Governor DeWine Announces Launch of Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub

(AKRON, Ohio)- Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jon Husted, and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik today announced the creation of Ohio's third Innovation Hub, a new collaboration that will position the Greater Akron region as a global leader in polymer research, development, and technology.

Supported by $31.25 million in state funding from the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program and more than $10 million in local investment, the new Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub will accelerate impactful innovations and support new economic growth by capitalizing on the region's long-standing expertise in polymer science.

"Akron's history in polymer innovation goes back more than 100 years, and now, the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub will lead this industry into the future, bringing tremendous economic growth to the area, thousands of jobs, and millions in new revenue and investments," said Governor DeWine. "This hub will also support Ohio's emerging semiconductor and battery manufacturing industries, which both rely heavily on polymer materials."

The Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub is led by more than 70 partner agencies comprising the Polymer Industry Cluster, including the Greater Akron Chamber, Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company, Bridgestone Americas, Synthomer, The University of Akron (UA), the city of Akron, and Summit County. A significant portion of the state's funding will be used to construct the Hub's Polymer Pilot Plant, which will serve as the centralized location where partners will focus on polymer innovations related to healthcare, mobility, electronics, semiconductors, industrial materials, and energy.

"Akron has a strong foundation with the polymer industry and with state Innovation Hub status and funding, we have a strategy to also prepare Akron to be the future for polymer science and manufacturing," said Lt. Governor Husted. "Leadership in polymer R&D allows companies to create new and improved materials with better properties such as strength, durability, flexibility, and sustainability-making Akron the place to be for companies that need access to these innovations."

By 2031, project partners expect the work of the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub to create approximately 2,400 new jobs, $75 million in new research dollars, and $43 million in increased state revenue. To ensure the continued growth of the polymer industry over the long term, partners will work to develop the local workforce by increasing the number of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) credentials by at least 500; upskilling those who are underemployed; and attracting and retaining the next generation of scientists and engineers. The Hub will also drive support for small businesses commercializing new polymer applications.

"Through our Innovation Hubs program, we're shining the spotlight on what makes Ohio a national leader in job creation, business growth, and innovative ideas," said Director Mihalik. "The Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub will stimulate growth and economic development across this region and further solidify Ohio as a world leader in this important industry."

"This accomplishment is a testament to the work and collaboration of the Polymer Industry Cluster over the last three years," said Steve Millard, president and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber. "Since the consortium was formed in 2021, we estimated this work would take a $200 million investment over the next decade. And since then, we've been working to pinpoint ecosystem gaps and development opportunities in the polymer industry and lay out plans to drive growth and innovation. We look forward to hitting the ground running alongside our partners and seeing those plans come to fruition, especially with the positive economic impact it will have on our region."

"This investment builds on the region's historical and current industrial and academic strength in all aspects of polymer technology, continuing to develop the workforce, creating the physical infrastructure, and attracting the thought leaders and start-up culture necessary to move to a sustainable future," said Mark Smale, executive director of Advanced Polymer Science, Bridgestone Americas and co-chair of the Polymer Industry Cluster. "Getting to this point required visionary leadership working together at the state and local level and demonstrates the commitment from the State of Ohio to lead the nation and the world in creation and deployment of advanced technologies. I am honored to have the opportunity to help make this a reality."

"The Greater Akron area is unique in its talent, ingenuity, and innovation. These qualities were the impetus for the formation of the tire industry here more than 125 years ago," said Erin Spring, senior director, Global Material Science, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company and co-chair of the Polymer Industry Cluster. "Now, with the Polymer Innovation Hub, we have before us an unprecedented opportunity to take our community's history and build our next exciting chapter, positioning Greater Akron to continue advancing technology and sustainability. Goodyear is honored to be part of this effort and grateful to the State of Ohio for its vision and support."

"The Innovation Hub award is a game-changer for Greater Akron and our entire region. It is gratifying for the State of Ohio to recognize the area's worldwide reputation for expertise in polymers and to reaffirm our vital role in the industry," said R.J. Nemer, president of The University of Akron. "The University of Akron is eager to continue working with our polymer partners in producing cutting-edge research, developing new applications to advance Ohio's economy, and training a highly skilled workforce. The Polymer Pilot Facility, a significant part of the Innovation Hub award, will encourage even more collaboration between the industry and UA."

The DeWine-Husted Administration developed the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program in partnership with the Ohio General Assembly last year to spur investment outside Ohio's major metro areas. Like the Innovation Districts located in Columbus, Cincinnati, and Cleveland, Innovation Hubs combine the talents of leading academic and research institutions, workforce and economic development partners, and private companies to gain a competitive advantage through collaboration.  

In total, approximately $125 million will be awarded as part of the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program. Ohio's first Innovation Hub was announced in Perrysburg in July, awarding $31.3 million to the Northwest Ohio Glass Innovation Hub. The second innovation hub was announced in Dayton last month, awarding $35 million to the onMain Innovation Hub.

For more information on the Ohio Innovation Hubs Program, visit development.ohio.gov.

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