Ohio Hub of Innovation and Opportunity Designation

Akron Biomaterials Commercialization Hub

In July 2010, Ohio Governor Ted Strickland designated Akron as an Ohio Hub of Innovation and Opportunity for commercialization of biomaterials with focus on orthopedics and wound healing to assist Ohio's biomaterials industry. The Akron Biomaterials Commercialization Hub brings together the:

• Akron Children's Hospital
• Akron General Medical Center
• Akron Global Business Accelerator
  
• Austen BioInnovation Institute of Akron
• City of Akron
  
• Summa Health System
• Summit County
• The University of Akron

The Akron Biomaterials Commercialization Hub focuses on orthopedics and wound-healing applications, and is established in the existing Akron Biomedical Corridor. The Hub assists the city with becoming a globally recognized leader in the commercialization of innovative biomaterials technologies, products and services. The Hub also attracts and provides assistance to international biomaterials companies as they enter the U.S. market.

Akron is the fifth Ohio Hub designation, following the Consumer Marketing Hub of Innovation announcement in Cincinnati, the Northwest Ohio Solar Energy Innovation Hub announcement in Toledo, the Cleveland Health and Technology Corridor Hub announcement and the Ohio Aerospace Hub announcement in Dayton. The Ohio Hubs program develops a unique, concentrated environment that spurs innovation, company growth, employment, capital investment, product sales and community development in designated areas.

To be designated an Ohio Hub, a region must identify core strengths and develop a strategic plan for urban revitalization. The designation consists of a commitment from both the state and the region to work collaboratively and target economic development efforts toward building upon those identified strengths.