Thirteen Innovation Projects Receive Funding Through the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub 

Akron, OH – The Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC) today announced five additional innovation projects that will receive funding supported as part of the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub through the Ohio Department of Development Innovation Hub program. These awardees join the inaugural Synthe6 Materials Accelerator cohort, announced in September 2025, as the first recipients to receive research and development (R&D) Innovation Hub funding.  

“Today marks a significant milestone for the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub,” said Hans Dorfi, executive director and chief innovation officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster. “We have built a strong pipeline to develop and launch innovative projects, helping ideas move quickly from concept to market and promoting regional growth. We will continue supporting efforts to advance polymer industry innovation in our area.” 

The five additional projects, including two Synthe6 cohort participants to receive additional funding, were selected from over 38 highly competitive proposals submitted to the PIC.  From health care to recycling, the awardees illustrate the wide-ranging impact of polymer innovation: 

• Auxilium Health*: Commercialize a bio-based aerogel wound dressing that actively heals while detecting and preventing infections platform. *A Synthe6 cohort participant. 

• Case Western Reserve University: Advanced plastics processing enabling lightweight composites, packaging, and protective materials 

• Peak Nano: Biodegradable, multilayer nanolayered polymer films for food and medical packaging films 

• PolyKinetix*: Commercialize a portable system that converts mixed plastics and old tires into usable fuels. *A Synthe6 cohort participant. 

• Promerus: Scale up the production of Green dicyclopentadiene (DCPD, used in a myriad of polymer products) from renewable biomass sources. 

• Synthomer: Commercialize additive for polyethylene films, enabling thinner, lighter, fully recyclable mono-material packaging 

• University of Akron: Develop and scale a breakthrough platform that couples carbon dioxide with butadiene to produce sustainable, functional, and economical polymers 

Over the next four years, a total of $6 million in innovation hub funding supported by $2 million in local match will be allocated to these and future innovation projects. 

“The DeWine Administration created the Innovation Hubs program to turn bold ideas into real-world solutions that drive economic growth, create jobs, and position Ohio as a leader in advanced manufacturing and materials science,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “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.” 

The selected projects were determined through the PIC’s Innovation and Commercialization Committee. Supported by a separate review committee, proposals were scored by multiple reviewers and presented to the I&C Committee for final selection. This selection process represents the second phase of funding to be distributed to early-stage technologies by the PIC. 

“These seven projects exemplify Akron’s ongoing leadership in polymer innovation,” said Elyse Ball, co-chair of the Innovation and Commercialization Committee and vice president of programming at Bounce Innovation Hub. “They include an impressive breadth of ideas, are based on high quality underlying research, and tackle meaningful real-world challenges.” 

About the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program 
Created by the DeWine Administration in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly, the $125 million Ohio Innovations Hubs Program will capitalize on communities’ existing industry and research strengths to build sustainable pipeline talent and commercialize new products and technologies. Aimed at small and medium-sized Ohio cities, the hubs will create jobs, increase STEM talent, and attract research funding and outside capital investment. 

Funding for the program was made possible through Am. Sub. House Bill 33, the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 State Operating Budget, and is being administered by the Ohio Department of Development.