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Release Date: September 30,2025

Bounce Innovation Hub, Polymer Industry Cluster Select First Cohort for Synthe6 Materials Accelerator

Akron, OH – 9/29/2025 — Bounce Innovation Hub, in partnership with the Polymer Industry Cluster, has announced the selected companies for the inaugural Synthe6 Materials Accelerator cohort, a new 12-month accelerator for polymer and materials science startups. In this first cohort, early-stage companies are accelerated with grant funding, commercialization training, and access to industry leaders through the Polymer Industry Cluster.

The following companies were selected for the first cohort, which launched Friday September 19, 2025:

• ACE Innovations - ACE Innovations produces asphalt additives made from recycled materials that improve adhesion and durability.
  • Founder: Erick Sharp
• Auxilium Health - Auxilium has designed a wound dressing that actively heals while detecting and preventing infections.
  • Founder: Isaiah Kaiser
• BioVerde - BioVerde uses methane, including waste methane, to produce sustainable raw materials for plastics and rubber.
  • Founders: Simon Upfill-Brown; David Witte; Peter Heifetz
• GelPure - GelPure is developing a filter material that removes PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” from drinking water.
  • Founders: Moni Mahesh Ghosh; Brandon McReynolds; Sadhan Jana
• Plastinuva - Plastinuva recycles polypropylene using biodegradable oils to create high-quality material equal to new plastic.
  • Founder: Sridhar Viamajala
• PolyKinetix - PolyKinetix is developing a portable system that converts mixed plastics and old tires into usable fuels.
  • Founder: William Ullom
• Seauciel - Seauciel is developing a water-based process that breaks down mixed, hard-to-recycle plastics.
  • Founder: Paul Boulier
• TKM Ballistics - TKM Ballistics creates lightweight ballistic shields and stretchers using advanced polymers and inflatable technology.
  • Founders: Thomas Milo; Angelina Milo

“We’re thrilled to accept the inaugural cohort for the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator,” said Bounce Innovation Hub President & CEO Jessica Sublett. “These founders reflect the strength and potential of advanced materials innovation, and Bounce is proud to help accelerate their path from breakthrough ideas to market impact.”

“The Synthe6 Materials Accelerator is a cornerstone of how the Polymer Industry Cluster fosters and grows an innovation ecosystem,” said Hans Dorfi, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster. “By connecting startups with funding, expertise, and industry partners, we are building a pipeline of materials innovations that will strengthen Northeast Ohio’s leadership in polymers and create lasting economic opportunities.”

The accelerator is directly 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 and launches Akron as the go-to location for advancing material startup businesses and creating job opportunities.

“Ohio is where big ideas take shape,” said Lydia Mihalik, Director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub is giving startups the resources to grow in an industry that has defined Akron for more than a century—all while building the talent and workforce that will keep Ohio thriving for the future.”

“It is exciting to see the Polymer Industry Cluster’s mission to infuse innovation truly coming to life through the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator at Bounce Innovation Hub,” said Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro. “This initiative highlights the critical role advanced materials play in in the future of countless industries. What makes this moment especially powerful is seeing early-stage companies gain the opportunity to accelerate their ideas and products right here in our own community.”

“The announcement of the first cohort of the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator is an exciting next step in our goal of positioning Akron as a global polymer hub,” said City of Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “This program gives innovative entrepreneurs the resources and supports they need to succeed, and I look forward to seeing their impact on Akron and beyond.”

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.

Selection into the cohort was managed through the Polymer Industry Cluster’s Innovation and Commercialization Committee (I&C 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 first phase of funding to be distributed to early-stage technologies by the Polymer Industry Cluster. Synthe6 is tailored for hard tech founders in the polymer sector, offering $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.

Learn more about the Synthe6 first cohort participants in the attached appendix.

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