The Polymer Industry Cluster, in partnership with The University of Akron, has announced the location of a new facility designed to help researchers, small businesses and established polymer companies accelerate the production of advanced polymer materials and support go-to-market strategies for these innovators.
The facility will be located adjacent to the National Polymer Innovation Center (NPIC) building on The University of Akron (UA) campus in Ohio. This co-location will enable close connection with NPIC’s polymer science and engineering resources and provide a central location for the region’s polymer companies.
“This project underscores Akron’s position as the hub of polymer innovation,” said Hans Dorfi, executive director and chief innovation officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster. “By placing this facility next to NPIC and close by other polymer and engineering labs, we’re ensuring that entrepreneurs, researchers and industry partners have the tools, environment and support needed to transform new ideas into commercial realities.”
“The University of Akron is excited to make room for the polymer facility project,” said University of Akron president R J Nemer. “As the number one institution in the world for polymer science and plastics engineering, we look forward to working with our Akron area partners to elevate polymer research, expand development and amplify production right here at the UA campus.”
Akron Mayor Shammas Malik added, “Locating the Polymer Industry Cluster innovation pilot facility on the University of Akron campus demonstrates the importance of the university as a force for education and innovation within the pipeline of polymer development from idea to industry.
“This new addition complements the work of Bounce Innovation Hub, builds a new resource for our industry partners, and highlights the City of Akron as the center of polymer innovation at the state and national level. This new facility will be just a short walk from Akron’s Rubber Worker statue in the heart of downtown, which illustrates the importance of Akron’s rubber past as a foundation for our polymer future.”
“This facility will represent a transformational step for the polymer industry cluster,” said Mark Smale, executive director of advanced polymer science, Bridgestone Americas and co-chair of the Polymer Industry Cluster. “It will attract startups seeking to validate new materials, researchers aiming to commercialize discoveries, and established companies looking to innovate without interrupting their current operations.”
Funding for the construction of the facility was provided as part of the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub Award from the State of Ohio Department of Development. In September 2024, the PIC became the Ohio Department of Development’s third awardee, securing US$31.25m for Innovation Hub initiatives with an additional US$10.4m matched by local partners.
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