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September 25, 2026

We want to hear from you: Complete the Polymer Pathway Partnership survey to help shape career pathways for the next generation
Explore upcoming events, conferences, and networking opportunities across the industry: From Fakuma, Cleveland, and beyond!
Welcome new PIC member: E-BEAM Services, Inc.

From Innovation to Impact: Highlights from PC3

Earlier this month, nearly 200 business leaders, community partners, researchers and innovators gathered at The University of Akron for the fifth annual Polymer Cluster Connectivity Conference (PC3). The strong turnout reflected growing momentum around Northeast Ohio’s polymer and advanced materials industry and the opportunities it creates across the region.

Breakout sessions explored workforce and education, R&D and innovation, shared infrastructure and connections to investment and other partners. Keynote speaker Ross Eisenberg, President of America’s Plastic Makers™, highlighted the polymer industry’s importance to U.S. manufacturing and Akron’s role as a center of innovation. He emphasized how science-based policy can accelerate new technologies, while inconsistent regulations and permitting can slow progress. The day concluded with an interactive poster session where researchers, companies and community partners shared projects and sparked new collaborations.

We were also proud to welcome representatives from the U.S. Economic Development Administration and shared progress within the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub. Following the conference, the visit highlighted projects led by Full Circle Technologies, BioVerde, Huntsman and Flexsys, along with work underway at Bounce Innovation Hub, The University of Akron and the APEX Good Jobs Challenge workforce initiative.

Bounce Innovation Hub Announces Second Cohort of Synthe6 Materials Accelerator

The Innovation & Commercialization committee of the Polymer Industry Cluster with the support of a pool of subject matter experts, reviewed 36 competitive applications and selected fifteen startups and ventures for the 2026 Synthe6 Materials Accelerator cohort at Bounce Innovation Hub. The new cohort is advancing polymer technologies in health and sports tech, biobased materials, recycling and upcycling, and next-generation polymeric materials.

The 12-month accelerator, funded by the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub through the State of Ohio Innovation Hubs program, helps polymer and materials science startups scale through expert mentorship, tailored industry connections, and specialized workshops. Through Synthe6, startup founders gain access to expert mentorship, tailored industry connections, and specialized workshops, ensuring they have the support needed to scale.

"Congratulations to the companies selected for this year's Synthe6 cohort and the innovative work they are doing across health and sports technologies, biobased materials, recycling and upcycling, and next-generation materials," said Hans Dorfi, Chief Innovation Officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster. "The strength of this year's class was matched by the strength of the applicant pool. We saw a significant increase in applications over previous rounds, including strong interest from startups across the country. That growth demonstrates that Synthe6 is emerging as a nationally recognized accelerator and that Northeast Ohio is increasingly viewed as a hub for polymer innovation, advanced manufacturing, and materials commercialization."

The cohort will launch October 7, 2026.

Meet the Companies

Inaugural Synthe6 Cohort Gives 'Final' Pitches at Demo Day

The Synthe6 Demo Day on September 24 marked the inaugural cohort’s completion of the materials science accelerator, culminating in final pitches that showcased the companies’ progress and connected founders with potential investors.

Demo Day created opportunities for the nine startups to connect with prospective partners, pilot customers, and investors who could support their next stage of growth.

Congratulations to the inaugural cohort on this exciting achievement—we look forward to seeing where their innovations go next!

Tech Hub Project Lead Narrows 6PPD Replacement to Two Final Molecules, Enters Agreement for Testing

Flexsys, a global leader in material science and advanced tire additives solutions, recently announced two milestones in the effort to develop a 6PPD replacement for use in tires.

As a component project of the U.S. Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, the search for a 6PPD replacement has been narrowed to two final molecules, both of which have met the company’s safety, performance and environmental benchmarks in testing.

The company is also partnering with the U.S. Geological Survey for independent aquatic toxicity testing, a key step toward final selection, regulatory approval and commercialization.

Employer Input Needed: Help Shape Future Polymer & Advanced Manufacturing Pathways

As an employer, you know firsthand which skills and experiences entry-level talent needs to succeed in the polymer and advanced manufacturing field. We are asking employers to complete a brief employer survey to help shape curriculum, training and career-connected opportunities that meet today’s business needs and prepare the next generation for where the industry is headed.

The survey is part of the Polymer Pathways Partnership, a collaboration with the City of Akron and Akron Public Schools that brings employers, educators and workforce partners together to strengthen the region’s polymer and advanced manufacturing talent pipeline—from early career awareness through training, education and employment.

