Ready to Thrive? Startup with StartupCincy.

We’re excited to spotlight Omar Nuruzade, Co-founder & CEO of Nexus Lab, who is taking on one of aviation’s biggest climate challenges. “I’ve always been driven to understand how complex systems behave, first in Earth sciences, and now in global aviation. Over the past few years, I’ve focused entirely on climate solutions, especially sustainable aviation. And one thing became clear very quickly: if aviation is serious about decarbonization, we have to solve the non-CO₂ side of the equation, especially contrails. Contrails drive a huge share of aviation’s near-term warming, yet most tools and policies ignore them. We help airlines see and manage their total climate impact, not just CO₂. We predict high-impact contrail regions before a flight ever leaves the ground, verify contrail formation with satellite data after the flight, and package everything into regulation-ready reporting for EU compliance. We’re currently exploring flight trials with airlines in Europe and have fully built out our EU non-CO₂ reporting stack. For the first time, sustainability, fuel, and flight operations teams can work from a single source of truth. This year, we plan to publish open-source case studies with our airline partners, scale flight coverage across more fleets, and make non-CO₂ management a routine part of airline operations. We’re also committed to growing our team here in Cincinnati. Being in Cincinnati has been a strategic advantage. We’re right next to CVG, which gives us proximity to real airline operations. But the ecosystem is more than location. StartupCincy cut months off our journey. Cintrifuse’s Venture Velocity Program gave us a tight feedback loop and opened critical doors, while Union Hall made it easy to meet mentors who actually roll up their sleeves. Many of our earliest pilots and advisor relationships trace directly back to introductions made here. My advice for anyone looking to tap into this community? Show up with a concrete ask, then follow through fast. Go to one event a week, book office hours, and send a two-line update to the people who helped you. Cincinnati rewards momentum and reciprocity.” #PeopleOfStartupCincy

We’re excited to spotlight Ben Wolber, Founder & CEO of InsightX, who’s transforming how MedSpas use data to grow, operate, and make smarter decisions. Here’s a closer look at what he’s building: “My background is in FP&A and healthcare consulting, where I spent years helping hospitals use analytics to improve financial and operational performance. On the side, I started taking on fractional data projects for local companies and CFOs around Cincinnati, and that hands-on work showed me something important: so many growing businesses were sitting on valuable data they couldn’t actually use. I always had the itch to start something of my own, and that insight became the spark for InsightX, an AI-powered analytics and strategy platform built specifically for MedSpas and aesthetic practices. InsightX integrates with the systems these businesses rely on and turns raw information into real-time dashboards and clear, prescriptive recommendations. The goal isn’t just to show numbers; it’s to help owners grow revenue, improve patient retention, and streamline operations with confidence. 2025 has been a huge growth year for us. We’ve expanded our presence across the MedSpa industry and partnered with Pink Sky and SpaKinect, two leading players in aesthetics technology and compliance. These partnerships are helping us bring InsightX to more practices and embed deeper into the MedSpa ecosystem. In early 2026, we’re rolling out additional collaborations as we continue to scale nationally.” When reflecting on the role Cincinnati has played in the journey, Ben shared: “The StartupCincy community has been instrumental to our growth. From connections through Cintrifuse’s Venture Velocity Program to mentors and peers who shared guidance when we needed it most, this ecosystem helped us turn ideas into traction. The collaboration and accessibility here are unmatched. People genuinely want to see each other win.” Ben Wolber is building a smarter, more connected future for MedSpa operators and showing how data, strategy, and the right relationships can unlock real growth. #PeopleOfStartupCincy

We’re excited to introduce Gaby Blocher, CEO of Sunflower Fuels, who is combining operational expertise, military discipline, and a deep commitment to sustainability to build a cleaner energy future for the Midwest. Here’s a closer look at what she’s building: “My background is in operations and business strategy, and I’ve always been drawn to organizations solving real-world challenges. I’m also a Marine veteran and longtime sustainability advocate, so when I saw an opportunity to create cleaner, scalable energy solutions in our region, I couldn’t ignore it. That’s how Sunflower Fuels was born. We’re focused on developing supply chains for Miscanthus x giganteus, a high-yield, low-carbon perennial crop, and partnering with local farmers, fuel companies, and utilities in Kentucky, Illinois, Ohio, Indiana, and West Virginia. Miscanthus is one of the most promising feedstocks for sustainable fuels, and our mission is to build a system that benefits both the planet and the communities growing it. Right now, we’re deep into our Kentucky pilot projects, expanding partnerships, and preparing for our first commercial harvests. Over the next year, we aim to secure more feedstock agreements, grow acreage, and move toward our first major revenue milestone. It’s an exciting moment for the company and for the future of low-carbon energy across the region.” Gaby shared how meaningful the StartupCincy community has been to their progress: “StartupCincy has been instrumental in connecting us with other founders, investors, and ecosystem partners. The support here is incredible, and people are genuinely willing to share resources and open doors that would have taken us much longer to unlock on our own.” And her advice for anyone looking to tap into Cincinnati’s innovation ecosystem? “Dive in. Show up to events, reach out directly, and don’t be shy about asking for help. The community here is welcoming and collaborative, but you have to take the first step.” #PeopleOfStartupCincy