University of Akron joins coalition of 70 partner organizations for NSF Engine award initiative

The University of Akron has joined a coalition of 70 partner organizations, led by Case Western Reserve University, called the NSF NEO-SMART (Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology) Engine in Northeast Ohio. The coalition has received a National Science Foundation Regional Innovation Engines program grant of up to $160 million to help position Northeast Ohio as a national hub of manufacturing innovation, technology, and jobs.

According to an article on the University of Akron’s website, Ohio Governor Mike DeWine was quoted as saying of the NSF NEO-SMART Engine in Northeast Ohio, "This is great news for Northeast Ohio and for the entire state of Ohio. When federal dollars come to our state to strengthen manufacturing and build up our workforce, every Ohioan benefits — and I am grateful for the extensive partnership effort that made this award possible."

The NEO-SMART Engine aims to help elevate the region as a national hub for advanced manufacturing, drawing on the region’s strength in metals, polymers and chemicals, and coatings. Advanced manufacturing combines artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies to automate production and create new products. To accomplish this, the NEO-SMART Engine will enhance industry-academic research partnerships, advance AI and machine learning in manufacturing, reinforce domestic supply chains in the automotive, aerospace, defense, and medical device sectors, and create or retain 20,000 jobs in the industry.

Case Western Reserve University’s President Eric W. Kaler, the Morton L. Mandel Presidential Chair, said, "The manufacturing challenges of the next decade will be solved by academic researchers, industry partners and factory floor teams who work in collaboration to turn scientific insight into commercial reality. We are tremendously grateful for the extraordinary support and advocacy we received from federal, state and local elected officials that led to this funding opportunity. Together, we will advance the region's growth and prosperity."

NEO-SMART is one of 12 Engines that were selected nationwide for the funding, and the only one in Ohio. More than 300 concepts were submitted for consideration. Those engines that show satisfactory progress on defined milestones will be eligible to receive up to $160 million each from the National Science Foundation. 

Brian Stone, who is performing the duties of the NSF director, said, "NSF Engines' investments in critical technologies and future industries will transform America’s innovation infrastructure for decades to come. The NSF NEO-SMART Engine will expand domestic manufacturing capacity, grow the region’s skilled workforce, and create economic opportunities, fostering a more resilient U.S. industrial base and supply chain."

NEO-SMART’s Governing Board members include Michael Oakes, Case Western Reserve University’s executive vice president for research and economic development; Marcia Ballinger, president of Lorain County Community College; Bethia Burke, president of The Fund for Our Economic Future; Matt Dolan, CEO of TeamNEO; Julie Edgar, chief technology officer of The Lubrizol Corporation; Steve Millard, president and CEO of the Greater Akron Chamber; Baiju Shah, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Partnership; Nigamanth Sridhar, executive vice president and provost at Cleveland State University; and Nick Barendt, CEO/principal investigator of NEO-SMART.

Millard noted, "This is a tremendous win for Northeast Ohio, and frankly, it's a long time coming. The Greater Akron region has never stopped making things. Greater Akron is home to a world-class concentration of polymer companies, scientists, advanced manufacturers, skilled tradespeople, and innovators who help drive American competitiveness every day. Anchored by the University of Akron, industry leaders like Goodyear and Lubrizol, Bounce Innovation Hub and the Polymer Industry Cluster, our region has built one of the nation's strongest ecosystems for polymers and advanced materials. NEO-SMART builds on the success of the EDA Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub award and affirms what we've known all along: Northeast Ohio has the talent, expertise, and collaborative spirit to lead the next era of advanced manufacturing."

The NSF Engines program is supported by Ohio's congressional delegation, including: Sens. Bernie Moreno and Jon Husted, and Reps. Greg Landsman (OH-1), Dave Taylor (OH-2), Joyce Beatty (OH-3), Jim Jordan (OH-4), Bob Latta (OH-5), Michael Rulli (OH-6), Max Miller (OH-7), Warren Davidson (OH-8), Marcy Kaptur (OH-9), Mike Turner (OH-10), Shontel M. Brown (OH-11), Troy Balderson (OH-12), Emilia Sykes (OH-13), Dave Joyce (OH-14) and Mike Carey (OH-15).

For more information about the University of Akron, visit the school’s website.