Akron’s Polymer Cluster invests in 7 new innovation projects, expanding regional hub
The hub’s portfolio grows to 13 initiatives with this round, supported by an $8M funding pool. Recipients include Case Western, University of Akron, and two Synthe6 alumni. The capital targets the "valley of death" for hard tech, including bio-dressings, fuel conversion, and recyclable films.
The Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC) is doubling down on its mission to make Northeast Ohio a global leader in advanced materials, announcing a new round of funding for seven innovation projects through the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub.
This latest capital injection targets the "valley of death" for hard-tech innovation—helping research move from university labs and early-stage startups into viable commercial products. It reinforces Akron’s strategy to leverage its century-old polymer legacy into a modern economic engine for healthcare, sustainability, and energy.
The big picture
The awards, announced Tuesday, allocate funds from the Ohio Department of Development’s Innovation Hub program. The slate includes five new R&D initiatives and follow-on funding for two startups from the inaugural Synthe6 Materials Accelerator cohort.
With these additions, the Hub’s total portfolio now stands at 13 innovation projects.
“We have built a strong pipeline to develop and launch innovative projects, helping ideas move quickly from concept to market,” said Hans Dorfi, executive director and chief innovation officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster. “Today marks a significant milestone.”
By the numbers
- $6 million: Total innovation hub funding allocated for these and future projects over the next four years.
- $2 million: Local matching funds supporting the state investment.
- 38: The number of proposals submitted, highlighting the competitive demand for material science capital in the region.
The winners
The seven selected projects span a diverse range of applications, from medical tech to circular economy solutions:
- Auxilium Health: Commercializing a bio-based aerogel wound dressing that heals while actively detecting infections. (Synthe6 participant)
- PolyKinetix: Creating a portable system to convert mixed plastics and waste tires into usable fuels. (Synthe6 participant)
- Case Western Reserve University: Advancing plastics processing for lightweight composites and protective materials.
- Peak Nano: Engineering biodegradable, multilayer nanolayered polymer films for food and medical packaging.
- Promerus: Scaling production of Green dicyclopentadiene (DCPD) from renewable biomass.
- Synthomer: Commercializing an additive for polyethylene films to enable fully recyclable mono-material packaging.
- University of Akron: Developing a platform to couple carbon dioxide with butadiene for sustainable polymer production.
Between the lines
The selection process was rigorous, managed by the PIC’s Innovation and Commercialization Committee. Elyse Ball, the committee's co-chair and VP of programming at Bounce Innovation Hub, noted the projects were chosen for their "high quality underlying research" and ability to "tackle meaningful real-world challenges."
“The progress we’re seeing in Greater Akron demonstrates how strategic investment and collaboration can unlock the potential of our communities and fuel innovation that benefits all Ohioans," added Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development.
The bottom line
With the "Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub" designation from the federal government and this ongoing flow of state dollars, Akron is successfully stacking capital to rebuild its industrial identity. The focus now shifts to execution: getting these technologies out of the lab and onto the balance sheet.
