Rep. Sykes Announces Akron Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub To Receive Approximately $51 Million In Federal Funds
Tech Hub investment will create good-paying jobs, position Northeast Ohio to lead in next-generation rubber and plastics production
AKRON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) has named the Akron Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub as a Phase 2 Tech Hubs winner and will be awarded $51 million in federal funds.
“I’m thrilled to announce the Akron Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub will receive approximately $51 million in federal funds thanks to the historic CHIPS and Science Act. While most people are familiar with the impact of the CHIPS and Science Act’s impact in central Ohio with the Intel plants, Ohio’s 13th district is making its mark by leading in polymer development, research and sustainability. I’m proud to have worked with our local and federal stakeholders to bring these vital funds back to our district to create good-paying jobs and grow our local economy. This investment will ensure Northeast Ohio remains a global leader and trailblazer in polymer science and polymer engineering, reaffirming our district’s legacy as the Rubber Capital of the World. From sustainable tires to cutting-edge polymers, the next generation of rubber and plastics production will proudly be made here in Ohio’s 13th Congressional District,” said Rep. Sykes.
Rep. Sykes led the charge to bring a Tech Hub to Northeast Ohio from the very beginning. In August 2023, Rep. Sykes sent a letter to Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castiillo in support of the Greater Akron Chamber’s application for funding under the EDA’s first phase of the Regional Technology and Innovation Hub Program (Tech Hubs program) authorized by the CHIPS and Science Act.
After the EDA announced the Akron Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub as one of the 31 inaugural Tech Hubs across the country, Rep. Sykes penned a letter to U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo and the Economic Development Administration in support of Akron’s Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub Phase 2 application. Rep. Sykes also joined a separate letter in support of Akron’s application with members of the Ohio delegation, including Sen. Sherrod Brown, U.S. Representatives Max Miller (R-OH-07), Shontel Brown (D-OH-11), Mike Carey (R-OH-15), Joyce Beatty (D-OH-03), and David Joyce (R-OH-14).
“For cluster efforts to be effective, industry leaders must not only understand the value of working together but take the steps to actually do it. The leaders in our region have shown incredible collaboration and this investment has illustrated the impact that can have on a region and the growth of a cluster. This award is the first in what we hope will be many investments to implement projects led by polymer industry partners and we look forward to seeing these efforts unfold,” Steve Millard, President & CEO, Akron-Canton Advocacy Alliance.