AKRON, Ohio – Bounce Innovation Hub, in partnership with the Polymer Industry Cluster, has announced the selected companies for the inaugural Synthe6 Materials Accelerator cohort, a new 12-month accelerator for polymer and materials science startups. 

In the first cohort, early-stage companies will be accelerated with grant funding, commercialization training and access to industry leaders through the Polymer Industry Cluster.

“The Synthe6 Materials Accelerator is a cornerstone of how the Polymer Industry Cluster fosters and grows an innovation ecosystem,” said Hans Dorfi, executive director and chief innovation officer of the Polymer Industry Cluster. “By connecting startups with funding, expertise and industry partners, we are building a pipeline of materials innovations that will strengthen northeast Ohio’s leadership in polymers and create lasting economic opportunities.”

The following companies were selected for the first cohort:

  • ACE Innovations: Founded by Erick Sharp, ACE Innovations produces asphalt additives made from recycled materials that improve adhesion and durability.
  • Auxilium Health: Founded by Isaiah Kaiser, Auxilium Health has designed a wound dressing that actively heals while detecting and preventing infections.
  • BioVerde: Founded by Simon Upfill-Brown, David Witte and Peter Heifetz, BioVerde uses methane, including waste methane, to produce sustainable raw materials for plastics and rubber.
  • GelPure: Founded by Moni Mahesh Ghosh, Brandon McReynolds and Sadhan Jana, GelPure is developing a filter material that removes PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” from drinking water.
  • Plastinuva: Founded by Sridhar Viamajala, Plastinuva recycles polypropylene using biodegradable oils to create high-quality material equal to new plastic.
  • PolyKinetix: Founded by William Ullom, PolyKinetix is developing a portable system that converts mixed plastics and old tires into usable fuels.
  • Seauciel: Founded by Paul Boulier, Seauciel is developing a water-based process that breaks down mixed, hard-to-recycle plastics.
  • TKM Ballistics: Founded by Thomas Milo and Angelina Milo, TKM Ballistics creates lightweight ballistic shields and stretchers using advanced polymers and inflatable technology.

“We’re thrilled to accept the inaugural cohort for the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator,” said Jessica Sublett, Bounce Innovation Hub president and CEO. “These founders reflect the strength and potential of advanced materials innovation, and Bounce is proud to help accelerate their path from breakthrough ideas to market impact.”

Participants will engage in weekly sessions that include targeted workshops, mentor coaching sessions and facilitated access to technical experts such as grant strategists, investment advisors, regulatory consultants and leadership development coaches. The curriculum for the accelerator has been developed with input from nationally recognized tough tech startup adviser and program architect Jaye Goldstein, who has supported innovation programs at MIT and Harvard. Through the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator, startups will engage industry partners early in their commercialization process and fit market needs with innovative solutions, leveraging the Polymer Industry Cluster’s growing corporate members.

The accelerator is directly supported by funding for the Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub through the state of Ohio Innovation Hubs program.

“Ohio is where big ideas take shape,” said Lydia Mihalik, director of the Ohio Department of Development. “The Greater Akron Polymer Innovation Hub is giving startups the resources to grow in an industry that has defined Akron for more than a century – all while building the talent and workforce that will keep Ohio thriving for the future.”

For more information about Synthe6, click HERE.