The Ohio State University Secures $26 Million Grant to Lead U.S. Natural Rubber Production Innovation in Wayne County, Ohio

The College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) Wooster Campus has secured a transformative $26 million grant from the National Science Foundation (NSF) to spearhead groundbreaking research and development in alternative natural rubber production. 
This funding marks a pivotal moment for the Wooster campus and Wayne County, with far-reaching implications for research, industry collaboration and workforce development.

TARDISS Project: Revolutionizing Natural Rubber Production in the U.S.

At the heart of this initiative is the NSF's Engineering Research Center (ERC) program, designed to foster cutting-edge, interdisciplinary research that generates societal impact. CFAES Wooster will lead the "Transformation of American Rubber through Domestic Innovation for Supply Security" (TARDISS) project.

The goal is to revolutionize natural rubber production by harnessing the potential of domestic alternative crops like guayule, the TK "rubber" dandelion and mountain gum, enabling the entire supply chain to remain within U.S. borders.

This grant opens the door to significant advancements in plant biology, engineering and technology for the Wooster Campus. The funding will support research into scalable natural rubber production techniques while also providing invaluable training opportunities for undergraduate and graduate students. These students will gain hands-on experience in a growing industry, positioning them to enter the workforce as skilled professionals ready to meet the demands of the emerging alternative rubber sector.

Economic Growth and Job Creation for Wayne County and Beyond

Discovering alternative sources for rubber production has been a focus for the CFAES Wooster Campus. This funding will allow research discoveries and training opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students, enhancing Ohio’s workforce.

This project will also foster collaboration among numerous academic institutions, including the California Institute of Technology, North Carolina State University, Texas Tech University and Case Western Reserve University, alongside industry partners like The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. and Waters Corp.

This vast network of expertise and industry backing will drive innovation and accelerate the commercialization of new technologies in natural rubber production. The economic impact is expected to extend well beyond Wayne County, with the potential for spinoff companies and new startups, further fueling job creation in the region.

Creating Opportunities for Research, Industry and Workforce Development

The implications of this research are profound. By developing domestic sources of natural rubber, the United States can reduce its reliance on foreign supply chains, which are currently vulnerable to geopolitical, environmental and transportation challenges. As global demand for natural rubber rises, the TARDISS project could secure a stable, reliable U.S. supply, benefiting the automotive and healthcare industries.

Moreover, CFAES Wooster is poised to become a hub of innovation in the rubber industry and create a "Silicon Valley of Natural Rubber Production" in Ohio. The impact on Wayne County is clear: economic growth through industry expansion, new job opportunities and a spotlight on the cutting-edge research that will drive the future of agriculture and manufacturing.

Ohio State University President Walter "Ted" Carter Jr. noted that this initiative represents a strong commitment to advancing domestic rubber production while enhancing Ohio's workforce. With this grant, CFAES Wooster is positioned to lead in a critical area of agricultural and environmental sciences, ensuring that the university's research and innovation benefit both the local community and the broader U.S. economy.

Partner, Promote and Prosper with the Wayne Economic Development Council

The $26 million NSF grant represents far more than just a research opportunity for CFAES Wooster—it catalyzes economic advancement in Wayne County and the nation. The TARDISS project will ensure the U.S. secures its own natural rubber supply and position Wayne County, OH, as a hub for innovation in the rubber industry. With groundbreaking research, collaboration between academia and industry, and a focus on workforce development, CFAES Wooster is poised to drive advancements that will shape the future of agriculture, manufacturing and the U.S. economy for years.

The Wayne Economic Development Council (WEDC) supports Wayne County businesses by providing a range of personalized services. These include site selection assistance, building and site information, financial contacts, custom research and more. The WEDC aims to stimulate capital investment and job growth through business expansion and attraction initiatives, contributing to Wayne County's balanced development and national recognition for high-quality growth. Contact us today to learn how we can help your business thrive in Wayne County.