The Healey-Driscoll Administration and the Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), has announced $1,849,643 in awards to three Massachusetts manufacturing companies through the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2), a program that provides capital grant funding for Massachusetts manufacturers to expand production, build local jobs and strengthen key innovation sectors.
The awards are expected to create up to 62 jobs across the state.
Governor Maura Healey said: “Massachusetts is home to innovative companies that are building the next generation of manufacturing technologies, and we are committed to making sure they have the support to grow here.
“These awards will help manufacturers scale new technologies, create good jobs, strengthen our supply chains and ensure Massachusetts continues to lead as a global hub for advanced manufacturing and innovation.”
Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll said: “Massachusetts leads when we invest in the companies and workers building what’s next. In order to stay competitive, we need to provide companies with the capital and resources to scale.
“These investments help manufacturers grow, expand production and deliver the kind of good jobs communities across our state are counting on.”
M2I2 provides capital grant funding for Massachusetts manufacturers to scale the development of technology-based physical products commonly referred to as hardtech.
The program leverages federal and private funding to bridge the gap between innovation and commercialization through partnerships between companies, universities and accelerators.
Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley said: “M2I2 grows our manufacturing sector by helping companies hire new workers, engage with experts and turn ideas into real products.
“By supporting small manufacturing businesses, we are strengthening our advanced manufacturing sector and creating new job opportunities for communities across our state.”
Since launching in 2016, M2I2 has awarded more than $121 million in grants to manufacturers across Massachusetts, creating more than 1,300 jobs and providing training opportunities for thousands of manufacturing students and workers.
CAM director Lily Fitzgerald said: “The companies in this round of M2I2 awards were strong contenders to build manufacturing capacity in markets that we believe will drive future competition.
“CAM is making statewide investments in energy efficiency and drug development because we understand innovation in these industries will not only benefit small businesses, but also help consumers access affordable and reliable products.”
Awardees
Feon Energy, Woburn – $299,643
Feon Energy uses an in-house AI-driven platform to design advanced electrolyte molecules for high-performance batteries.
With this award, the company will build a pilot-scale manufacturing line and battery evaluation center, partner with Northeastern University on research and student training, and work with Activate Boston to support early-stage manufacturing startups.
Highland Park Technologies, Somerville – $700,000
Highland Park Technologies (HPT) is developing an insulated cladding system to improve the energy efficiency and resiliency of low-rise residential buildings.
The grant will fund an in-house manufacturing line capable of producing 2,000 square feet per day in the Greater Boston area along with university partnerships for targeted training and knowledge-sharing through conferences, journals and public clean energy agencies.
HPT will work with FORGE on manufacturing readiness, production scale-up and expert advising.
Terrestrial Bio, Woburn – $850,000
Terrestrial Bio is developing a Microneedle Array Patch (MAP) platform for delivering therapies and vaccines. With this grant, Terrestrial Bio will automate and scale up its manufacturing line in Woburn to produce thousands of MAPs per month.
Terrestrial Bio will also partner with Bunker Hill Community College and North Shore Community College to establish internship and apprenticeship opportunities, publish research, and work with MassMEP to share lessons learned with fellow manufacturers.
