Trevor Brown, Ravi Bellamkonda, Ratmir Timashev, Angela Timashev and Jim Tressel stand with shovels and construction hats after breaking ground of the Timashev Technology Tower on Tuesday, Oct. 20, 2026, at the Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Credit: Grace Everett | Lantern reporter.
Ohio State University commenced construction on the Timashev Technology Tower on October 20, 2026. The new facility, which will stand eight stories tall and encompass 103,000 square feet, aims to enhance educational opportunities and attract business ventures to the campus.
University President Ravi Bellamkonda highlighted the tower’s strategic location within the Innovation District, noting that nearby developments include offices for both Coloma, an energy company, and Google. “It’s not a coincidence that Pelotonia’s research building is next door,” he stated.
The Innovation District is intended to foster connections between the university’s research capabilities and local economic endeavors. “This project aims to attract more startups and businesses to Ohio State,” said Trevor Brown, Ohio State’s Interim Executive Vice President and Provost.
According to Tyler Allchin, Managing Director of Healthcare at JobsOhio, the tower will provide essential resources that keep Ohio-based innovations from relocating out of state. “Too often, companies built on Ohio ideas leave the state for resources elsewhere,” Allchin remarked.
He further explained that the Timashev Technology Tower will include wet labs, designed specifically for experiments involving liquid substances and chemicals, which will support commercialization of research. “When this tower opens, companies will be able to access the power,” Allchin added.
JobsOhio plans to assist the project with a low-interest loan commitment of $100 million, enabling Ohio State to establish the facilities needed to accommodate relocating companies.
Ratmir Timashev, a prominent donor and entrepreneur, expressed his appreciation for Ohio State’s role in his career development, stating, “I want to pay it forward.” He emphasized the tower’s potential to prepare students for careers in artificial intelligence, innovation, and life sciences.
Timashev is also backing initiatives that promote AI fluency, alongside a program linked to Integrated Business and Engineering with Software Innovation. His vision includes supporting the establishment of 100 new startups annually.
He aims for Columbus and the Ohio State campus to evolve into a significant technology hub akin to Silicon Valley, fostering innovation and collaboration in the Midwest.