The survey takes approximately 8-10 minutes to complete.

Complete the Survey

Be a Part of Our Region's Polymer Story

From workforce pathways and business innovation to research breakthroughs and community impact, the Polymer Industry Cluster's new Polymer Video Series will spotlight the people and organizations driving the industry forward. Reach out to learn how your organization can participate in the Polymer Video Series .

Connect. Learn. Engage.

Heading to Fakuma? So are we.

The Polymer Industry Cluster and Akron, USA delegation will be at the Fakuma International Trade Fair for Plastics Processing to showcase why Northeast Ohio is a leading destination for polymer and advanced manufacturing growth. From talent and research partnerships to sites, incentives, and industry connections, we'll share the resources that help manufacturers succeed when they invest in this region.

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Events Across the Industry

September 28-30, 2026 | Louisville, KY

Global Polymer Summit

Bridging the tire and rubber industries through programming, discussions, and networking to explore business opportunities.

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September 29-30, 2026 | Cleveland, OH

JumpStart VC Fest

Join tech founders, investors and innovation leaders for high-impact programming that sparks connections, showcases innovation and accelerates new venture opportunities.

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Sept. 30-Oct. 1, 2026 | Cleveland, OH

MX.0 Midwest

An opportunity for Manufacturer-to-Manufacturer knowledge sharing and networking.

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October 22, 2026 | Cleveland, OH

SPE Injection Molding Innovation Summit

Designed for professionals who want practical ideas they can take back to their facilities and apply quickly.

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October 26-28, 2026 | Cleveland, OH

TRFA Annual Meeting

Featuring technical papers from industry experts, a global market update, and industry awards.

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Welcome: New PIC Member

E-BEAM Services specializes in electron beam sterilization, polymer modification, and crosslinking technologies that help manufacturers improve product performance, reliability, and speed to market. By partnering with companies from concept through commercialization, E-BEAM supports innovation across medical, industrial, and advanced materials applications. Their expertise in polymer enhancement and processing adds valuable capabilities to the Polymer Industry Cluster ecosystem, and we are pleased to welcome E-BEAM Services as a new PIC investor.

Training Opportunities For Your Team

Ohio TechCred Returns Oct. 1: What Employers Need to Know About New Rules, Funding and Applications

The Ohio Department of Development (ODOD) has released updated TechCred program guidelines ahead of the next application round, which opens October 1, 2026.

During a recent webinar hosted by the Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance, ODOD outlined several significant updates businesses should understand. The changes include a stronger focus on technology-driven skills, updated employer eligibility and training requirements, and revisions to the list of approved credentials. Eligible employers may receive up to $1,000 per employee, per credential, with a maximum award of $30,000 per application period.

Now is the time for employers to:

Review the updated TechCred guidelines
Identify technology-focused skills and training needs
Explore the newly approved credential list
Prepare for the October 1–30 application window

Watch the Webinar

Learn More

Earn Your CEUs with Rubber Division, ACS Training

Rubber Division, ACS offers industry-leading training through free webinars for members and complimentary courses for undergraduate student members, many of which offer CEUs through the University of Akron.

The ACS Training Pass provides unlimited access to courses for individuals or companies looking to invest in their workforce, making it easier than ever to upskill employees and stay ahead of industry trends.

Upcoming Training Opportunities:

Educational Symposium at Global Polymer Summit Conference | Sept. 29
Webinar: Optimizing Rubber Molding Process through Advanced Simulations | Oct. 8
Course: Carbon Blacks Manufacturing, Properties & Applications in Rubber Compounds | Oct. 14
Webinar: Basics of Polymer Testing & Processing | Oct. 15
Webinar: Gear Pump Technology in Rubber Applications | Oct. 20
Course: Thermoplastic Elastomers | Oct. 29

For course details and registration, visit Rubber Division, ACS Education and Training.

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.

Upcoming Courses:

Rheological Theories and Their Direct Applications in the Polymer Industry | Oct. 14-16
Blow Molding Theory and Practice | Oct. 29-30
Polymer Compounding, Formulating, and Testing of Plastics, Rubber, Adhesives, and Coatings | Nov. 11-13

For course details and registration, visit Akron Polymer Training Services .

CORNERSTONE PARTNERS

Greater Akron Chamber | 388 S. Main St., Ste. 205 | Akron, OH 44311 US

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