Release Date: September 10,2026

Bounce Innovation Hub Announces Second Cohort of Synthe6 Materials Accelerator

Akron, OH – 09/10/26 — Bounce Innovation Hub, in partnership with the Polymer Industry Cluster, has announced the selected companies for the second cohort of the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator, a 12-month accelerator for polymer and materials science startups. Through Synthe6, startup founders gain access to expert mentorship, tailored industry connections, and specialized workshops, ensuring they have the support needed to scale.

The following companies were selected for the cohort, which will launch October 7, 2026.

Startups using biobased feedstocks and production methods to create valuable advanced materials products, precursors and services:

AROPHA is an accredited laboratory providing biodegradation, compostability and environmental fate testing for sustainable materials and products.
Dirigo Sea Farm is developing seaweed-based water-soluble, biodegradable films that can serve as alternatives to petroleum-based and synthetic materials.
Ecoshell uses eggshell-derived bio-calcium carbonate to replace a portion of conventional plastic while maintaining product performance, with specialized formulations that can also provide antibacterial properties.
Edison Rubber is developing a domestic, biobased source of liquid natural rubber derived from sunflowers.

Startups developing products to recycle common polymers and rubbers to create a more circular economy:

Full Circle Technologies is developing sustainable polymer modifiers derived from end-of-life tires for use in rubber, plastics, asphalt and coatings.
North Shore Rubber is developing cost-effective polymer recycling solutions using advanced processing technology.
Universal Matter uses flash joule heating technology to convert diverse carbon feedstocks into graphene and related advanced materials, targeting applications in concrete, asphalt, tires and rubber, paints and coatings, and lubricants.

Startups developing advanced materials products with primary applications in the healthcare and wearables markets:

ARMA develops custom-fit sports gloves engineered from a scan of an individual athlete’s hand.
Avionova's first product, Asterra, is a non-electric ear-worn device that uses a specialized thermal material system to provide controlled cooling without medication or electronics.
Cupron Performance Additives develops copper-based technologies that provide antimicrobial protection, odor control and skin-care benefits across plastics, fibers, foams, coatings and liquid formulations.
LASK develops next-generation medical adhesive tapes designed to provide strong, reliable adhesion while remaining gentle on the skin.
Stratocrest is developing Coatl™, an advanced composite material that combines aerogel with a shear-thickening fluid, designed to absorb and disperse energy during impact.
WRAPSTAR is developing a smart, color-changing wound dressing that allows clinicians to monitor moisture levels without removing the dressing.

Startups creating new high-performance advanced materials to serve crucial market applications:

PM Technologies’ Active Filament Mixing Fabrication process enables localized control over the composition of 3D-printed polymers, allowing properties such as conductivity, magnetism, strength and ductility to be tailored within a printed part.
REEbound Materials is developing tunable polymer materials for recovering rare earth elements from recycled magnets, mining-related streams and other complex feedstocks.

“We’re excited by the promise embodied in the 15 startups selected for the second Synthe6 Materials Accelerator cohort,” said Bounce Innovation Hub President & CEO Jessica Sublett. “Bounce has continued to evolve and refine this accelerator to give startups the opportunity to learn alongside each other and access resources over a full-year cohort. By prioritizing growth & collaboration, we are shaping the next generation of polymer innovation in Ohio.”

Selection into the cohort was managed through the Polymer Industry Cluster’s Innovation & Commercialization Committee. Supported by a separate review committee, proposals were scored by multiple reviewers and presented to the Innovation & Commercialization Committee for final selection. This selection process represents the first phase of funding to be distributed to early-stage technologies by the Polymer Industry Cluster.

“This second cohort will not only be a continuation of the work from the first, but also expanding the range of and scope of the industries polymers can impact,” said Elyse Ball, Vice President of Programming for Bounce Innovation Hub. “From greener polymer feedstocks to higher performing advanced materials to products that impact health and wellness, we are excited to support these incoming companies on innovations that can improve countless lives.”

Participants will engage in weekly sessions that include targeted workshops, mentor coaching sessions, and facilitated access to technical experts such as grant strategists, investment advisors, regulatory consultants, and leadership development coaches. The curriculum for the accelerator has been developed with input from nationally recognized tough tech startup advisor and program architect, Jaye Goldstein, who has supported innovation programs at MIT and Harvard. Through the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator, startups will engage industry partners early in their commercialization process and fit market needs with innovative solutions, leveraging the Polymer Industry Cluster’s growing corporate members.

Synthe6 supported by funding for the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub through the State of Ohio Innovation Hubs program. The program promotes the region as the national leader in polymer innovations. Selected startup companies must be registered in Ohio and must either locate their headquarters or key personnel with decision making authority in Ohio. Each company will receive up to $25,000 in non-dilutive funding and an additional $20,000 in covered professional services expenses, including marketing, legal, and materials formulation and testing services.

For more information on Synthe6, visit bouncehub.org/synthe6.

About Bounce Innovation Hub

Bounce Innovation Hub is Northeast Ohio’s center for innovation, entrepreneurship, and business growth. Located in downtown Akron, Bounce operates a 300,000-square-foot facility that includes coworking, office, lab, and light manufacturing space, as well as event and meeting venues. As a nonprofit, Bounce supports a diverse community of startups, small businesses, and entrepreneurs through high-impact programs, mentorship, and partnerships. Bounce specializes in accelerating high-growth potential innovations, particularly in software, healthcare, and advanced materials, by providing hands-on support, customized resources, and access to capital and customers. With more than 450 people and 50 organizations housed in the building, Bounce fosters collaboration, creativity, and inclusive economic development across the region.

About Synthe6 Materials Accelerator

The Synthe6 Materials Accelerator is a premier 12-month cohort-based program designed to propel polymer and advanced materials startups toward commercialization and growth. The program provides participating startups with grant funding, expert mentorship, specialized workshops, professional services support, and direct connections to corporate and technical partners across the Polymer Industry Cluster ecosystem.