Polymer Cluster Update: 2025 Review and 2026 Outlook
By: Hans Dorfi, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer
The Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC) initiative leading up to 2025 was about the opportunity of building on a strong legacy in material innovation and manufacturing, sharing a compelling vision and attracting funding and commitments to make it happen. With federal and state grants awarded in 2024 and strong support from key stakeholders, we moved to accelerate our actions in 2025 with more than $100 million in funding for the next five years.
The central and shared goal of the Polymer Industry Cluster is to bring together industry, academia, government, and community to collaborate and tackle shared challenges to drive economic growth that will benefit the region.
We jointly developed the vision of the PIC: to lead the world in sustainable and advanced polymer solutions to address real-world challenges that matter for future generations.
2025 Review: A Year of Strategic Growth and Impact
2025 has been focused on frameworks, resources and workstreams in place to begin delivering on the projects within the State of Ohio Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub, the federal Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, and the workforce initiatives supported by the federal Good Jobs Challenge grant focused on careers in the polymer industry and advanced manufacturing.
The PIC network is expanding rapidly with more than 50 companies engaging in collaboration and exploring opportunities within the region, an indicator of growing strength of the cluster and network. Interest from both established firms and emerging companies, domestic and international, reflects Akron’s reputation as a place with deep expertise, strong partnerships, and opportunities for growth.
Innovation remains the cornerstone of the PIC mission, serving as the driving force to attract top talent and leading companies to the region. The University of Akron’s School of Polymer Science and Engineering, again ranked #1 in the world, continues to anchor research and talent development. To grow ideas into ventures we launched the inaugural Synthe6 Materials Accelerator at Bounce Innovation Hub with a first cohort of eight startups and selected five additional companies to advance their projects across biodegradable packaging, bio-manufacturing, recycling, and advanced materials—positioning the region for future growth across multiple industry sectors in polymers.
We are also building momentum with the federal Tech Hub grant, which is supporting five companies to advance their projects towards commercialization—among them, Flexsys had an important breakthrough in developing the first alternative to a chemical anti-degradant used in tires to address environmental concerns.
Because access to the right infrastructure is fundamental for members of the PIC, we are excited to build and operate the $25 million PIC innovation pilot facility, with groundbreaking this year and operation starting in 2027. The facility will be adjacent to the National Polymer Innovation Center on the University of Akron’s campus and will create unique synergy between the two facilities and provide a destination for polymer innovation in the heart of Northeast Ohio.
A strong workforce and talent pipeline will drive our region forward. Through coordinated efforts across K–12, postsecondary, and workforce partners, Akron Public Schools, Barberton City Schools, and a number of higher education and community partners will host summer camps, STEM events and other initiatives to introduce the next generation of talent to career opportunities in the industry. At the same time, adult workers will be connected to training, credentialing, and career pathways in advanced manufacturing and polymers, helping employers meet current workforce needs and resulting in more than 300 job placements over the next few years.
Looking Ahead to 2026
This year is about building on the momentum. We will: 1) Deepen our network with local companies and attract additional investment to Greater Akron; 2) Recruit the next cohort of emerging and startup companies in the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator and select a second round of recipients for R&D investments to commercialize high-impact innovations; 3) Break ground on our innovation facility, a core piece of our infrastructure to attract and retain innovators and support scaleup and commercialization; and, 4) Increase engagement with K-12 and adult job seekers to support workforce and talent development for careers in the industry and implement training offerings and upskilling in coordination with our industry partners.
Stay Connected. Get Involved!
The progress toward our long-term goals has been achieved through a broad partnership and are the result of our community’s decision to leverage more than 125 years of legacy investment in innovation and material science in the industry. Building on this legacy, we envision to lead the next wave of material and manufacturing innovation, reinvigorating the city and the region through economic growth.
This year, we invite you to stay connected and get engaged. The impact of this effort will extend beyond individual projects, shaping opportunities for businesses, communities, and future generations.
While the work ahead is substantial, so is the opportunity. The PIC appreciates the support of the coalition of leaders, companies, institutions, stakeholders and the broader community who are helping to shape the future.