In partnership with the Polymer Industry Cluster*, the Synthe6 Materials Accelerator is a premier 12-month cohort-based program designed to propel polymer and advanced materials startups toward success.
As part of the Accelerator, you’ll gain exclusive access to expert mentorship, tailored industry connections, and specialized workshops covering leadership skills, customer validation, financial modeling, marketing, and investor outreach. We will connect you with experienced advisors to overcome technical and manufacturing roadblocks, ensuring your company has the support needed to scale. The program culminates in a high-impact demo day, where you’ll showcase your progress to industry leaders and potential investors to unlock new opportunities for growth.
*Learn more about the Polymer Industry Cluster
67% of Bounce polymer startups received grant funding or raised capital in excess of $250,000 in 2024.
Why Synthe6?
Polymer and advanced materials startups face unique challenges, from costly technical validation and scale-up requirements to evolving compliance demands and market readiness barriers.
Synthe6 is designed to support materials-based startups through these challenging stages of development where many innovations stall.
Synthe6 provides comprehensive support to advance both the business and the technology, working to collectively to advance your Investment, Technology, and Manufacturing Readiness Levels.
Investment Readiness
Through a series of intensive workshops, an Investment Strategist, hands-on mentorship, and access to investor and corporate networks, startups sharpen their fundraising strategy and get direct feedback from customers and investors. The program culminates in Demo Day and ongoing support to unlock early-stage and growth capital.
Technology Readiness
Startups in Synthe6 gain access to technical expertise, specialized equipment, and purchased services to accelerate technology development. With monthly guidance from an Entrepreneur-in-Residence and a team of expert mentors, participants move confidently from proof-of-concept to validated solutions that meet industry needs—without burning through cash reserves.
Manufacturing Readiness
Whether working in Bounce’s upgraded wet labs or scaling materials in the new Polymer Pilot Plant, startups get the tools, space, and support needed to move from lab bench to production. From lab setup and safety to sourcing and scale-up, Synthe6 streamlines manufacturing readiness so startups can focus on getting to market faster.
Services to Support Your Startup
Prototyping & Testing Facilities
The offerings listed below can be accessed at startup-friendly fees, some of which are scoped on an individualized basis.
MEDIC Innovation Lab: The Medical Design Innovation Center (MEDIC) at NEOMED supports the needs of bioinnovators across Northeast Ohio by providing space, tools, know-how and education. It’s the ideal place to develop prototypes of medical devices for testing and refinement. Click here for a comprehensive resource list.
REDIzone: Provides comprehensive support for regional life science entrepreneurs and early-stage biomedical companies offering state-of-the-art lab and administrative spaces.
Wet Laboratory and Office Space at Bounce Innovation Hub: Laboratory space includes fume hood, sink/water, casework and lab benches. Office spaces are available at a variety of sizes.
Hands-on Expert Support
Founders are paired with experienced Entrepreneurs-in-Residence and a mentor team of industry veterans and technical advisors from the polymer and manufacturing sectors. These include successful startup founders and former CTOs and VPs of Innovation for major polymers companies. They provide valuable one-on-one mentorship, helping you set goals and milestones, build operational momentum, and engage with the NEO entrepreneurial ecosystem. Their industry expertise and personal network connections can support you in all stages of your startup venture.
Specialized Facilities and Technical Resources
Access to discounted lab space at Bounce, subsidized technical expertise, manufacturing networks, and a forthcoming $25M Polymer Pilot Plant for prototyping and scale-up. Bounce is home to 10 chemistry labs outfitted with fume hoods, benches and other essentials for scaling your polymer business. Contracted safety experts provide training and regular audits to ensure safety within your lab.
Capital Access & Investor Connections
Intentional and comprehensive support from grant writers and dedicated investment strategists focused on raising your startup the capital it needs at each stage of your journey. This includes introductions to active investors such as corporate VCs and funds.
Access to Corporate Partners
Introductions to major materials science companies that could be customers or development partners through Akron’s Polymer Industry Cluster, which brings together 30+ corporations that are committed to polymer innovation.
Professional Services
Receive Up to $15k in free professional services ranging from marketing and legal to materials characterization and testing as well as discounted professional services through our preferred provider network. Bounce staff and EIRs can help you identify your needs to determine what services can best support you.
Workshops and Assistance
Receive priority access to Bounce’s Beyond Startup Workshop Series, a hands-on workshop series helping entrepreneurs achieve their next level of growth. These workshops are held twice per month and cover essential topics like branding, marketing, sales and accounting. You’ll also receive access to the Help Desk where facilitators work one-on-one with entrepreneurs to complete business certifications or required federal filings.
Who Should Apply?
Startups developing novel polymer or advanced materials solutions, particularly those addressing sustainability, circular economy, biocompatibility, medical device, wearable tech, or advanced manufacturing challenges. The ideal startups will have an IRL 3-4, TRL 3-4, and MRL 1.
Through this program, startups gain structured guidance, technical expertise, and facilitated access to resources to:
- Validate and refine their technology
- Build scalable operations
- Overcome real-world barriers to growth
- Prepare for investor and industry engagement
- Access labs, prototyping, and scale-up support
Additional Client Benefits
Free Coworking
You’ll gain access to Bounce’s Generator (coworking facility) at no additional cost. The Generator houses two floors of open coworking space, private offices, event and meeting spaces.
Conference Rooms
Receive 3 credit hours of conference room space per month to hold team, board, advisor, or investor meetings in a professional setting. These credits can be used to reserve Bounce’s small conference rooms; you’ll also get reduced rates on our larger event spaces and classrooms.
Community
Participate in additional opportunities for in-person and virtual engagement with other Ohio-based startup founders within their industry, including bi-monthly happy hours and networking events, and a dedicated Slack channel for Bounce founders.
We believe in the power of founders.
At Bounce Innovation Hub, we equip talented founders with essential tools and resources to navigate the complexities of entrepreneurship.
Our tailored programming supports each stage of your journey, fostering critical thinking and encouraging innovative solutions. By prioritizing your development, we create a dynamic environment where you can thrive, make informed decisions, and drive impactful change.