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Reaching New Milestones: Auxilium Health and PIC Investor Summit Glove advance innovative solutions
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Mark Your Calendar: The 5th annual Polymer Cluster Connectivity Conference returns September 9, featuring keynote Ross Eisenburg, President of America’s Plastic Makers™
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Welcome new PIC member American Chemical Society Akron Section
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$160M NSF Engine Award is a Defining Win for Akron and Northeast Ohio
This month, the U.S. National Science Foundation selected the NEO-SMART Engine, led by Case Western Reserve University, for its Regional Innovation Engines program—a transformational win for Northeast Ohio’s advanced materials economy and a powerful validation of Akron’s leadership in polymer innovation. 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.
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Project Update: PIC innovation pilot facility
Site preparation is currently underway at 100 Lincoln Street, paving the way for the new Innovation Pilot Facility.
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Polymer Cluster Connectivity Conference Returns September 9
A signature gathering of the Polymer Industry Cluster the Polymer Cluster Connectivity Conference brings together the innovators, manufacturers, researchers, and community partners for a focused day of connection, insight and collaboration across Northeast Ohio’s polymer ecosystem.
The morning will kickoff with breakout sessions, followed by lunch and a keynote from Ross Eisenberg, President of America’s Plastic Makers™. Attendees will then hear a State of the Organization address and updates on projects and initiatives led by PIC partners. The day will wrap up with networking and a poster session.
Sponsorships are available.
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Partner Events
September 22-23
Reinventing the Tire: Digital Transformation, Data-Driven Advances, and Predictive Methods, the 2026 Annual Conference of The Tire Society, held at The University of Akron's Jean Hower Taber Student Union Ball Room
Learn More
October 22
SPE Injection Molding Innovation Summit at Corporate College, Cleveland
Learn More
| | As one of the 188 local sections of the world's largest professional society for chemists, the American Chemical Society - Akron Section has been connecting and supporting the region's scientific community since 1923. Serving Summit, Portage, and Stark counties, the section brings together approximately 650 members—many of whom work in polymer science—to advance professional development, science education, community outreach, and public engagement. Through its monthly meetings, networking opportunities, and educational programs, the ACS Akron Section plays an important role in strengthening Northeast Ohio's polymer and chemical sciences ecosystem. | | | Grant Funding Opportunities | | For a full database of federal grant opportunities, visit grants.gov. | | Training Opportunities For Your Team | | | Greater Akron Chamber | 388 S. Main St., Ste. 205 | Akron, OH 44311 US | | | | |
