Bridgestone and The University of Akron Receive Funding from the Department of Energy | |
Two major initiatives in Akron have received national recognition and funding from the Department of Energy (DOE). Bridgestone Americas will use a $9.3 million DOE grant to build a new pilot plant in Akron focused on converting ethanol into butadiene, a key ingredient for synthetic rubber. | |
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The innovative project, located at Bridgestone’s Firestone Polymers facility, aims to reduce carbon intensity by up to 85% compared to traditional fossil-fuel methods. This marks a significant step toward the company’s goal of achieving 100% sustainable raw materials in all tires by 2050. Read more here.
Additionally, The University of Akron’s School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering has been awarded $2 million by the DOE's Vehicle Technologies Office to advance recycling methods for electric vehicle (EV) battery materials. James Eagan, Assistant Professor in the School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering at The University of Akron and a key researcher on the project, is exploring technologies to recycle polymers and metals from battery packs, turning waste into raw materials for new batteries. This project reinforces Akron’s role as a hub for innovation in polymer science and clean transportation. Read more here.
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DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES | |
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The Polymer Industry Cluster is tackling critical challenges in workforce development and innovation through a few major initiatives. The Greater Akron Chamber is applying for the Good Jobs Challenge grant to launch the Advanced Polymer and Manufacturing Excellence (APEX) initiative, which will provide specialized training programs in areas such as rubber processing, plastics manufacturing, and injection molding. We are also working with Case Western Reserve University to pursue up to $160 million in funding through the NSF Engines program to drive decarbonization in the polymer sector by advancing sustainable feedstocks, improving end-of-life processes, and more. The program is slated to include proposals due in February 2025, with awardees announced in late 2025.
The EDA's Build 2 Scale program is another grant opportunity we are eyeing to strengthen entrepreneurial ecosystems in the polymer industry. Spearheaded by Bounce Innovation Hub, this program, along with the Good Jobs Challenge, could potentially bring in $10M+ for workforce and startup initiatives.
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Upskill Your Employees with Ohio Tech Cred
Ohio's TechCred Program gives employers the chance to upskill current and future employees in technology-focused fields. Employers who submit successful applications can be reimbursed up to $2,000 per credential per employee, up to $30,000 per employer for each round of funding. There are 6 rounds of funding per year.
Start taking advantage of this opportunity now and develop the talent you need for your business to operate, compete, and thrive! Step-by-step instructions for accessing these resources can be found here.
The next Tech Cred application period will open from January 1 through January 31, 2025. Join ConxusNEO for a webinar on January 8, 2025 at 9:00 am to learn more about the program and application process.
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Alterra is deeply committed to environmental sustainability. In fact, everything they do is centered on creating a cleaner planet for future generations, incentivizing the world to think of discarded plastic as an infinitely renewed resource.
Commissioned in 2020, Alterra’s 60-ton-per-day plastic circularity facility in Akron, Ohio is the only full-scale, continuous plant of its kind. The plant has successfully recycled millions of pounds of discarded plastic, and that number is growing every day.
We thank Alterra for supporting the Polymer Industry Cluster and envisioning a society free from landfilling, incinerating, or exporting discarded plastic.
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Akron Rubber Development Laboratory, Inc. (ARDL) has worked with thousands of clients over the past six decades, offering testing, mixing, curing, development and other technical services in various rubber and plastics industries.
Along with a wide range of testing and development services, ARDL also offers a number of reference products and various consulting services, including technical audits, forensic services and an extensive array of technical training courses – everything you need to help make your company more efficient and productive.
We applaud ARDL for their legacy as a long-term Akron establishment, and their global client base.
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The world is changing. Here's how Greater Akron is getting ready | Opinion
"In 2018, the Greater Akron Chamber, GAR Foundation, city of Akron, and Summit County came together to create a collaborative approach to economic development called Elevate Greater Akron (Elevate). Today, Elevate includes over a dozen partners. We continue to advance shared priorities, which have since been updated, to build on our successes while sharpening our focus for 2025 and beyond."
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'This is fun!' Barberton schools increase polymer education with $250K in new grants
"The Polymer Pathway, planned for preschool through 12th grade, builds off the successes of other programs in the district, said Michael Andric, Barberton City Schools’ assistant superintendent for business operations and personnel. One of those programs is “Do Your Job,” which Andric said is “focused on grade-appropriate workforce development skills” and also runs from pre-K through 12th grade."
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Meet the 2024 Crain's 40 under 40
"Crain’s 40 Under 40 honors the exceptional achievements of young professionals across diverse industries and showcases dynamic leaders shaping their communities." Brian Anderson, Vice President of the Polymer Industry Cluster, was honored this year for his leadership within the Polymer Industry Cluster, particularly in helping Greater Akron receive it's Tech Hub and Innovation Hub awards.
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NEFCO adds new CEDS goal to support Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub
"On September 18th, the NEFCO General Policy Board, in recognition of the significance of the Tech Hub to the region, added an eighth goal to the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) to support the growth and development of the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub."
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