Akron’s Polymer Bet: First startups join Synthe6 Accelerator
Bounce Innovation Hub and the Polymer Industry Cluster have named the first cohort of startups for the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator, a new 12-month program designed to speed the commercialization of advanced materials and polymer innovations in Northeast Ohio.
Launched Sept. 19, the inaugural class of eight early-stage companies will receive $25,000 in non-dilutive funding, $20,000 in covered professional services, and access to industry expertise through the Polymer Industry Cluster.
The startups
The cohort reflects a wide range of applications for polymers and advanced materials:
ACE Innovations (Founder: Erick Sharp) – asphalt additives from recycled materials.
Auxilium Health (Isaiah Kaiser) – wound dressing that heals and detects infections.
BioVerde (Simon Upfill-Brown, David Witte, Peter Heifetz) – methane-based sustainable raw materials for plastics.
GelPure (Moni Mahesh Ghosh, Brandon McReynolds, Sadhan Jana) – filtration material to remove PFAS from drinking water.
Plastinuva (Sridhar Viamajala) – polypropylene recycling using biodegradable oils.
PolyKinetix (William Ullom) – portable system to convert mixed plastics and tires into usable fuels.
Seauciel (Paul Boulier) – water-based process for breaking down hard-to-recycle plastics.
TKM Ballistics (Thomas and Angelina Milo) – lightweight polymer ballistic shields and stretchers.
Bullish on Akron’s polymer opportunity
Akron has long been synonymous with polymers. Now, through the Synthe6 accelerator, local leaders are betting that the next wave of innovation, spanning clean energy, medical devices, and sustainable plastics, can be built from the city’s historic strengths.
Bounce Innovation Hub CEO Jessica Sublett called the cohort “a reflection of the strength and potential of advanced materials innovation”, while Hans Dorfi, head of the Polymer Industry Cluster, described Synthe6 as “a cornerstone for building a pipeline of materials innovations that will strengthen Northeast Ohio’s leadership in polymers.”
Backed by Ohio’s innovation strategy
The accelerator is supported through the State of Ohio’s Innovation Hubs program, which designated the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub earlier this year. State and local officials see the initiative as a way to keep Ohio competitive in tough-tech sectors while also reviving Akron’s identity as the polymer capital.
“Ohio is where big ideas take shape,” said Lydia Mihalik, Ohio’s Director of Development, highlighting the state’s commitment to advanced manufacturing.
What’s next
Over the next year, participants will take part in weekly workshops, mentorship, and technical coaching, with curriculum shaped by Jaye Goldstein, a startup advisor known for work with MIT and Harvard programs. Selection was overseen by the Polymer Industry Cluster’s Innovation & Commercialization Committee, marking the first wave of direct funding into hard-tech startups.
By tying funding to commercialization and embedding startups into the regional polymer ecosystem, leaders hope Akron can cement its role as a global hub for advanced materials—and build the next generation of companies that could reshape industries from infrastructure to healthcare.