Manufacturing in Massachusetts – Creating an Innovation Ecosystem

How we support the ecosystem during a pandemic and outside of a pandemic

Date: Friday, November 20, 2020

Description: The MERT worked to identify companies manufacturing or who pivoted to manufacture essential PPE products. Working to build the innovation ecosystem for the future and the impact on the Massachusetts manufacturing supply chain.

Host:

Elisabeth Reynolds (MIT)

Elisabeth B. Reynolds is a Principal Research Scientist and Lecturer in MIT’s Dept. of Urban Studies in Planning. She is the executive director of the MIT Industrial Performance Center and more recently, became executive director of MIT’s Institute-wide initiative on the Work of the Future (WotF). WotF was launched in 2018 to understand the relationship between technology, work, and society and how technology can be developed to enhance and augment human activities.

Guests:

Julie Chen (UML)
Dr. Julie Chen is the Vice Chancellor for Research & Economic Development and a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Massachusetts Lowell. As the Chief Research Officer, Dr. Chen directs UMass Lowell’s $90 million research enterprise, which spans all academic departments and 17 research and engagement centers and institutes. She also oversees industry partnerships, technology transfer, startups & innovation, core research facilities, and economic development programs.

Laura Teicher (FORGE)
Laura is Executive Director at FORGE, a 501(c)3 nonprofit helping innovators to navigate the journey from physical prototype through commercialization and impact at scale. FORGE’s Manufacturing Initiative provides critical readiness support and tailored connections to regional supply chain expertise and manufacturers. This work has led to over $30 million in known contracts and purchase orders to make innovative products locally. FORGE is the sister organization of Greentown Labs – the largest climate tech incubator in North America.