FORGE

👀 7 Manufacturing Trends to Watch in 2024-2025 The manufacturing industry is evolving rapidly as we approach the close of 2024. Seven key trends are shaping its future, presenting both challenges and opportunities for innovation. A recent article by BOSS Magazine dives deep into how these trends are redefining the manufacturing landscape. ➡️ Smart Manufacturing: Integrating IoT, AI, and real-time analytics to optimize efficiency, lower costs, and improve agility on the production floor. ➡️ AI in Automation: Leveraging machine learning and computer vision to enhance productivity, improve quality control, and reduce human intervention in repetitive tasks. ➡️ Predictive Maintenance: Using real-time data to anticipate equipment failures, saving costs and minimizing downtime. ➡️ Advanced Robotics: The rise of collaborative robots (cobots) improves workplace safety and frees employees to focus on complex tasks. ➡️ Sustainable Manufacturing: Embracing eco-friendly practices like closed-loop systems and renewable energy to align with growing consumer demand for sustainability. ➡️ Digital Twin Technology: Creating virtual replicas of physical processes to enhance operational efficiency, accelerate product development, and optimize resources. ➡️ Resilient Supply Chains: Strengthening operations by focusing on local sourcing, risk management, and adapting to global disruptions. 📖 Read the full article here to explore 7 Manufacturing Industry Trends to Watch https://lnkd.in/e_jquFjc At FORGE, we’re passionate about supporting hard tech innovators and manufacturers in navigating these transformative trends. Follow us for more insights, resources, and updates on the latest in hard tech innovation and manufacturing. Which trend do you think will have the biggest impact in the coming years? Share your thoughts in the comments! #ManufacturingTrends #Innovation #SmartManufacturing #FORGEImpact

Missed the first deadline to apply to the MA. Manufacturing Accelerate Program (#MMAP)? Good news, the grant is still open & accepting applications through 3/7/25. MMAP offers up to $200K to support small to medium-sized MA manufacturers. For program guidelines & to apply visit: https://lnkd.in/eUmPt_K #MadeinMA #AdvancedManufacturing

🌟 Calling All Women-Owned Businesses in Massachusetts! 🌟 Are you a woman entrepreneur in a Climate Critical Sector or looking to enter one? This is your chance to access FREE customized business coaching and support from the Center for Women & Enterprise (CWE), thanks to a 3-year grant from Massachusetts Clean Energy Center! CWE is on a mission to grow the number of certified Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) and increase their contracts in high-impact industries like: ✅ High-Performance Buildings ✅ Net-Zero Grid ✅ Clean Transportation ✅ Offshore Wind Program Tracks: 👉 Pre-Certification Track: For businesses not yet certified, aiming to build the foundation for certification. 👉 Contracting Track: For certified WBEs looking to secure more contracts in clean energy. Benefits of Participation: ✨ A personalized business assessment with actionable recommendations ✨ Access to a dedicated Business Success Manager for ongoing support ✨ Free first-year Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) certification dues (a $350+ value) ✨ Tailored support to find and access clean energy contracts Eligibility Requirements: 📍 Located in Massachusetts 🌍 Operate in or plan to enter a Climate Critical Sector 📑 Pre-Certification: Not yet WBENC-certified 📑 Contracting: WBENC-certified and $100K+ in annual revenue 🎁 BONUS: Complete your application and assessment by 12/31/24 and receive a $50 gift card! ➡️ Register Here https://lnkd.in/egJ4kReV For 30 years, CWE has empowered women entrepreneurs across Massachusetts with training, technical assistance, and certification services. Let us help you take your business to the next level while making an impact on the planet. 🌱 📩 Questions? Contact Michelle Miller at Mmiller@CWEonline.org. Let’s build a greener future together! 🌍✨ #WomenEntrepreneurs #ClimateAction #WBE #BusinessSupport #CleanEnergy #Massachusetts

🌟 Hardtech Startups, are you looking to streamline your HR operations while saving costs?! 🌟 Join us Wednesday, December 4th, at 11 AM EST for a free online session that will transform how you manage your team. 💼 Why Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs)? Learn how PEOs can: ✅ Reduce your HR administrative workload ✅ Offer attractive benefits packages to build and retain top talent ✅ Keep your business compliant as you scale We’re excited to feature Jenna DelVecchio from Insperity, who will share actionable strategies, real-world examples, and expert advice to help you implement PEO solutions effectively. 💡 This is your chance to enhance your startup's efficiency while empowering your workforce with better support! 📌 Spots are limited, so act fast! 👉 Save your seat now: https://bit.ly/3Y00SHO #Hardtech #Startups #PEOs #HRInnovation #FORGEImpact

