Cleveland's Top 10 Startups That Tech Professionals Should Watch Out For in 2025

Cleveland's tech startup scene in 2025 is absolutely crushing it! With 249 startups and ranking 124th globally, Cleveland's making serious moves in tech innovation and economic growth.

The numbers are mind-blowing - over 50,000 tech jobs and billions flowing into the local economy. Diverse founders are leading the charge, with organizations like JumpStart investing over $64 million in 134 tech startups, creating nearly 2,800 jobs.

The startup landscape is super exciting, especially in healthtech where 39 companies are innovating like crazy. Leading companies like Axuall, MediView XR, and Cleveland Kitchen (which grew to a $30 million brand!) are showing everyone what Cleveland's made of.

JumpStart's latest report shows these startups generated over $1.7 billion in economic output, proving Cleveland's not just competing - it's winning! The city's becoming a magnet for young tech talent, with awesome support from universities, accelerators, and venture funds.

Whether you're into AI, healthcare tech, or environmental solutions, Cleveland's startup scene is where it's happening. Get ready to see these companies blow up and put Cleveland on the map as the Midwest's hottest tech hub!

Let me break down how we picked Cleveland's most promising startups. According to successful startup research, three core elements matter most: a strong product, solid go-to-market strategy, and great company culture.

When evaluating each startup, we look at how well they're solving real problems and if their solution actually makes sense for Cleveland's market. It's not just about having cool tech - these companies need to show they can actually sell their product and grow their customer base.

We dig deep into each startup's potential by using what investment experts recommend: checking their creativity level, whether there's genuine market demand, and if they can scale up without falling apart. The numbers have to make sense too - we look at metrics like customer acquisition costs, revenue growth, and how efficiently they're using their funding. The founding team is super important - they need to really know their stuff and have the skills to execute their vision.

Following venture capital standards, we put special focus on the market size these startups are targeting, their intellectual property strength, and how solid their go-to-market strategy is.

The best startups have founders who aren't just tech-savvy but also understand Cleveland's unique business environment. They need to show they can adapt to changes, make smart decisions with their money, and build something that'll last.

And honestly, having strong connections to Cleveland's business community doesn't hurt either - it's all about building something that can grow right here in our city.

CleanR, a Cleveland-based greentech venture, is revolutionizing how we combat microplastic pollution through their groundbreaking washing machine filters. Their VORTX filtration technology removes over 90% of microplastics down to 50 microns in size, setting new standards in environmental protection.

What makes their approach unique is how it mimics the filtering processes of manta rays and basking sharks, creating fluid patterns that form a vortex to trap microplastics instead of using traditional surface filtration.

The technology has proven so effective that it handles three times more washloads than conventional filters before requiring cleaning, making it incredibly user-friendly.

The startup's innovation hasn't gone unnoticed.

They recently secured six "Best of IFA 2023" awards at the world's largest appliance industry conference in Berlin, validating their technological breakthrough.

According to environmental data, washing machine wastewater accounts for 35% of global microplastic pollution, and widespread adoption of CleanR's technology could prevent over 280 million plastic bags worth of microplastics from entering U.S. and EU waterways annually.

The company offers both internal and external filter solutions, compatible with major smart home platforms, and features WiFi connectivity to monitor filter capacity and performance.

Users only need to spend about 30 seconds per week on maintenance, making environmental protection practically effortless.

Through their innovative approach to environmental technology, CleanR demonstrates how Cleveland startups are creating practical solutions to global challenges.

Their success showcases the city's growing reputation as a hub for sustainable technology development, attracting both investment and talent to the region. As concerns about microplastic pollution continue to rise, CleanR's technology represents a significant step forward in protecting our waterways and ecosystems.

Droxi AI is totally changing the healthcare game in 2025 by tackling one of the biggest headaches in medicine - administrative overload. Their AI-powered platform is saving doctors a massive 90 minutes every day that they'd usually spend clicking through electronic health records.

What's super cool is how the system learns from patient profiles and streamlines everything behind the scenes. Instead of healthcare workers jumping between different windows and dealing with outdated workflows, Droxi's tech puts all the important stuff in one place.

Recent healthcare industry analysis shows that this kind of AI automation isn't just about saving time - it's about making healthcare work better for everyone.

The platform is smart enough to handle prescription refills, manage inbox messages, and organize lab results automatically, which means doctors can spend more time actually talking to patients.

What makes this even better is how AI healthcare innovations are improving patient care across the board.

When a doctor needs to check something about a patient's prescription or look at lab results, Droxi's AI pulls up everything they need in seconds. No more digging through endless files or waiting forever for information.

