News

‘Intrapreneur Challenge’ Launches to Increase PPE Supply in Massachusetts

WESTBOROUGH, MA – Today, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts launched a new project to boost the number of homegrown companies able to manufacture personal protective equipment or PPE, a critical need in the response to the COVID-19 crisis. The COVID-19 Intrapreneur Challenge will be managed by Lever, a North Adams-based business accelerator and innovation support organization that will activate, connect, and focus companies as they pivot production capabilities to produce the materials necessary to combat the pandemic. The new effort will be supported by a $250,000 grant from the Innovation Institute at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, the organization managing the Massachusetts Manufacturing Emergency Response Team (MERT).

MassTech & MassRobotics Launch ‘Robot Stories,’ a Student-Focused ‘STEMinar’ About Massachusetts Robotics

BOSTON - The Innovation Institute at the Mass Tech Collaborative and MassRobotics will broadcast a four-session virtual ‘STEMinar’ that highlights Massachusetts as the leader in the robotics revolution. The new ‘Robot Stories’ series is targeted primarily at middle and high school students who get the opportunity to interact with several of the world’s leading roboticists about what the future of robotics looks like. The series will be broadcast on Wednesday afternoons starting tomorrow, May 20th, with additional episodes launched on May 27th, June 3rd, and June 10^th. Beyond students, the series aims to inspire teachers, parents, and those interested in tech, innovation, and robotics.

Baker-Polito Administration Announces New Grants to Boost Diversity in the Tech Sector

SPRINGFIELD — Today, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito joined Assistant Secretary of Technology, Innovation, and Entrepreneurship for the Commonwealth Damon Cox, MassTech Executive Director Carolyn Kirk, Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno, Senator Eric Lesser, Representative and Chair of the Massachusetts Black and Latino Legislative Caucus (MBLLC) Carlos González, and other state and local leaders to announce the inaugural grant recipients from the Tech Talent Diversity Initiative, an effort aimed at boosting diversity in the Commonwealth’s technology and innovation sectors. The two competitive grants, totaling $469,234, were awarded to Tech Foundry of Springfield and to the New England Venture Capital Association’s Hack.Diversity program based in Boston, both of which are programs with track records of success in training and advancing diverse candidates into technology jobs.

Baker-Polito Administration and WPI Cut Ribbon on New Healthcare Technology R&D Facility in Worcester

WORCESTER - Housing and Economic Development Secretary Mike Kennealy and Worcester Polytechnic Institute President Laurie Leshin joined leaders from across Central Massachusetts and the healthcare technology community to officially open the new PracticePoint facility at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI).

Baker-Polito Administration Announces Over $5.2 Million in New Advanced Manufacturing Awards

The Baker-Polito Administration announced two new grants totaling over $5.2 million from the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) to support the development of new advanced manufacturing technologies across the state.

PHOTO RELEASE: Lt. Governor Polito and Speaker DeLeo Tour MassRobotics, Highlight Intern Partnership

Lt. Governor Karyn Polito and House Speaker Robert DeLeo toured MassRobotics, the innovation hub for robotics and connected devices in Boston, and met with executives and interns from growing Massachusetts companies that have benefitted from the MassTech Intern Partnership program.

Tech Foundry Utilizing MassTech Grant to Expand IT Training Opportunities in Western Massachusetts

SPRINGFIELD, MASS. – Officials from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), a public economic development agency for the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, joined local elected officials today for a visit to Springfield-based Tech Foundry, an organization utilizing a $50,000 state grant to increase IT training opportunities in Western Massachusetts.

In the News: "Advancing manufacturing: New state initiatives discussed at BCC"

PITTSFIELD — A state-funded, cutting edge manufacturing program is making its way across the state and is targeting the Berkshires for growth.

Two directors of advanced manufacturing programs at the MassTech Innovation Institute provided an overview of the agency's Manufacturing Innovation Initiative, also known as M2I2, on Tuesday at Berkshire Community College.

The innovation initiative is a capital grants program that provides capital cost shares for projects and discovery centers throughout the state, and is aligned with the federal government's Manufacturing USA program. M2I2 is overseen by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative and the Executive Officer of Housing and Economic Development.

Via the Berkshire Eagle.

In the News: "New initiative aims to diversify tech talent"

The Innovation Institute, an economic development agency housed within the larger quasi-governmental organization the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, has just launched an initiative aimed at increasing diversity in local tech industries.

Via The Bay State Banner.

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative Launches New Drive to Diversify Tech

BOSTON – The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative has launched a new effort aimed at increasing the diversity of candidates that get hired for internships, apprenticeships, and entry level jobs in the Commonwealth’s technology sector. The program aims to provide grants to civic organizations, businesses, or non-profits for new or existing projects that increase the number of workers from under represented populations who are offered internships or entry-level employment opportunities at tech firms across Massachusetts.