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Third Annual DEMO Day at Greentown Labs

On Thursday, October 29th, Greentown Labs hosted it’s 3rd annual DEMO Day, a showcase of cutting-edge cleantech startups, innovation and prototypes.

This year, we were honored to welcome Governor Charlie Baker, Lt. Governor Karyn Polito, Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Matthew Beaton, and Mayor Joseph Curtatone for a tour of Greentown Labs. Following the tour, Greentown Labs CEO Emily Reichert announced an $11 million expansion project. The project will add over 50,000 square feet to the total lab and office space, launching Greentown Labs as a global center for cleantech innovation.

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The day began with a lab showcase for hundreds of attendees, where entrepreneurs showcased their prototypes and technologies to an audience of investors, government officials, cleantech enthusiasts and more.

Greentown Labs DEMO Day

Governor Baker, Lt Governor Polito, Secretary Beaton, Mayor Curtatone also toured the lab and met with entrepreneurs who shared their work and progress. Companies showcasing were displaying their technologies that included robotic railroad inspection systems, aquaponic systems for growing food in your home, the world’s first floating wind turbine, and more.

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The speaking program included several key announcements, including Greentown Labs expansion plans. The Baker-Polito Administration announced a $1.5 million loan from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) to support an $11 million expansion of Greentown Labs, the largest cleantech incubator in the country.

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Governor Charlie Baker and Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito share remarks to a standing room only crowd of 300+ guests.

“With the many energy challenges before us, it is vital we support our clean energy startups, which are developing technologies that will address those challenges and create Massachusetts jobs,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “With this loan, we can encourage the innovation of our growing clean energy technology sector and ensure Massachusetts continues to be a leader in clean energy and energy efficiency.”

Optimized-Greentown-Labs_Exterior-View-1024x601The investment supports Greentown Labs’ expansion of its facility in the former Ames Safety Envelope Company campus. Greentown Labs currently hosts approximately 40 companies employing 400 workers, and hopes to add an additional 40 to 100 startups employing up to 385 new workers through the expansion project.

“Supporting a clean energy incubator like Greentown Labs will encourage the continued growth of the Commonwealth’s clean energy sector, while supporting promising startup companies developing the innovative solutions that will help us achieve our greenhouse gas emission goals,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Matthew Beaton. “The Baker-Polito Administration is fully committed to the continued diversification of Massachusetts’ energy portfolio, encouraging the development of clean energy resources and energy efficiency initiatives.”

“Greentown Labs’ success and its forthcoming expansion demonstrate how environmental sustainability and economic sustainability are not mutually exclusive—especially when government does its part to support innovation that is the foundation of the 21st century global economy,” said Somerville Mayor Joseph A. Curtatone. “We can do social good and, at the same time, build a strong economy by making strategic investments that allow these next-generation startups to grow and flourish here in the Commonwealth. Greentown Labs turning a defunct manufacturing hub into a hive of technological progress symbolizes the transformation of Somerville’s and Massachusetts’ economy, and that progress will continue with its expansion, creating more jobs and opportunities for the people in our community. I want to thank Governor Baker, Lieutenant Governor Polito, Secretary Beaton, and the entrepreneurs at Greentown Labs for helping us forge a more resilient economy and community, and sharing our commitment to clean, renewable energy sources.”

Media coverage for the day included:

Beta Boston: Greentown Labs,Somerville incubator for energy startups, plans major expansion
BostInno: Greentown Labs Plans to More Than Double in Size
Xconomy: Greentown Labs Grows, Wants to make Somerville a Global Cleantech Hub
Boston Business Journal: Greentown Labs Plans to More than Double In Size
Boston Herald: Green Tech Center Grows Like a Weed