Northeast Ohio Technology Coalition

Programs: Advanced energy: northeast ohio is home to more than 500 companies and organizations engaged in various advanced energy sectors and nortech has created a cluster initiative to stimulate the growth of the industry in the region. Its "inseven by nortech" roadmapping process has identified more than $50 billion in global market opportunities for northeast ohio's energy storage, smart grid, waste/biomass to energy, fuel cell and energy efficiency sectors. Together, they could add approximately 9,560 jobs to the region within seven years. Serving as a focal point in the region's advanced energy cluster, nortech helps its members accelerate the commercialization of new products or technologies through industry-specific cluster services. These services include building cluster-based project teams, accessing industry-relevant project funding, and engaging anchor customers. Cluster metrics, including the number of jobs created, payroll generated and capital attracted, are used to guide the evolution of these services.

flexmatters: flexible electronics is a science and manufacturing opportunity to print or deposit ultra-thin electronic components and devices on materials that flex, bend, fold or stretch. An innovation cluster has emerged around the flexible electronics industry in northeast ohio, and nortech has launched an initiative called flexmatters to accelerate its growth. There are currently 59 flexmatters cluster companies and/or research centers. Through its roadmapping work, nortech has identified $42 billion in global market opportunities for the cluster, which could create an estimated 3,020 jobs within seven years. Nortech assists its members with accelerating the commercialization of products through industry-specific cluster services, which include building cluster-based project teams, accessing industry-relevant project funding, and engaging anchor customers. Cluster metrics, such as the number of jobs created, payroll generated and capital attracted, are used to guide the evolution of these services.

strategic outreach: nortech's strategic outreach work is designed to build regional, national and international awareness of and attract resources to northeast ohio's emerging innovation clusters. It raises the visibility of northeast ohio's technology assets, positions the region as an innovation hub and affects policy. Supporting efforts include media placements, presentations, exhibits and events. Strategic outreach also encompasses engaging policymakers, business leaders, funders and other influencers for opportunities that create jobs, attract capital and have a long-term, economic impact on northeast ohio.

public policy: nortech's government engagement activities are focused on leading a coordinated regional strategy to increase funding for technology-based economic development initiatives, enhance the growth of northeast ohio's emerging industry clusters, and create a lasting economic impact on the region. Nortech participates in national policy discussions and connects with regional, state and federal government leaders to raise the visibility of northeast ohio's technology assets, position the region as an innovation hub, attract resources and affect policy.