Sep 27 2007
Ohio companies are using emerging technologies to launch new products that are revolutionizing the polymer industry, according to the Ohio Business Development Coalition (OBDC), the nonprofit organization that markets the state for capital investment. AlphaMicron is one Ohio-based company leading the polymer industry with liquid crystal technology advancements.
This month, AlphaMicron will debut its new liquid crystal, color-changing garments and the first high fashion eyewear with AlphaMicron digital lens. The technologies are similar to the liquid crystal sequins the company provided for the gown worn by Ohio's First Lady during the Governor's inauguration in January 2007.
"Ohio's strong industrial base in plastics and printing, and leading research in liquid crystals, polymers and polymer engineering make the state a natural home for the emerging polymer industry," said Bahman Taheri, a founder and CEO of AlphaMicron. "In Ohio, I have everything I need to succeed professionally and personally."
AlphaMicron is working with Kent State's School of Fashion to integrate fashion and technology through specialized courses. The company is also creating new products from tint-on-demand sports sunglasses to digital night vision goggles for the military.
"The state's leadership in technology and high-skilled workforce make Ohio a world leader in the field of polymers," said Ed Burghard, executive director for the Ohio Business Development Coalition. "The state is also attractive to executives because of its unique mix of micropolitan and metropolitan city structures. This distinctive combination provides executives the resources and time to pursue both their professional goals and personal aspirations without having to compromise one for the other. Ohio truly is the state of perfect balance."
Ohio's culture of collaboration between industries, entrepreneurs and academia encourages business growth and development. In 2006, AlphaMicron, in partnership with Kent Displays, Inc. and Kent State University, received a $7.9 million Ohio Research and Commercialization Program (ORCGP) grant for its flexible displays for electronic devices project.
"Thanks to grants like the ORCGP, Ohio polymer companies are investing more than $100 million to commercialize new polymer technology," said Burghard.
The ORCGP was created in 2004 as part of the Ohio Third Frontier Project, $1.6 billion initiative to help catalyze connections between companies and academia. ORCGP helps small technology companies assess and realize the commercial potential of research projects.
The polymer industry in Ohio includes more than 2,800 facilities and 140,000 workers. It generates $49 billion in annual sales revenue and pays its workers $5.6 billion in wages. More than 200 Ohio companies produce equipment for the polymer industry.