From founder to ecosystem leader: Southeastern Ohio entrepreneur and investor Neill Lane appointed to Ohio Third Frontier Commission
Neill Lane, a successful entrepreneur whose leadership helped build Athens-based Stirling Ultracold into a globally recognized technology company, has been appointed by Governor Mike DeWine to the Ohio Third Frontier Commission.
As founding CEO of Stirling Ultracold and a longtime supporter of emerging companies across Ohio, Lane represents the kind of entrepreneurial leadership Ohio’s innovation ecosystem was designed to cultivate. His appointment reflects decades of leadership in entrepreneurship, technology commercialization, startup investment, and economic development throughout the state.
Today, Lane continues to support founders and innovation-driven companies as an angel investor, advisor, board member, and ecosystem leader through organizations including the Athens Ohio Investment Alliance, QCA Ventures, and 71/70 Angels.
The Ohio Third Frontier Commission helps guide one of the state’s most important innovation and economic development programs, supporting investments that accelerate startup growth, commercialize new technologies, and strengthen Ohio’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Support from Ohio’s Department of Development and TechGrowth Ohio was critical to my success as an entrepreneur when building Stirling Ultracold,” Lane said. “This is my opportunity to give back. In this position and as an angel investor at QCA Ventures, 71/70 Angels and the Athens Ohio Investment Alliance, I look forward to helping build and strengthen Ohio’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
Lane’s connection to TechGrowth Ohio (TGO), Stirling Ultracold’s first institutional investor, spans many years through multiple rounds of funding and growth. He previously served as an Executive in Residence with TGO, helping support and mentor the next generation of entrepreneurs.
His appointment represents the full-circle impact of Ohio’s innovation ecosystem: entrepreneurs who receive support, build successful companies, and then reinvest their experience, capital, and leadership to help future founders succeed.
“Personally and professionally, I can think of no one better suited and committed to bring an important, experience-based perspective to the Third Frontier Commission and the state as we all continue our work to strengthen Ohio’s innovation economy,” said TGO President Lynn Gellermann.
TechGrowth Ohio is a $75 million public-private partnership based at Ohio University (OHIO). As one of the premier programs of the Ohio University Voinovich School of Leadership and Public Service, TechGrowth Ohio has a strong track record of partnering with creative