The Polymer Industry Cluster
Bounce Innovation HubSynthe6
2026 innovation intake

Turn polymer innovation into funded traction in Northeast Ohio.

One 2026 intake gives startups, companies, and research teams based in Ohio, or willing to relocate to or operate here, a direct path to Synthe6 accelerator support, competitive PIC translational R&D funding, or both.

Intake windowMay 15 to June 30, 2026
TracksSynthe6 ยท PIC Translational R&D
Researchers
Manufacturers
Startups
Applications are open

Find the right path for your project's next stage.

The shared intake connects Bounce Innovation Hub's Synthe6 Materials Accelerator with PIC Translational R&D Funding. Applicants can choose one track or ask the team to consider fit for both.

Funding context

These tracks are part of the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub, a regional effort backed by Ohio's Innovation Hubs Program and local partners to move polymer research and commercialization toward companies, products, and jobs in Northeast Ohio.

Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub
May 15 to June 30, 2026One applicationTwo tracksBased in Ohio or willing to relocate to or operate in Ohio$25K acceleratorUp to $500K translational R&D
Startup accelerator

Synthe6 Materials Accelerator

$25K non-dilutive funding

A Bounce-led 12-month accelerator for polymer and advanced materials startups, with mentorship, workshops, technical connections, commercialization support, and access to the regional founder network.

Translational R&D grants

PIC Translational R&D Funding

Competitive awards up to $500K

The Polymer Industry Cluster R&D funding track for polymer innovations with scientific merit, a feasible technical plan, and a path toward commercialization or operation in Ohio, subject to review and award terms.

Shared intake

Not sure which track fits?

One intake, routed by fit

Applicants can choose Synthe6, PIC Translational R&D Funding, or both. PIC and Bounce staff review the submission for completeness, eligibility, and track fit.

Open to companies, research teams, and innovators based in Ohio or willing to relocate to or operate in Ohio.
The network

Two partners. Two tracks. One application.

This portal gives applicants a single entry point for PIC Translational R&D Funding and Bounce Innovation Hub's Synthe6 Materials Accelerator. The partner sites remain the source for program detail, events, news, and broader organizational context.

Polymer Industry Cluster and EDA Tech Hubs Official Designee
Cluster convener

Polymer Industry Cluster

The regional polymer industry cluster coordinating industry, university, public-sector, and innovation resources for Northeast Ohio.

polymerindustrycluster.org
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Bounce Innovation Hub
Startup and commercialization partner

Bounce Innovation Hub

Akron startup support, accelerator programming, founder services, and commercialization resources for teams building from the region.

bouncehub.org
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Synthe6
Program led by Bounce Innovation Hub

Synthe6 Materials Accelerator

A Bounce-led 12-month accelerator for polymer and advanced materials startups based in Ohio or willing to relocate to or operate in Ohio, with $25K in non-dilutive funding, mentorship, workshops, and technical connections.

bouncehub.org/synthe6
Social
2026 focus areas

What the network is looking for.

The intake is broad enough for emerging polymer innovation, but these priorities help applicants understand where the 2026 cycle is pointed.

01

Next-generation materials

Advanced polymer platforms, additives, coatings, films, and materials systems with clear performance or sustainability advantages.

02

Circular and recyclable solutions

Technologies that improve recycling, recovery, reuse, material compatibility, or lower-waste processing for polymer value chains.

03

AI-driven discovery and manufacturing

Digital tools, data-enabled discovery, process intelligence, and AI-supported scale-up for polymer innovation.

04

Health and medical materials

Biomaterials, diagnostics, wound care, protective systems, and polymer-enabled health applications.

05

Energy storage and materials systems

Materials, interfaces, films, composites, and processing approaches that support emerging energy applications.

Who it is for

If any of these fit, apply.

One intake. The network routes you to the right team. You do not have to know your track up front.

Startups commercializing materials technology

Founder-led teams based in Ohio or willing to relocate to or operate in Ohio while building a polymer, circularity, or advanced materials company.

University researchers ready for translation

Academic teams moving validated research toward pilots, partners, and commercialization.

Manufacturers with an applied R&D need

Companies operating in Ohio or willing to operate here while developing a new material, process, product, or recyclable packaging pathway.

Teams needing facilities, mentors, or scale-up help

Applicants who may fit Synthe6, PIC Translational R&D Funding, or both and need the network to route them.

2026 timeline

What happens after you apply.

May 15
Intake opens
Applicants can begin the shared 2026 intake.
now
Jun 30
Applications close
Complete materials are due by the close of the intake window.
soon
Summer
Fit and eligibility review
PIC and Bounce staff confirm completeness, eligibility, and track fit.
Timing to be announced
Summer
Reviewer scoring
Assigned reviewers evaluate eligible applications for scientific merit, market path, collaboration strength, and implementation readiness.
Timing to be announced
Fall
Decisions and onboarding
Selected teams move into award, cohort, or next-step conversations with the network.
Timing to be announced
Past awardees

Selected prior participants and awardees.

A public portfolio preview from inaugural 2025 activity, including Synthe6 participants and PIC translational R&D-funded work across health care, sustainable packaging, recycling, and advanced materials.

Auto-rotating projects