Columbus State Secures $9.5M for New Advanced Tech Center

The Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies will prepare students for careers in IT, manufacturing, and biotechnology.

Published on Feb. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Columbus State Community College has received $9.5 million in federal funding to build a new academic center focused on advanced technologies. The Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies (OCAT) will provide training for in-demand careers like information technology, advanced manufacturing, and biotechnology.

Why it matters

The new OCAT facility is part of Columbus State's efforts to expand economic opportunities in Ohio by equipping students with the skills needed for high-growth, well-paying jobs in the state's thriving technology and manufacturing sectors.

The details

The $60 million OCAT building will be located on Columbus State's campus and will house the college's engineering technology programs. It will also serve as a hub for career awareness education, collaborative learning, and industry engagement across the region.

  • Columbus State received $9.5 million in federal funding for the OCAT project in February 2026.
  • The Ohio General Assembly provided $20 million for the project in 2024.
  • Columbus State committed at least $30 million from a 2020 bond issue to help fund the center.

The players

Columbus State Community College

A public community college in Columbus, Ohio that is developing the new Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies.

David Harrison

The president of Columbus State Community College.

Sen. Bernie Moreno

A Republican senator from Ohio who helped secure the $9.5 million in federal funding for the OCAT project.

Sen. Jon Husted

A Republican senator from Ohio who praised the investment in the OCAT project as supporting Ohio's manufacturing renaissance.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We're grateful for the support from Sens. Husted and Moreno, whose work will help expand economic prosperity in Ohio. OCAT will be an engine to drive the region's workforce, creating an exciting pathway to great jobs and high-growth careers for students from all backgrounds.”

— David Harrison, President, Columbus State Community College (dispatch.com)

“Ohio is leading America's manufacturing renaissance, and I'm proud to have helped secure $9.5 million for the Columbus State Community College's Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies to equip Ohioans with the skills to drive long-term economic growth across the state. This investment is a testament to the unmatched talent and potential of Ohio's workforce.”

— Sen. Bernie Moreno (dispatch.com)

“You cannot do Made in America without Made in Ohio, and this investment will help ensure we continue to have a skilled workforce to make it happen.”

— Sen. Jon Husted (dispatch.com)

What’s next

Columbus State is finalizing details on OCAT before design work begins early this year, with construction expected to start soon after.

The takeaway

The new Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies at Columbus State Community College represents a significant investment in preparing Ohio's workforce for high-demand, well-paying jobs in the state's thriving technology and manufacturing sectors, bolstering the region's economic prosperity.