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Release Date: July 14,2026

Polymer Industry Cluster Applauds up to $160M NSF Engine Award as a Defining Win for Akron and Northeast Ohio

July 14, 2026, AKRON, OH – The selection of the NEO-SMART Engine, led by Case Western Reserve University, for the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program is a transformational win for Northeast Ohio’s advanced materials economy and a powerful validation of Akron’s role as the place where polymer innovation began and continues to lead. With up to $160 million available over 10 years, the award will expand the region’s capacity for manufacturing innovation, technology commercialization, workforce development and economic growth.

For Greater Akron and the Polymer Industry Cluster, NEO-SMART builds on more than five years of focused, industry-led work to strengthen one of the nation’s most powerful ecosystems for polymers and advanced materials. That momentum is rooted in Akron’s unmatched legacy in rubber and polymers and reinforced by major federal and state designations, including the U.S. EDA Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub and the State of Ohio Innovation Hub award. Greater Akron enters this next chapter with the assets to lead: world-class polymer companies, scientists, advanced manufacturers, skilled tradespeople and innovators, anchored by The University of Akron and industry leaders including The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company, Bridgestone Americas and Synthomer. Together, those strengths give the region the history, companies, talent and partnerships to help drive the next era of polymer science and advanced manufacturing.

“This award strengthens the platform we are building in Greater Akron and connects our polymer expertise to a broader regional engine for research, scale-up, commercialization and job creation,” said Hans Dorfi, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster. “The work underway here is creating the infrastructure to move polymer innovation from idea to application—through shared R&D priorities, startup acceleration, pilot-scale assets, employer-led workforce programs and stronger regional supply chain connections. Akron is not simply the historic Rubber Capital; it is positioned to be the global polymer hub of the future.”

“This is a tremendous win, and frankly, it’s a long time coming,” said Steve Millard, president and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber. “The Greater Akron region has never stopped making things.

For companies, it means stronger access to research, talent, scale-up resources and supply chain partnerships. For residents, it means more opportunity in industries essential to America’s competitiveness. And for the region, it makes clear what Akron has always known: polymers are not just part of our past; they are one of the strongest opportunities we have to continue to lead.”

Akron’s Polymer Advantage Powering NEO-SMART

The NEO-SMART Engine brings together more than 70 partners across industry, higher education, civic, economic development, philanthropy and government to elevate Northeast Ohio’s strengths in polymers, chemicals and coatings, and metals. The 18-county initiative is designed to strengthen domestic supply chains, increase industry-driven research and development, accelerate lab-to-market innovation and expand pathways into high-demand manufacturing careers.

NEO-SMART’s 10-year vision is designed to:

  • Create 20,000 jobs across the 18-county region
  • Drive economic prosperity by fortifying domestic supply chains in sectors such as automotive, aerospace, defense and medical devices
  • Accelerate innovation by advancing key technologies like artificial intelligence/machine learning in manufacturing and fostering new entrepreneurship
  • Train Ohio's future workforce for "in-demand" and meaningful jobs

Akron’s contributions are central to that strategy, bringing together the full ecosystem needed to move polymer innovation forward. From world-class research at The University of Akron, entrepreneurship and scale-up support through Bounce Innovation Hub, community engagement led by the Akron Urban League, workforce leadership from the Greater Akron Chamber/ConxusNEO, and partnerships through Elevate Greater Akron, we are contributing the depth, credibility and execution capacity to accelerate innovation, strengthen talent pipelines and advance the next generation of polymers and advanced manufacturing.

“NEO-SMART's selection as an NSF Regional Innovation Engine is a huge win for Summit County and the Northeast Ohio region. It's built on the strength of partners like the Polymer Industry Cluster and our region's manufacturing legacy. This investment means real jobs, research, and opportunity for our residents for years to come,” said Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro.

"Akron has long been at the center of innovation in advanced materials, and NEO-SMART builds on that legacy. Our Polymer Industry Cluster, the Pilot facility, and the Synthe6 accelerator at Bounce Innovation Hub have created an ecosystem where research, entrepreneurship, and manufacturing come together,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik. “This investment will help expand those strengths, creating more opportunities for businesses to grow, attracting new talent and investment, and ensuring Akron remains a leader in developing the technologies and workforce that will shape the future of manufacturing."

“The University of Akron, a proud partner in the Polymer Industry Cluster, recognizes the significant promise the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program brings to Northeast Ohio, the Akron area and beyond. As this initiative seeks to propel the region in advanced manufacturing innovation, UA stands alongside our institutional partners and anticipates the project’s global reach. This endeavor adds to the region’s rich history of participation in the important work, research and educational scope of the National Science Foundation,” said University of Akron President R.J. Nemer.

"World-class innovation deserves a world-class commercialization system,” said Jessica Sublett, president and CEO of Bounce Innovation Hub. “This award allows Bounce, through our Synthe6 Materials Accelerator, to help more advanced materials founders navigate the hardest stage of company building and transform promising technologies into thriving businesses."

“The Akron Urban League is proud to partner with NEO-SMART because innovation must create opportunities for everyone. This investment strengthens our region’s ability to prepare a diverse workforce for the jobs of tomorrow while ensuring that historically underrepresented individuals, entrepreneurs, and communities have a meaningful place in Northeast Ohio’s growing sustainable manufacturing economy. Together, we are building stronger career pathways, expanding economic opportunity, and creating a more prosperous future for all,” said John M. Williams, president and CEO of the Akron Urban League.

This is the next chapter of Greater Akron’s story that we’ve been writing for decades. NEO-SMART recognizes what already exists here: the companies, talent, partnerships and technical expertise to turn polymer innovation into commercial products, stronger supply chains and long-term economic opportunity.

About the NSF Regional Innovation Engines

Launched by NSF TIP, the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) Program is building and scaling regional innovation ecosystems nationwide. Each NSF Engine is powered by a broad coalition of private sector, regional and scientific leaders and organizations to accelerate breakthrough emerging technology R&D that drives growth and ultimately bolsters U.S. economic competitiveness and national security.

About the Polymer Industry Cluster

The Polymer Industry Cluster initiative was launched in 2021 to conduct a deeper examination of the region's polymer industry and develop a framework to leverage its full potential. Powered by the Greater Akron Chamber, the Polymer Industry Cluster works to elevate Northeast Ohio’s polymer industry into a truly dynamic enterprise that is better positioned for strong, sustainable growth in an ever-changing global economy.

About the Greater Akron Chamber

The Greater Akron Chamber is a business membership organization serving Summit, Medina, and Portage counties. The Greater Akron Chamber drives economic growth and prosperity for the region by supporting the success of the business community and acting as a convener of stakeholders on key issues facing Greater Akron.