
UC's trailblazing innovators make ‘2025 Startups to Watch’ list
The future is now for these industry disruptors
Keep an eye on these startups — they’re just getting started.
A bright future lies ahead for six University of Cincinnati venture-backed startups recognized as ones to “lead the charge,” according to the Cincinnati Business Courier’s list of startups to watch in 2025.
Airtrek team stands inside the 1819 Innovation Hub where they created and brought their airport robot to life. Photo/Diana Lara
Whether enhancing health care, improving safety or redefining research, these companies embody an innovative spirit. Each startup gained significant support and valuable connections by leveraging the ecosystem within UC’s 1819 Innovation Hub , such as:
- Venture Lab's digital pre-launch accelerator: an active accelerator course that fuels disruptors eager to transform their ideas into market-ready innovations
- Technology Transfer: a team that helps UC researchers transform their discoveries into real-world impact by securing patents, facilitating licensing and supporting commercialization
The six featured startups received funding and grant money from UC, the state of Ohio and venture capitalists such as 1819 partner Main Street Ventures. They also had access to the UC Ground Floor Makerspace to develop prototypes, and Airtrek Robotics extensively used the space to create its robot.
Innovation lives here
Jason McMullan and Justin Benoit share their technology on the set of WKRC. Photo/Diana Lara
UC proves that world-changing ideas can be born and thrive in Cincinnati, the Center for the Silicon Heartland.
Inside 1819, innovation is buzzing as inventors with an entrepreneurial mindset have all the tools and resources they need to launch a business. Similarly, the UC Center for Entrepreneurship enables success under one roof.
“We’ve developed a proven formula for success,” says Kate Harmon, assistant vice president of UC’s Office of Innovation and executive director of the UC Center for Entrepreneurship. “Programs like the Venture Lab equip innovators with the skills and knowledge to enhance their business acumen. Our cohorts benefit from industry mentors who guide them through the journey, and our makerspace provides a dedicated environment for prototyping. Together, these essential resources create a seamless pathway for launching successful startups — all under one roof.”
Being part of the ecosystem at 1819 continues to demonstrate its ability to help founders launch startups that create transformative solutions.
While all startups have access to funding and networking opportunities that connect them with investors, UC’s Tech Transfer office plays a vital role in protecting the intellectual property of faculty and staff.
“UC researchers drive the innovations that fuel our efforts to turn discoveries into real-world solutions and new companies,“ said Geoffrey Pinski, UC's assistant vice president for technology transfer.
“Their work is the foundation of our impact. We’re proud to support their journey from research to commercialization,“ he said. “Through our partnership with the UC Center for Entrepreneurship, we’ve created a pathway for researchers to become successful entrepreneurs — we look forward to seeing these startups create impact in the year ahead.”
Six startups to watch
Kelvin Brown, founder of Karneyium Health. Photo/Kelvin Brown
The 2025 class of startups recognized by the Cincinnati Business Courier as “ones to watch” exemplifies UC’s history of tackling challenges across diverse industries, from aviation and health care to artificial intelligence-driven research and consumer wellness.
The following startup companies could potentially make significant impacts locally and globally, and UC is delighted to play a part in their journeys.
Airtrek Robotics: Revolutionizing airport safety
Aviation safety has a new ally in Airtrek Robotics. With support from UC’s Venture Lab, co-founders Chris Kyoochul Lee, Jon Taylor and Huzefa Dossaji have developed an autonomous robot to clear airport runways of hazardous debris. Dubbed a “Roomba for the tarmac,” this AI-powered innovation enhances airport efficiency and safety by mitigating the risk of foreign object damage.
Rescue Ventilation Solutions: A breath of life
Emergency medicine is being redefined by Rescue Ventilation Solutions (RVS). Co-founded by Justin Benoit, MD, MS, UC Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine; Jason McMullan, MD, MS, UC Professor of Emergency Medicine and Ephraim Gutmark, PhD, distinguished professor of aerospace engineering, the company has introduced Spiritus, a cutting-edge device that seamlessly integrates with standard bag valve masks to optimize emergency resuscitation. With roots dating back to 2017, RVS aims to revolutionize CPR and improve patient survival rates.
Kilele Health: Pioneering real-time heart monitoring
Biomedical engineering professor Jason Heikenfeld is reshaping how individuals monitor and manage chronic illnesses. Kilele Health’s innovative device provides real-time heart monitoring, giving users deeper insights into their cardiovascular health. This breakthrough technology is poised to revolutionize preventive care, helping individuals detect early warning signs and avoid severe heart conditions.
Cool Comforts Vpod: Relief for women’s health
Innovation meets wellness with Cool Comforts. Founded by Kesha Williams and supported by UC’s Venture Lab, the company has developed a game-changing solution for women with vaginitis. Williams’ invention — a specially designed pod that can be frozen and applied for pain relief — offers a simple yet effective way to alleviate discomfort. With a potentially global reach, Cool Comforts is making women’s health more accessible and manageable.
Karneyium Health: AI for health equity
Kelvin Brown is the founder of Karneyium Health, which uses AI and geographic information systems (GIS) mapping to tackle disparities in healthcare access. By identifying underserved regions, Karneyium Health empowers medical providers to strategically deploy clinical trials and improve health outcomes in disadvantaged communities. This AI-driven approach has the potential to reshape how healthcare is delivered, fostering equity in medical treatment and research.
Qualz.ai: AI-powered insights for research
Qualz.ai is changing the landscape of qualitative research. This AI-powered platform streamlines the research process, making it more efficient, cost-effective and insightful. By democratizing access to high-quality research, Qualz.ai ensures that every voice is heard and valued. The platform’s ability to enhance data collection and interpretation from non-numerical data is a game-changer for businesses, academia and market research firms.
One additional startup to note from the Business Courier’s list with a connection to UC is SMB.co. 1819 partner Fireroad, which focuses on investing in early-stage tech companies, now includes SMB as part of its portfolio.
Cover image Photo/Alisha Sutcliffe
Innovation Lives Here
The University of Cincinnati is leading public urban universities into a new era of innovation and impact. Our faculty, staff and students are saving lives, changing outcomes and bending the future in our city's direction. Next Lives Here.
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