Since 2011, Greentown Labs has provided prototyping space, shared machine shop tools, office space and an event space to entrepreneurs so they can access the equipment, services, education, and network they need to launch their companies quickly. 

Now, thanks to the support of MassDevelopment, the state’s finance and development agency, Greentown Labs is proud to announce a new manufacturing program to help connect startups and Massachusetts-based manufacturers through network expansions, relationship building and educational workshops. This program will help turn great ideas into great products made in Massachusetts.

Startups and manufacturers often have difficulty accessing each other’s networks and, once engaged, have different expectations of outcomes. Many startups have limited experience and expertise working with manufacturers. Often, they resort to internet searches to identify resources. Many manufacturers have limited experience dealing with startups and find they need to spend more time educating them than focusing on the potential business opportunity. There is a strong need to connect startups and manufacturers and help them figure out how to work more collaboratively – moving from developing a single prototype to full commercialization of a product through long-term relationships.

To deliver this program, Greentown Labs is partnering with the Massachusetts Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MassMEP), a collaborative center comprised of government, business, and academic partners dedicated to providing Massachusetts manufacturers with the resources they need to succeed in today’s advanced manufacturing environment. Greentown and MassMEP will develop a network and best practices for both startups and manufacturers through a series of educational workshops and collaborative projects. MassMEP will locate a staff member at Greentown Labs to both implement this program and serve as a resource for Greentown companies.

The goal of this partnership is to help startups achieve their potential, manufacturers to increase their access/exposure to the latest technological trends, and the Commonwealth to grow its manufacturing sector. And it will serve as one more resource for Greentown companies to utilize and help them grow their companies.

Learn more about MassDevelopment here – http://www.massdevelopment.com

Learn more about MassMEP here – http://massmep.org