Walsh University is participating as a key partner in the Northeast Ohio Strengthening Manufacturing for American Resilience through Technology (NEO-SMART) consortium, which has been named a finalist in the U.S. National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Regional Innovation Engines Program. The consortium, led by Case Western Reserve University, is one of 15 finalists across the country and could receive up to $160 million over ten years if selected.

The NSF Regional Innovation Engines Program aims to expand innovation, talent development, and technology beyond single cities or institutions. As part of this effort, Walsh University will help extend NEO-SMART’s workforce training initiatives outside Cuyahoga County. The university will serve as a sub-awardee and receive NSF funding to provide job training for unemployed and underemployed individuals. This training will be modeled on programs such as the Individual Microcredential Assistance Program (IMAP), with the goal of broadening economic benefits throughout Northeast Ohio.

Dr. Dan Passerini, Executive Director of Cross Enterprise Operations at Walsh University, commented on the partnership: “We have been very intentional over the last several years to build national, regional and local relationships, forge news strategic partnerships, and raise Walsh’s profile within the state. This is just the latest example of the success of that mission and the enormous opportunity that it creates for our campus, our students and the community. Congratulations to my team, in particular, Michael Haag, Director of Entrepreneurship and Technology Transfer, who did much of the heavy lifting in working with our colleagues at CWRU on the details of our participation in this initiative.”

NEO-SMART seeks to establish Northeast Ohio as a global center for sustainable manufacturing with expertise in metals, polymers, chemicals, and coatings. The coalition includes large employers like Goodyear, Sherwin-Williams, Lincoln Electric, Cleveland-Cliffs, Bridgestone; small- and mid-sized manufacturers; local governments; job training organizations; and higher education institutions. The group aims to create up to 30,000 jobs across an 18-county region over ten years while reducing industrial CO₂ emissions by more than 20 million tons annually.

Governor Mike DeWine noted that combining public investment with research capacity and workforce development can create new opportunities for residents statewide.

The initiative focuses on building resilient supply chains in critical industries such as automotive manufacturing https://www.selectusa.gov/automotive-industry-united-states/, defense production https://www.dla.mil/About-DLA/News/Article-View/Article/3501491/dla-supports-us-defense-industrial-base/, and medical devices https://www.fda.gov/medical-devices/products-and-medical-procedures/device-approvals-denials-and-clearances/. It also plans to integrate artificial intelligence https://www.nsf.gov/cise/oia/index.jsp#, advanced materials research https://www.energy.gov/science/bes/basic-energy-sciences-materials-sciences-program into modern manufacturing systems.

As part of its next steps in competition for NSF funding—which would require an in-person site visit by NSF staff—NEO-SMART will be evaluated on its strategy for innovation collaboration and economic impact.

“At Walsh University, it is our mission to prepare individuals to lead lives of purpose,” said Walsh University President Tim Collins. “Innovation and economic growth must create opportunities that strengthen families, neighborhoods,and communities.By equipping individuals with meaningful skills,Walsh helps ensure a resilient workforce,a stronger regional economy,and a thriving Ohio.”

If selected,Northeast Ohio could secure significant federal support matched by regional partners,making it a leader in advanced sustainable manufacturing nationwide.