Highlighting Progress with JobsOhio Executive
Last week, we hosted JobsOhio President and CEO J.P. Nauseef alongside 20 regional stakeholders for an update on the PIC’s progress since our State of Ohio Innovation Hub and U.S. Economic Development Administration Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub designations.
We highlighted our coordinated, multi-level talent strategy aligning K–12 education, postsecondary training, and employer demand to strengthen the region’s polymer workforce pipeline. Attendees also heard about the advancing innovation ecosystem, including the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator powered by Bounce Innovation Hub, showcased the assets around the National Polymer Innovation Center and previewed the future polymer facility at the former UA Lincoln Building site that will accelerate scale-up and go-to market strategies for emerging companies.
Together, we demonstrated the strength of regional collaboration in advancing the polymer industry!
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The First 3 Months
By Bounce Innovation Hub
The inaugural cohort of Bounce Innovation Hub’s Synthe6 Material Accelerator is off to a strong start. Over the first three months, our cohort has been focused on the practical steps that unlock momentum for materials and hard-tech startups. That includes lab validation, manufacturing planning, and sharpening the plans that corporate partners and investors expect to see.
If you are interested in supporting the cohort through mentoring, pilot conversations, or introductions, contact Program Director Nick Glavan.
Read the full article by Bounce
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| Other Events Across the Industry | |
ACESS Joint Societies Meeting – March 3, 2026
Dr. Torsten Hegmann will highlight a novel, zero-power gas sensor that uses liquid crystal patterns to quickly and visibly detect hazardous vapors — helping improve safety in environments where power, time, and reliability matter most. This meeting was rescheduled from January.
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2026 AMLCI Materials Day – April 10-11, 2026
Learn more about the fascinating applications of liquid crystal polymers, elastomers, and networks. Registration is free for Polymer Industry Cluster members.
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Connecting Students with Industry | |
JOG Career and Community Expo – March 18, 2026
Connect with more than 300 students eager to explore high school employment, post-graduation jobs, and long-term career pathways. JOG is actively seeking employers to host a table and highlight career paths, job openings, and future opportunities within your organization. Select “Get Tickets” to learn more about how you can partner and support the Expo.
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Regional Science Day at Kent State University – March 21, 2026
Volunteer Judges Needed! Support students as they showcase their research, practice critical thinking, and gain valuable skills through their Science Day projects.
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PiNO Conference at Case Western Reserve University
The PIC had the opportunity to engage with about 100 Case Western Reserve Universitys students during the PiNO Conference, presenting an overview and judging student polymer processing posters. The visit strengthened student connections, highlighted opportunities for regional engagement and industry careers, and yielded several PhD candidates eager to get involved and learn more about the PIC.
| | | WELCOME: NEW PIC INVESTORS | | |
NFM Welding Engineers, Inc. is a Massillon, Ohio–based leader in engineering and manufacturing advanced rubber and plastics extrusion systems, polymer compounding technology, and turnkey processing solutions. They design, build, and support custom extrusion equipment and services that optimize polymer processing performance, quality, and reliability. NFM’s leadership in extrusion system design, manufacturing, and support provides a valuable resource for the region’s polymer ecosystem. | |  |
G3 Mixing Technologies is a global leader in advanced rubber mixing machinery, designing and engineering custom solutions for the tire, automotive, and industrial sectors. The Italy-based company recently brought its 70 years of combined expertise to Akron, establishing its first North American office to better serve U.S. customers. Their expansion reinforces the momentum we’re building to attract and support international companies within the polymer sector. | | | TRAINING OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR TEAM | | |
Upcoming Polymer Training at UA
The University of Akron’s Akron Polymer Training Services (APTS) delivers specialized workforce training tailored to the evolving needs of the polymer industry through hands-on, on-site training and flexible online courses. Explore upcoming training opportunities to enhance your team’s expertise and drive innovation:
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ThermoPlastic Materials Engineering | March 2-4
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Rheological Theories and Their Direct Applications in the Polymer Industry | March 4-6
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The Science of How We See, Measure, and Control Color | March 9-10
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Blow Molding Theory and Practice | March 12-13
For course details and registration, visit Akron Polymer Training Services.
| | | Greater Akron Chamber | 388 S. Main St., Ste. 205 | Akron, OH 44311 US | | | | |
