Born from NASA Glenn Research Center’s Mars-tire work, The SMART Tire Company develops airless, superelastic tires using shape-memory alloy technology. Conceived through the 2020 NASA Startup Program, the company is commercializing the licensed technology for Earth-based products, beginning with the METL bicycle tire while also developing automotive and lunar-rover applications. Its 5,000-square-foot innovation lab in Akron supports prototype development, with a 50,000-square-foot manufacturing plant planned for 2026.
The Steelastic Company, LLCFounded in 1970 by inventor Sterling W. Alderfer, The Steelastic Company designs and manufactures extrusion-based equipment for producing tire components without traditional calendering. Based near Akron, Ohio, Steelastic has more than 900 calenderless systems operating in over 55 countries and builds its systems in a 100,000-square-foot facility. The company is part of The HEICO Companies and is certified as a women-owned business through WBENC.CUYAHOGA FALLS, OH
Tire Conversion Technologies (TCT)Since 2004, Tire Conversion Technologies has designed and volume-manufactured compression-molded products and custom components from recycled tire rubber. Based in Latham, New York, the privately owned manufacturer combines engineering and product development with a catalog of site-management and traffic-safety products, while its coast-to-coast U.S. presence and European operations support customers across multiple markets. TCT holds ISO 9001:2015 certification and uses recycled rubber to make durable products that keep tires out of landfills.LATHAM, NY
Galileo WheelInvented in Israel, Galileo Wheel has made patented TrakWheel airless tires since 2011 for agricultural and construction equipment. Its architected wheel design gives tires a track-like footprint and traction while retaining the convenience of a wheel, helping center-pivot irrigation systems and off-road machinery keep moving through mud, ruts and rough work sites. Galileo works with tire manufacturers, farmers and original equipment makers, with its CTO and co-founder Avishay Novoplanski holding the CupWheel patent behind the technology.ISRAEL 3088900, IL
American Engineering Group LLCFounded in 2000, American Engineering Group LLC is an Akron engineering and manufacturing firm built around more than two decades of product innovation. The company is best known for its patented Pressure Zero Tire work, including a USSOCOM-recognized development for U.S. special forces, and now helps inventors, startups, and established manufacturers move products from concept into production. AEG is ISO 9001:2015 registered and operates from a 5,000-square-foot North American facility.AKRON, OH