Northeast Ohio, including Akron and Cleveland, has been selected as a regional innovation engine, a National Science Foundation designation that could bring $160 million in federal funding to the area over the next decade.
Grant Details
The funding will go toward advanced manufacturing of polymers, metals, and chemicals and coatings. Local leaders have already leveraged partners to contribute an additional $120 million over the first two years of the program.
The regional application of NEO-SMART, or Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology, focused on the three areas of advanced manufacturing: polymers, metals, and chemicals and coatings.
Impact on the Region
The grant is expected to create or retain 20,000 jobs across the region, including training 12,000 workers using new materials and manufacturing curriculum over 10 years. The investment will also allow for research into AI usage in manufacturing and help focus on creating pathways for industry and higher education to work more closely together.
Original reporting: Signal Cleveland — read the source article.