The system even sends automatic text messages to patients about scheduling appointments. For real though - this is exactly what healthcare needs right now. The platform doesn't try to make medical decisions (that's still all on the doctors), but it makes everything else run so much smoother.

It's like having a super-smart assistant that never sleeps and always knows exactly where to find what you need.

Morgen Technology is transforming building operations through its innovative subscription software, proving that Cleveland's tech scene is seriously crushing it.

The company's building management systems have been shown to boost operational efficiency by up to 30%, while cutting costs across the board.

Their platform handles everything from automated maintenance to energy tracking, basically acting like a building's brain to catch problems before they happen.

The latest data-driven trends in facility management show that 80% of facility pros are all-in on this kind of tech revolution.

Their subscription model is totally changing the game.

Instead of dropping huge money upfront, building managers can now scale their tech needs up or down whenever they want. This flexibility is exactly what the industry needs - especially since industry forecasts predict the facilities management market will hit $1856.44 billion by 2029.

The monthly updates keep everything fresh and current, which is crucial in today's fast-moving tech world.

Looking at what's next, Morgen Technology is going all in on AI and machine learning.

They're not just talking about basic automation anymore - they're building systems that can literally think for themselves. The goal? To create buildings that basically run themselves, which is honestly mind-blowing.

Their platform is learning to make smart decisions about everything from energy use to maintenance schedules, freeing up humans to focus on the bigger picture stuff.

With these moves, Morgen Technology is set to blow past their growth targets, aiming for a 50% jump in clients by 2027.

Based on current trends in building automation and smart technology adoption, they're not just changing the game in Cleveland - they're setting new standards for the entire industry.

And honestly? That's pretty epic for a Cleveland startup.

Notus Labs, founded in Cleveland in 2019, is revolutionizing athlete safety with their groundbreaking Notus One wearable device.

This smart sensor, about the size of a quarter, attaches discreetly under an athlete's uniform and streams real-time data on vital signs like heart rate and core temperature.

What makes this tech especially cool is how it helps prevent serious health issues like heat stroke, which is super important for athletes pushing their limits.

The company, started by Sarah Perez and Tim Walker after they met at Case Western Reserve University, has gotten serious backing - including $256,000 from the National Science Foundation and $450,000 in pre-seed funding.

They've got some heavy hitters on their team too, including advisers from the Cleveland Browns and University Hospitals. Right now, they're running beta tests with high school football teams, starting with Cleveland's Benedictine High School, and have produced 500 sensors for testing.

Their goal isn't just to prevent injuries - they're working on predicting them before they happen, which is pretty mind-blowing. The best part is that coaches and trainers can check all this data in real-time on their dashboard, making split-second decisions to keep players safe.

With the wearable device market expected to hit $106.47 billion by 2028, Notus Labs is definitely one of Cleveland's most promising startups to watch.

BIOHM Technologies (formerly BIOHM Health Inc) is making serious waves in gut health innovation. Their groundbreaking digestive health optimization system combines beneficial bacteria, fungi, and enzymes to break down digestive plaque.

The company recently rebranded to reflect its expanded focus on B2B solutions, with their star product Mycohsa leading the charge as the first data-powered probiotic blend proven to tackle digestive biofilms.

In a major move, BIOHM has partnered with ADM to launch Vivifem, a revolutionary ingredient targeting women's gut health during aging.

Their Symbiont AI platform, which they use to create super-targeted formulations based on real human data. The company's research game is strong too - they've got access to over 30,000 fungal strains and have secured $7.5 million to level up their AI capabilities.

With their products now in 10,000 stores, including 2,500 Walmart locations, BIOHM is totally crushing it in making personalized gut health accessible to everyone.

Their momentum in both research and market presence shows exactly why Cleveland's tech scene is becoming such a powerhouse.

Axuall is revolutionizing healthcare workforce management through their groundbreaking intelligence platform. As clinical workforce intelligence becomes essential for modern healthcare operations, Axuall's innovative approach is addressing critical industry challenges head-on.

According to recent data, hospital CEOs rank personnel shortages as their top concern, with 78% of physicians reporting burnout. Axuall's platform tackles these issues by streamlining the credentialing process and providing real-time data analytics.

The company's success is evident through their impressive $40.4 million in total funding, demonstrating strong investor confidence in their solution.

Their technology has proven particularly effective, with some healthcare organizations reporting up to 77% reduction in clinician onboarding time. What makes Axuall stand out is their ability to create a national, real-time practitioner data network that connects healthcare organizations to vital information, dramatically improving hiring processes and workforce optimization.

The platform's impact is especially significant given the projected shortage of 124,000 physicians by 2034. By leveraging big data and automation, Axuall helps healthcare organizations match supply with demand more efficiently, reduce administrative burden, and ultimately improve patient care delivery.

