University of Akron Expert Showcases Polymer Innovation at Sustainability Summit
Dr. Ali Dhinojwala, W. Gerald Austen Endowed Chair and H.A. Morton Professor at the University of Akron's (UA) School of Polymer Science and Polymer Engineering, recently participated as a panelist at the Sustainability Summit 2025, hosted by the Greater Cleveland Partnership.
The Summit, held on March 4, at the Huntington Convention Center in downtown Cleveland, convened more than 500 industry leaders and innovators to explore sustainable business practices and regional collaborations.
Dhinojwala contributed to the "CleanTech Innovation Alliances" panel, focusing on how regional, industry-driven innovation alliances address local challenges to achieve global impact. His insights highlighted the significance of initiatives like the NEO-SMART (NSF Engine) and the Sustainable Polymers Tech Hub. These collaborations exemplify Northeast Ohio's commitment to leveraging local expertise in polymer science to drive sustainable technological advancements.
"Innovation in sustainable polymers is not just about scientific discovery, but about building strong partnerships between academia, industry and government," said Dhinojwala. "By working together, we can develop materials and technologies that have a lasting impact on both our regional economy and the global environment."
In his role at UA, Dhinojwala has been instrumental in fostering partnerships that bolster the region's polymer industry. Notably, his efforts have contributed to securing approximately $110 million in funding for the area, supporting projects such as the U.S. Economic Development 国产精品-funded Sustainable Polymer Tech Hub and the State of Ohio-funded Innovation Hub.
The summit underscored the pivotal role of collaboration in driving sustainable innovation. Dhinojwala's participation showcases UA’s leadership in promoting environmentally conscious advancements within the polymer sector.
RELATED CONTENT:
- Learn more about polymers at UA
- about this year鈥檚 Greater Cleveland Partnership Sustainability Summit
Media contact: Cristine Boyd, 330-972-6476 or cboyd@uakron.edu.