And R&D Credits Fuel the Fire!

The energy was undeniable at the 4th annual Ohio Tech Summit! Hosted by OhioX at The Ohio State University on May 8th, the event drew a record crowd of over 700 tech leaders, startup founders, investors, and innovators from across the state and beyond. The Arvo Clarus R+D team was thrilled to be part of such a dynamic gathering centered on the powerful theme: “Building Ohio’s Tech Hub.”

It’s clear Ohio is not just participating in the tech boom; it’s rapidly becoming a key destination for growth in areas like AI, advanced manufacturing, HealthTech, and software development. Keynotes including insights from OhioX President & CEO Chris Berry , and a compelling fireside chat with OSU President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr.  and Shereen Agrawal of OSU’s Center for Software Innovation, painted a vivid picture of the state’s upward trajectory and collaborative spirit.

Throughout the day, from packed breakout sessions to the bustling expo floor, the focus was squarely on innovation. Discussions like “AI in Action – Real Use Cases and ROI” and “Venture Capital + Entrepreneurship in Ohio” highlighted the groundbreaking work Ohio companies are undertaking and the investments fueling that progress. Whether it was enterprise leaders from companies like Cardinal Health and Goodyear sharing their tech advancements or startups showcasing their cutting-edge solutions, the message was clear: Ohio is building, developing, and improving.

Turn Innovation into Tax Savings

Amidst all the talk of new technologies, product development, and process improvements, there’s a crucial financial opportunity that many innovative businesses – especially SMBs – often overlook: R&D Tax Credits.

Most of the activities central to the discussions at the Ohio Tech Summit—designing new software, creating better products, developing more efficient processes, or undertaking unique technical challenges—can qualify for these valuable credits. Essentially, the government rewards companies for investing in the very innovation that drives our tech hub forward. Yet, many businesses don’t realize their day-to-day problem-solving and development work fits the criteria, or they assume claiming the credits is too complex.

R&D Credits Help Ohio Businesses Thrive

For Ohio’s tech companies, from startups to established enterprises, R&D tax credits aren’t just a “nice-to-have”; they can be a significant financial lever. These credits provide a dollar-for-dollar reduction in taxes owed. For qualifying small businesses, this can even mean up to $500,000 back annually against employer payroll taxes – a non-dilutive way to boost cash flow and make that hard-won venture capital or operational funding go even further.

Think about the work your teams are doing:

• Developing new algorithms or software architecture?
• Creating unique UX designs or improving application features?
• Experimenting with new manufacturing techniques or materials?
• Automating internal processes to improve efficiency?

These activities, and many more, often involve qualified research expenditures.

Don’t Leave Money on the Table

The Ohio Tech Summit showcased a state brimming with innovation. At Arvo Clarus R+D, we believe that innovation should be rewarded. As an Ohio-based company ourselves, we specialize in helping fellow Ohio businesses – particularly SMBs in tech, software development, and manufacturing – easily navigate and claim the R&D tax credits they’ve rightfully earned. Our smart software and expert support simplify the entire process.

The momentum in Ohio’s tech sector is exciting. Let’s make sure your innovative efforts are also contributing to your bottom line.

Curious if your company’s work qualifies for R&D tax credits? Let’s talk. We can help you understand your eligibility and how these credits can help fuel your continued growth.