The application window is closed. PIC contacts applicants directly about next steps.
The shared intake connected Bounce Innovation Hub's Synthe6 Materials Accelerator with PIC Translational R&D Funding through one application. Synthe6 Cohort 2 was announced on September 10, 2026. PIC Translational R&D: applicants will be contacted directly about their status.
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.
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.
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.
Applicants could choose Synthe6, PIC Translational R&D Funding, or both. PIC and Bounce staff reviewed each submission for completeness, eligibility, and track fit.
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.
The regional polymer industry cluster coordinating industry, university, public-sector, and innovation resources for Northeast Ohio.
polymerindustrycluster.orgAkron startup support, accelerator programming, founder services, and commercialization resources for teams building from the region.
bouncehub.orgA Bounce-led 12-month accelerator for polymer and advanced materials startups based in Ohio or willing to relocate to or operate in Ohio, with up to $25,000 in non-dilutive funding plus up to $20,000 in services, mentorship, workshops, and technical connections.
bouncehub.org/synthe6The intake is broad enough for emerging polymer innovation, but these priorities help applicants understand where the 2026 cycle is pointed.
Advanced polymer platforms, additives, coatings, films, and materials systems with clear performance or sustainability advantages.
Technologies that improve recycling, recovery, reuse, material compatibility, or lower-waste processing for polymer value chains.
Digital tools, data-enabled discovery, process intelligence, and AI-supported scale-up for polymer innovation.
Biomaterials, diagnostics, wound care, protective systems, and polymer-enabled health applications.
Materials, interfaces, films, composites, and processing approaches that support emerging energy applications.
One intake. The network routed each application to the right team. Applicants did not have to name a track up front.
Founder-led teams based in Ohio or willing to relocate to or operate in Ohio while building a polymer, circularity, or advanced materials company.
Academic teams moving validated research toward pilots, partners, and commercialization.
Companies operating in Ohio or willing to operate here while developing a new material, process, product, or recyclable packaging pathway.
Applicants who could fit Synthe6, PIC Translational R&D Funding, or both and needed the network to route them.
Synthe6 Cohort 2 has been publicly announced. PIC contacts R&D applicants directly about their individual status.
Meet Synthe6 Cohort 2 (2026), alongside selected 2025 Synthe6 participants and PIC translational R&D awardees. Each card identifies its program and year.
Materials testing
Laboratory testing for biodegradation, compostability and environmental fate.
Seaweed-based films
Developing biodegradable, water-soluble films from seaweed.
Eggshell-derived fillers
Using eggshell-derived calcium carbonate to reduce conventional plastic content.
Sunflower-derived rubber
Developing liquid natural rubber from a domestic sunflower feedstock.
Tire-derived polymer modifiers
Developing modifiers from end-of-life tires for rubber, plastics, asphalt and coatings.
Polymer recycling
Developing polymer recycling solutions through advanced processing.
Graphene production
Converting carbon feedstocks into graphene and other advanced materials using flash joule heating.
Custom-fit sports gloves
Creating sports gloves fitted to an individual athlete’s hand scan.
Ear-worn cooling
Developing Asterra, an ear-worn device that provides controlled cooling without electronics or medication.
Copper-based additives
Developing copper-based additives for antimicrobial protection, odor control and skin-care applications.
Medical adhesive tapes
Developing medical tapes for reliable adhesion with gentle skin contact.
Impact-absorbing composites
Developing Coatl™, a composite combining aerogel and shear-thickening fluid to manage impact energy.
Color-changing wound dressings
Developing a wound dressing that indicates moisture levels without being removed.
Tailored 3D-printed polymers
Developing a fabrication process that varies polymer composition and properties within a printed part.
Rare earth recovery
Developing tunable polymers to recover rare earth elements from recycled magnets and other feedstocks.
Recycled-material asphalt additives
Asphalt additives made from recycled materials to improve adhesion and durability.
Bio-based aerogel wound dressing platform
Bio-based aerogel wound dressing that detects and helps prevent infection while supporting healing. PIC announced this work in 2025, when the company was Auxilium Health.
Sustainable biomaterials from waste-methane biology
Uses methane, including waste methane, to produce sustainable raw materials for plastics and rubber.
Filter material for PFAS removal
Developing a filter material that removes PFAS from drinking water.
Synthe6 participant
Participant in Synthe6 (2025).
Polypropylene recycling with biodegradable oils
Recycles polypropylene with biodegradable oils into material meant to match new plastic.
Portable plastic-and-tire conversion system
Developing a portable system that converts mixed plastics and end-of-life tires into usable fuels.
Water-based mixed-plastic recycling
Developing a water-based process that breaks down mixed plastics that are hard to recycle.
Inflatable ballistic shields and stretchers
Lightweight ballistic shields and stretchers that use advanced polymers and inflatable technology.
Advanced plastics processing
Advanced plastics processing research aimed at lightweight composites, packaging, and protective materials.
Degradable multilayer polymer films
Biodegradable multilayer polymer films for food and medical packaging.
Green DCPD from renewable biomass
Scaling green dicyclopentadiene from renewable biomass for polymer products.
Additives for lighter recyclable packaging
Additives that help polyethylene films become thinner, lighter, and recyclable as mono-material packaging.
CO2 and butadiene polymer platform
Research pairing carbon dioxide with butadiene to make sustainable polymers.