Opportunities
Enabling Technologies: Materials and Sensors - Centers of Excellence
From its early roots in tire production and support for the
auto industry to supplying today's growth industries, Ohio
has always been a leader in the polymer industry.
Dominance in iron and steel, polymers, and various chemicals has positioned
the state to make scientifi c and technological breakthroughs in new, advanced
materials that are revolutionizing many industrial and consumer products.
Advanced materials are the platforms for continued innovation in many of Ohio's
rapidly growing industrial sectors.
By expanding its focus to niche markets in liquid crystal technology, Ohio companies and institutions are developing innovative technology and creating a world-class hub for liquid crystal research and development, as well as commercialization. The state's liquid crystal technology products include watches, miniature security screens on credit cards, and energy effi cient, auto-adjusting windows.
These industries are all supported and enhanced by the Ohio Third Frontier program, a bipartisan $1.6 billion commitment to expand the state's technological strengths and promote commercialization that leads to economic prosperity throughout Ohio. The Ohio Third Frontier is designed to build world-class research programs, nurture early-stage companies, and foster technology development that builds upon Ohio's existing strengths.
Ohio's Centers of Excellence in Enabling Technologies: Advanced Materials and Sensors focus on polymers, advanced materials, nanotechnology, liquid crystal technology, and nanoscale sensors. Consisting of four University System of Ohio institutions throughout the state and one of the nation's top independent research universities, these Centers of Excellence are located at The University of Akron, Case Western Reserve University, University of Cincinnati, Kent State University, and The Ohio State University. A sixth University System of Ohio institution – Youngstown State University – is home to an Emerging Center of Excellence, indicating the school's significant progress toward becoming a Center of Excellence.
Whether improving on more mature energy technologies or leading the development of next-generation innovations, Ohio is a recognized source for alternative and renewable energy solutions. Ohio's Centers of Excellence are committed to focusing their academic and research activities to lead the state forward in the development, research and commercialization of advanced materials and sensors
Did You Know?
- The polymer industry in Ohio includes more than 2,800 facilities and 140,000 workers and generates $49 billion in annual sales revenue, while paying its workers $5.6 billion in wages
- More than 200 Ohio companies produce equipment for the polymer industry, including many world leaders, ranging from global plastics equipment suppliers to the specialty inspection equipment manufacturers Kent Displays and AlphaMicron are two successful spin-outs from the Liquid Crystal Institute at Kent State University
- The Ohio Third Frontier has generated $6.6 billion in economic activity and created more than 41,000 total jobs throughout Ohio Sensors are being developed in Ohio that include pathogen detections systems to protect the military from chemical and biologic threats
