workshops. Learn about funding, growth strategies, and business development through focused sessions. Take part in networking events and mentorship opportunities to build lasting connections in Ohio's business community.

CONFERENCE TRACKS

Kickstart Ohio will have carefully curated tracks designed to meet you exactly where you are on your entrepreneurial journey. Whether you're sketching your first business plan or planning your exit strategy, Kickstart Ohio brings together the minds, resources, and opportunities that turn visionaries into veterans.

Propose a Talk

SPONSORS COMING SOON

To become a sponsor, e-mail phil@kickstartohio.com