🌟 Thanksgiving Greetings from FORGE 🌟 As we gather around this season of gratitude, the FORGE team wants to take a moment to thank YOU – our incredible network of innovators, suppliers, partners, and supporters. Together, we're building a brighter future, driving innovation, and turning bold ideas into reality. This Thanksgiving, we’re grateful for the opportunity to help connect startups with the resources they need to succeed and for the collaboration and community that make it all possible. Your passion and commitment inspire us every day. Wishing you and your loved ones a joyful, safe, and peaceful holiday filled with warmth, gratitude, and plenty of delicious food! 🦃🍂 Here’s to continued innovation and impact in the year ahead! 🙌 #Thanksgiving #Gratitude #Innovation #FORGEImpact

🥂 Celebrating Innovation: Innovation Nights CT FORGE teamed up with Innovation Nights to celebrate Connecticut’s vibrant innovation ecosystem! Hosted at GE Appliances, a Haier company CoCREATE Facility in Stamford, over 140 local investors, suppliers, manufacturers, startups, and ecosystem collaborators gathered to showcase physical products and connect through innovation. ⚡ Despite the chilly, rainy weather, the energy inside was electric. The night featured: >Startup product demos from 10 incredible innovators >Networking with suppliers, manufacturers, and investors >Showcases by FORGE partners >Catered food and drinks from Chef Ivan Romero of CoCREATE and The Village 🔦 The startup spotlight included game-changing products from: Andros Innovations (energy-efficient ammonia production reactors) CellsBin (precision oncology and rare-cell analysis solutions) CT3D (advanced 3D manufacturing technology) Floe, Inc. (safer rooftop snow and ice removal) Genwright B. Corp (super-insulative windows for climate solutions) GREENBOX (urban vegetable-growing systems) Mobabbi LLC (innovative children's potty-training solutions) OHM Dynamics (adaptive kinetic resistance training technology) StarCube (compact nuclear microreactors) ZANEEZ®Health & Fitness Equipment Health (all-in-one orthopedic pain relief device) The night’s highlights: 🎤 Inspiring Speakers: From emcee Trinell Ball to FORGE’s Laura Teicher to Innovation Nights Bobbie Carlton to GE Appliances CoCREATE’s Ronald Fernandez, the message was clear—Connecticut is where innovation thrives. Dan O’Keefe, CT Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner, emphasized the importance of manufacturing to the state’s economy. 💰 Grant Announcement! Floe, Inc. received the first $30,000 Product Development Grant, powered by State of Connecticut. Product Development Grant Pitch Contest Winners (powered by the WOKA Foundation): 🥇 1st Place ($10,000): Andros Innovations 🥈 2nd Place ($8,000): Genwright 🥉 3rd Place ($6,000): StarCube Thank you to our pitch contest judges: Joshua Baptiste, Pearse Bertram+ Streamline Contract Manufacturing Sales and Marketing Manager Dave Carson, Burt Process Equipment, Inc. Executive Vice President Jessica Dodge, CEPA, CTNext Managing Consultant Andrew Forbes, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven Business Development Specialist, Connecticut Consortium for BIPOC Technologists 💡 Big Takeaway: FORGE is here to help startups bridge gaps in the innovation and manufacturing ecosystem, offering connections, funding, and expertise. Thank you to GE Appliances CoCreate, Innovation Nights, and all the incredible startups, partners, and attendees who made this event unforgettable. If you’re a startup, manufacturer, or ecosystem collaborator interested in working with FORGE, reach out today! Let’s build the future of innovation together. #Innovation #Hardtech #Manufacturing #Startups #Connecticut

🌟 Calling All Clean Energy Innovators! 🌟 Are you ready to help Vermont accelerate its journey to a zero-carbon future? The DeltaClimeVT Business Accelerator Energy 2025 Program is now accepting applications! Join a dynamic cohort of startups and seed-stage ventures to pilot innovative clean energy solutions in Vermont. Your ideas can make a difference in energy efficiency, resilience, and decarbonization. 💡 The 2025 Challenge: DeltaClimeVT is seeking technologies and services aimed at: ✅ Reducing greenhouse gas emissions ✅ Decarbonizing buildings, transportation, and industrial processes ✅ Electrification and load management ✅ Addressing energy burdens for underrepresented and low-to-moderate-income populations Participating ventures will work directly with Vermont utilities to contribute to the state’s bold energy and climate goals, including: ▶️ Vermont's Comprehensive Energy Plan (90% renewables/efficiency by 2050) ▶️ Vermont's Climate Action Plan ▶️ Burlington's Net Zero by 2030 goals 🗓 Key Dates Applications Open: October 15, 2024 Deadline: January 27, 2025 Cohort Announcement: February 11, 2025 🎓 Program Benefits >Engage with Vermont utilities, business mentors, investors, and venture leaders >Access the ecosVC Lens of the Market® ACCELERATED curriculum >Win a $25,000 peer-selected final award 🌱 Technologies of interest include: >Smart building controls and EV charging solutions >Thermal energy network innovations >Carbon capture and reduction technologies ...and more! 🔗 Apply Now: https://lnkd.in/e_m77feb 🚀Help shape the future of clean energy! #CleanEnergy #Startups #Innovation #DeltaClimeVT #ClimateAction #EnergyEfficiency #NetZero

