Who We Are

The Austen BioInnovation Institute in Akron (ABIA) is a unique collaboration of complementary research, education and health institutions that expands Akron’s rich legacy in materials science to pioneer the next generation of life-enhancing and life-saving biomedical innovation for the 21st Century. It is dedicated to becoming a global leader in biomaterial and medical research, education, clinical services and commercialization; and a driver of transformative economic, social and health benefits for Greater Akron.

Together, the founders of ABIA — Akron Children’s Hospital, Akron General Health System, Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy, Summa Health System, the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and The University of Akron — are recognized national leaders in research, education and health representing one of the nation’s top polymer science and engineering programs, the most productive university technology transfer program per dollar of research in the United States, and significant investments in annual academic, clinical research and commercialization efforts.

The ABIA has been designated an Ohio Center of Excellence for Biomedicine and Healthcare, and an Ohio Hub of Innovation and Opportunity focused on biomaterials for orthopaedics and wound healing. In 2010, the ABIA teamed with the University of Akron Research Foundation (UARF) to win the National i6 Challenge, a $12 million innovation competition that seeks to identify and support the nation’s best ideas for technology commercialization and entrepreneurship throughout six different regions of the country.