Reflecting on Progress and What's Ahead in 2026
The Polymer Industry Cluster (PIC) initiative leading up to 2025 was about the opportunity of building on a strong legacy in material innovation and manufacturing, sharing a compelling vision and attracting funding and commitments to make it happen. With federal and state grants awarded in 2024 and strong support from key stakeholders, we moved to accelerate our actions in 2025 with more than $100 million in funding for the next five years.
The central and shared goal of the Polymer Industry Cluster is to bring together industry, academia, government, and community to collaborate and tackle shared challenges to drive economic growth that will benefit the region.
We jointly developed the vision of the PIC: to lead the world in sustainable and advanced polymer solutions to address real-world challenges that matter for future generations.
Read our full Op-Ed in the Akron Beacon Journal
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NSF Site Visit Brings NEO-SMART Partners Together Across Northeast Ohio, including the PIC
The Polymer Industry Cluster is a proud partner in the regional collaboration behind NEO-SMART, which recently hosted a National Science Foundation site visit as a finalist in the NSF Regional Innovation Engines program. This milestone reflects Northeast Ohio’s strong foundation in polymer science and advanced manufacturing and the value of coordinated regional leadership.
Led by Case Western Reserve University (CWRU), the NEO-SMART proposal builds on long-standing regional assets and highlights the momentum behind aligning industry, research, and workforce efforts to drive innovation and economic growth within the region’s Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub and beyond. If successful, the initiative could unlock up to $160 million over the next 10 years, along with additional investment
Read the full article by CWRU
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A Day in Columbus with the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance
Business owners and leaders: this is your opportunity to get face-to-face with Ohio policymakers! Join us for our annual Day in Columbus on Wednesday, February 11 from 10:30 AM -4:00 PM at the Ohio Statehouse, where you can share your priorities, discuss the State Capital Budget, and address key issues affecting your business and community.
The day will feature speakers and Q&A sessions, with food and refreshments throughout the day. As of this email, the list of confirmed speakers includes:
- Senate President Rob McColley
- Senator Jerry Cirino, Chair, Senate Finance Committee
- Senator Jane Timken, Chair, Higher Education Committee and Vice Chair, Housing Committee
- Representative Bill Roemer, Chair, Ways and Means Committee
- Representative Dave Thomas, Vice Chair, Ways and Means Committee
- Representative Jack Daniels, Vice Chair, Transportation Committee
- Director Lydia Mihalik, Ohio Department of Development
- Director Kim Murnieks, Ohio Office of Budget and Management
A networking reception will follow.
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PIC Innovation Pilot Facility moves into the design phase
The concept of the PIC innovation pilot facility is coming to life with the selection of the design-build team of Thomarios, Perspectus, and IMEG, has been selected to advance final design and long‑lead procurement, pending a signed contract.
Site preparation for the facility, located on the University of Akron campus adjacent to the NPIC building, is currently underway. Groundbreaking is planned for the second quarter of 2026, with construction continuing through the year and initial commissioning expected in early 2027. Current efforts are focused on finalizing the facility layout and utility requirements, advancing property transfer approvals, and strengthening the early project pipeline.
If you or a company you know might be interested in using the facility, contact Marshall Moore, Consultant, Polymer Industry Cluster.
| | WELCOME: NEW PIC INVESTORS | | |
Molecular Rebar Design (MRD) enhances polymer performance through its patented MOLECULAR REBAR® technology, allowing manufacturers to boost the quality of rubber, coatings, and other polymer products while cutting down on costs and material waste. By increasing product durability and efficiency and minimizing waste, MRD enables the production of superior products at more affordable prices. Based in Austin, TX, MRD’s advanced materials expertise supports the shared innovation, knowledge exchange, and competitiveness of the polymer industry. | |  |
Based in Columbus, Aries Science & Technology develops custom, bio-based encapsulation materials that address manufacturing challenges in polymers, coatings, and composites. Their innovative microsphere solutions enhance product performance, consistency, and durability while supporting more sustainable production. Through close collaboration with manufacturers, Aries helps bring advanced polymer products to market that are both high-performing and environmentally responsible, strengthening polymer innovation across the ecosystem. | | | 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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Polymer Compounding, Formulating, and Testing of Plastics, Rubber, Adhesives, and Coatings | Feb 11-13
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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 | | | | |
