State, MassTech invest in regional technology growth

The Healey-Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Innovation Institute on Nov. 6 announced the designation of 14 regions across Massachusetts as official TechHubs through the Massachusetts TechHubs Program, along with $16.3 million in funding.

The program aims to strengthen innovation through investment in technology development, high-growth industries, and innovative local companies.

Regions apply to become a TechHub, a designation that the administration says will boost visibility and credibility to attract talent and investment. TechHubs gain access to grants for strategic planning, stakeholder engagement, and innovation infrastructure. Membership in the statewide TechHub Network fosters collaboration, resource-sharing, and the exchange of best practices.

The 14 TechHubs span the state from the Berkshires to the South Coast and reflect a range of industry clusters, including advanced optics, bio-industrial manufacturing, marine technology, quantum technologies, and robotics.

To support collaboration among TechHubs, MassTech also launched the Massachusetts TechHub Network, a peer-driven community of practice for regional innovation leaders. This network will also inform future funding opportunities that may be offered through the TechHub Program.

The TechHub program offers awards and designations in three tracks to support regions at different stages of development: Transformation, Strategy Development, and Designation-Only.

Transformation grants of between $4.3 million and $5.2 million were awarded to the Advanced Optics TechHub led by Berkshire Innovation Center (Pittsfield); Bioindustrial Manufacturing TechHub led by Worcester Polytechnic Institute (Worcester); Marine TechHub led by New Bedford Ocean Cluster (New Bedford).

Strategy Development grants of $100,000 were awarded to the Advanced Mobility Technologies TechHub led by Endicott College (Beverly); Advanced Manufacturing TechHub led by Old Colony Planning Commission (Route 24 Corridor); AI, Robotics and Advanced Materials TechHub led by Merrimack College (North Andover); Housing Innovation TechHub led by UMass Lowell (Greater Lowell); Soil to Sea Sustainability TechHub led by InnoVenture Labs (Metro North); Food Science TechHub led by Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (Pioneer Valley).

Designation-Only TechHubs include the Advanced Manufacturing TechHub led by Middlesex 3 Coalition (Middlesex 3 Corridor); Digital Infrastructure TechHub led by Qubic Labs (Quincy); Blue Economy TechHub led by Massachusetts Port Authority (Boston); Robotics TechHub led by MassRobotics (Boston); Quantum Technologies TechHub led by Western Massachusetts Economic Development Council (Pioneer Valley).

For more information, visit innovation.masstech.org/techhubs.