A coalition led by Case Western Reserve University has secured a spot among the 15 finalists for a significant federal competition that could inject up to $160 million into the Northeast Ohio region over the next decade. The initiative, known as NEO-SMART (Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology), was selected as part of the U.S. National Science Foundation’s Regional Innovation Engines program, which aims to bolster economic growth and enhance national security through advancements in critical technologies.
The announcement follows the selection of 29 semifinalists earlier in July, showcasing NEO-SMART’s potential to drive job creation and technological innovation. The NSF program specifically targets areas such as semiconductors, artificial intelligence, advanced materials, and biotechnology. In a statement, Eric W. Kaler, President of Case Western Reserve University, expressed enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, “This is a tremendous opportunity for the region and exactly what research universities should do.”
NEO-SMART’s comprehensive vision emphasizes the creation of 20,000 jobs and aims to strengthen domestic supply chains across various sectors, including automotive, aerospace, defense, and medical devices. The initiative also seeks to advance artificial intelligence and machine learning applications in manufacturing while training the future workforce in Ohio. Ohio Governor Mike DeWine highlighted the program’s historical significance, stating, “Ohio has a proud legacy of advanced manufacturing leadership, and NEO-SMART would take that legacy into the future.”
The coalition boasts over 50 partners from diverse sectors, including industry, academia, job training, philanthropy, and government. Prominent companies participating in NEO-SMART include Avery Dennison, Avient Corp., Babcock & Wilcox, and Bridgestone, among others. The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network is committed to ensuring that small and medium-sized manufacturers can effectively contribute to and benefit from the advancements made through NEO-SMART.
According to J.P. Nauseef, President and CEO of JobsOhio, the initiative reflects a statewide strategy aimed at aligning talent development, innovation, and investment to position Ohio as a leader in advanced manufacturing. The program will focus on advanced materials for medical devices and smart technologies for industry while collaborating with resources such as Akron’s Polymer Hub and Ohio TechCred.
The final phase of the competition will involve an in-person site visit in the coming months. As regional partners consider matching support, the potential impact of NEO-SMART may be further amplified. Steve Fritsch, Vice President of Industry Advancement and Engagement for Team NEO, remarked, “The National Science Foundation’s recognition of NEO-SMART underscores Northeast Ohio’s critical place in driving U.S. competitiveness and growth.”
This initiative not only represents a significant opportunity for Northeast Ohio but also highlights the crucial role research institutions can play in fostering innovation and economic resilience in the United States.
