Akron selected as a Tech Hub. Here’s what that means.
Image: Goodyear
Akron was recently designated as a national hub for sustainable polymers technology, selected by the White House as one of 31 tech hubs across the United States that show potential for rapid growth in key technology sectors. There were nearly 400 applicants nationally.
Why it matters to Ohio
Akron, which has the largest concentration of plastics and rubber manufacturing plants, machines, and materials in North America, will be at the forefront of the industry’s evolution. And Ohio will play a critical role in the aim to tackle climate and environmental impacts from the use of fossil fuels.
The Greater Akron Chamber led the push for sustainable polymer manufacturing and commercialization in the U.S., becoming a global leader in sustainable plastic and rubber technology that reduces emissions and is recyclable, biodegradable, and non-toxic.
Akron was awarded a $400,000 strategy development grant for the University of Akron and the Greater Akron Chamber for Sustainable Polymers, and the region will compete for an implementation award of $20-70 million, to be announced in the spring.
The city is also home to Goodyear, one of the world’s largest tire companies. One of Goodyear’s two global innovation centers is located in Akron.
What they’re saying
“With our rich manufacturing history, Ohio is a natural fit to host a regional technology hub. As the historic rubber capital of the world, Akron is the ideal location for the future of sustainable polymers, to produce the domestic rubber and plastics of the 21st century. This investment will ensure that Ohio will lead in the technologies of the future, with Akron at the center of sustainable materials innovation.”
- Ohio Senator Sherrod Brown
“Ohio’s 13th Congressional District has long been a trailblazer in polymer science and polymer engineering. I’m thrilled to see the Biden-Harris Administration make this historic $400,000 investment in the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub as their research continues to establish worldwide leadership in this space. As a member of the House Science, Space, and Technology Committee, I am uniquely familiar with the multi-disciplinary and far-reaching value the efforts of this funding and designation will bring not only to Akron and Northeast Ohio, but to our nation. The Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub, under the leadership of the Greater Akron Chamber, will have a significant impact on our community’s ability to lead in sustainability, manufacturing, and commercialization. This is just another example of the CHIPS and Science Act delivering for Ohio’s 13th Congressional District.”
- U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13)
“It’s exciting to see progress in the work we’ve done with our industry and economic development partners over the last couple years to double down on our region’s legacy in polymers to create a new future for advanced materials that are both functional and sustainable. Being selected for the designation AND strategy development grant is both validating for our work and another step toward investing in our region’s future.”
- Steve Millard, President and CEO of Greater Akron Chamber
“This is a community with a rich history of partnership and collaboration for economic development, workforce creation and innovation. Our designation as a Tech Hub and the awarding of a development grant both affirms this great history and ensures our continuation as a national leader in polymer and advanced materials research, education, training and technology innovation. The University of Akron, which is ranked #1 in the world for polymer science and plastics engineering, is excited to continue this work with our partners.”
- Dr. Gary Miller, President of the University of Akron.
“Collaboration with community partners continues to put Summit County in the best position to succeed. This award will help us showcase what this region and our polymer industry have to offer.”
- Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro
“Akron is at the cutting edge of polymer research and innovation. Our city has a long history in the polymer industry and we are proud of this new designation as a regional tech hub. I thank Senator Brown for his continued support of our region and our city, and I look forward to the work ahead here in Akron.”
- Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan
“Goodyear strongly supports the Polymer Industry Cluster, a collective effort to leverage our region’s unmatched strengths in the polymer industry. This funding will energize our ability to solve industry-wide challenges and drive innovation in priority areas like sustainability, which is a business imperative for our company and many others. We thank Senator Brown for his leadership in bringing this vital designation to Akron.”
- Richard J. Kramer, Chairman, CEO and President, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company