Their recent patent award for digital credential verification technology further cements their position as a leader in healthcare workforce solutions. Healthcare organizations using Axuall's platform report significant improvements in operational efficiency, making them a standout example of Cleveland's innovative tech ecosystem.

OnShift stands out as a game-changer in healthcare workforce management, transforming how organizations handle staffing and employee engagement. Their innovative platform has revolutionized scheduling and staff management, helping reduce turnover rates by 33% and enabling workers to access over $125M in early wages.

The platform's real impact shows in its ability to cut hiring time by 35% while boosting operational efficiency by up to 70%. They've created a complete system that handles everything from recruitment to daily workforce management.

In response to evolving healthcare needs, OnShift launched SAMI, developed with ShiftKey, which gives managers a comprehensive view of scheduling for both employees and independent healthcare professionals in one place.

This is super important since the industry needs 1.4 million senior care professionals by 2025. The platform tackles the ongoing staffing crisis with smart features like automated shift filling and cost controls, while making sure care quality stays consistent.

OnShift's latest moves show they're all about creating an environment where people actually want to work.

Their next-gen software includes features for streamlining hiring processes, balancing work schedules, and keeping employees engaged through rewards and recognition.

They've made the whole experience mobile-friendly too, letting staff handle everything from schedules to earned wage access right from their phones. This focus on making work life better while helping healthcare organizations run more efficiently is exactly what the industry needs right now.

In 2025, Splash Financial is revolutionizing student loan refinancing through their super-smart digital platform. Their rates start as low as 4.74% Variable APR and 4.96% Fixed APR, which is seriously impressive compared to traditional lenders.

What makes them stand out is their three-minute rate check that won't affect your credit score. I've done the research, and honestly, their platform is making waves by matching borrowers with the right lenders without all the usual headaches.

What's really cool is how they're helping people get approved in just three easy steps, saving them both time and money.

Their tech handles everything automatically, which is perfect for busy students and graduates. The best part? There are zero fees - no application fees, no origination fees, and no prepayment penalties.

That's basically unheard of in the financial world.

Looking at the numbers, Splash Financial has seen a 52% annual increase in student loans, with their average rates hitting around 3.51% APR when you include the 0.25% autopay discount.

They're not just another fintech company—they're actually making a difference for people drowning in student debt. Whether you're fresh out of college or still grinding through med school, Splash Financial has options that make sense for different situations.

Their platform is straightforward, their rates are competitive, and they're constantly updating their tech to make the whole process easier. That's exactly what we need in 2025.

Midwest Shooting Center continues to revolutionize the shooting sports industry, earning recognition on the 2024 Inc.

5000 list at #1394 nationally and ranking 24th in Ohio. Their success stems from creating an environment that merges cutting-edge technology with comprehensive training.

The center's rapid growth since its 2019 establishment showcases the increasing demand for modern, tech-integrated shooting facilities. Their premier training programs cater to all skill levels, combining advanced technology with expert instruction to deliver measurable results.

What sets them apart is their commitment to innovation while maintaining a strong focus on safety and education. The center's state-of-the-art facilities feature smart target systems and digital tracking capabilities, allowing trainees to monitor their progress in real-time.

As highlighted in their recent achievement report, CEO David Sabo emphasizes that their success reflects both team dedication and community support.

Looking ahead to 2025, the center plans to expand its tech offerings and locations, solidifying its position as an industry leader. Their approach combines traditional shooting sports with modern technology, creating an experience that appeals to both beginners and seasoned shooters.

With advanced performance analytics and cloud-based progress tracking, they're transforming how people learn and practice shooting sports, making it more accessible and data-driven than ever before.

Cleveland's tech scene is absolutely crushing it right now! With 249 active startups and a growing ecosystem, the city's becoming a serious player in the tech world.

The numbers don't lie - these startups brought in a massive $1.6 billion in economic impact in 2023, and they're still going strong. What's super cool is seeing places like Cleveland Clinic stepping up with their quantum computing program, giving startups access to cutting-edge tech that's changing the healthcare game.

The support system here is next level - JumpStart and their partners are bringing in serious investment money, helping turn innovative ideas into real companies.

Plus, with major players like KeyBank and Progressive getting involved with these startups, there's this awesome mix of old-school business wisdom and new-tech energy.

Between the quantum computers, AI developments, and healthcare innovations, Cleveland's startup scene isn't just growing - it's literally changing how we think about technology.

Tech professionals everywhere need to keep their eyes on what's happening here because these companies aren't just building businesses; they're shaping the future of tech in ways that honestly blow my mind.