🚀 Spotlight on Innovent Technologies! Today, Paul Butler and Mark Michalski from FORGE had the opportunity to tour Innovent Technologies, a leader in complex contract manufacturing with over 30 years of excellence in the semiconductor capital equipment market and related industries. ⚙️ Innovent’s integrated operations and expertise in cleanroom manufacturing make them a go-to partner for companies looking to streamline production, reduce risk, and deliver high-quality results. From precision CNC machining and specialized welding to full system assembly and cleanroom packaging, Innovent delivers solutions that meet the most demanding project requirements. 🌟 What stood out during the tour? Innovent’s seamless manufacturing, assembly, and testing integration under one roof. Their ability to combine precision fabrication, electromechanical assembly, and cleanroom services creates a competitive edge for their customers. Their capabilities include: ⚙️ Precision Machining for contamination-sensitive products 🔥 Specialized Welding for gas lines, gas panels, and vacuum process chambers 🔩 Systems Manufacturing for complex sub-systems and full-system applications FORGE is proud to connect with industry leaders like Innovent Technologies, who set the standard for innovation and reliability in manufacturing. Thank you to Tom MacDerment and Annemarie Menelli of the Innovent team for an inspiring tour and showcasing what’s possible with clean manufacturing! #FORGEImpact #InnovationInManufacturing #CleanroomManufacturing #PrecisionEngineering #ContractManufacturing

We're thrilled to announce the continued growth of our Accelerator and Incubator Directory, a central resource for the #Boston and #NewEngland #startup community! Here are some of the latest additions: 🌟 Dirigo Labs Empowering startups with a 10-12 week accelerator, incubator for ideation-stage founders, and financial modeling support—all while focusing on rural innovation. 💡 Ensemblex A co-founder and funder of next-gen fintech startups, led by seasoned fintech leaders. 🚀 EO Accelerator Boston A 3-year journey designed to grow businesses from $250K to $1M+ in revenue, with training, mentorship, and a supportive culture. 🔧 FORGE Helping physical product innovators move from prototype to commercialization with manufacturing education and supplier connections. 🌱 Growgistics Incubator Focusing on AgTech solutions by addressing field challenges, developing IoT prototypes, and connecting with regenerative farming hubs. 🌍 The Massachusetts Founders Network Sustainability Challenge Run by Lever, connecting Massachusetts founders with resources, mentorship, and funding opportunities for sustainable ventures. ⚡Surge An on-demand accelerator providing early-stage startups with advice, tools, and channels to build fundable deals. 🏙️The Roux Institute at Northeastern University Founder Residency A year-long residency in Portland, ME, offering $25K in non-dilutive funding, mentorship, and support, with a focus on underrepresented founders. 🧬 C2I Accelerator Supporting life science entrepreneurs in Woburn, MA, with a collaborative community and resources to bring their ideas to life. Check them out—and submit your own accelerator or incubator—here: https://lnkd.in/eycRD7pM #StartupCommunity #AcceleratorPrograms #Incubators #Innovation

🚀 Attention Hardtech Startups! 🌟 Join us online Wednesday, December 4th, at 11 AM EST for an insightful session on leveraging Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) to transform your HR operations and save costs. Discover how PEOs can: ✅ Reduce HR administrative overhead ✅ Offer competitive benefits packages to attract and retain top talent ✅ Ensure compliance with best practices to safeguard your growing business We're thrilled to welcome Jenna DelVecchio from Insperity as our expert speaker. Jenna will provide real-world insights, share practical examples, and answer your questions about implementing PEO solutions tailored to your needs. 💡 Don't miss this opportunity to scale your startup more efficiently while empowering your team with better benefits! 📅 Reserve your spot today: https://bit.ly/3Y00SHO 🔗 Seats are limited—secure yours now! #Hardtech #Startups #PEOs #HRInnovation #FORGEImpact