Revolutionizing Data Storage from Ohio’s Heartland

When Steven Santamaria moved back to Ohio from the West Coast to lead Folio Photonics, he saw an opportunity to transform enterprise data storage while leveraging Ohio's industrial strengths. The company's breakthrough technology - a high-capacity optical disk that can store up to 10 terabytes of data - represents a dramatic leap forward from current storage solutions.

Spun out from Case Western Reserve University's Physics Department, Folio Photonics has developed a unique approach to data storage. Instead of traditional manufacturing methods, the company creates specialized optical films that can be applied to disk substrates. "We're making 8- and 16-layer films right now," Santamaria explains. This innovation allows them to offer storage at $3 per terabyte, compared to the industry standard of $22.

The decision to build in Ohio wasn't just about the company's academic origins. Northeast Ohio's polymer industry expertise provides crucial advantages for Folio Photonics' manufacturing processes. The region's industrial heritage and materials science knowledge base create an ideal environment for scaling production.

JobsOhio Growth Capital Fund has played a pivotal role in the company's development, particularly during challenging times. When COVID-19 hit, JobsOhio demonstrated its commitment to protecting breakthrough technology with decisive action. "While many investors were retreating to the sidelines, JobsOhio stepped forward with a clear message - transformative technology needs to be protected, even in uncertain times," Santamaria explains. "They understood that our work in next-generation data storage wasn't just about building a company - it was about maintaining American technological leadership in a critical sector."

The relationship has evolved well beyond initial funding. "What makes JobsOhio unique is their ability to operate as true strategic partners," notes Santamaria. "They've built an ecosystem that connects breakthrough science with manufacturing expertise, capital resources, and market opportunities. In an industry where the gap between laboratory success and commercial scale-up kills many promising technologies, that kind of comprehensive support system is invaluable."

The company is now transitioning from R&D to commercial production, with plans to grow from 20 to 60 employees by year-end. This expansion, supported by JobsOhio's continued investment, positions Folio Photonics to serve major data center operators and cloud service providers who are actively seeking more cost-effective storage solutions.

For Santamaria, Ohio offers unique advantages for hardware startups, including lower operating costs and access to manufacturing expertise. While acknowledging that the pace of business might be different from the West Coast, he emphasizes the state's strong fundamentals for building physical products. "I think Ohio is a great state for startups," he says, "a friendly state."

As Folio Photonics prepares to scale up production and close its next funding round, it demonstrates how Ohio's combination of technical innovation, manufacturing capability, and strategic support can help transform traditional industries through new technology.

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