FORGE Blog

FORGE 2023 Impact Report

FORGE 2023 Impact Report

Thank you for being part of the FORGE community! Our network is central to our success — and in 2023, your support enabled us to do some amazing things.  We expanded to Connecticut, launched our pilot Innovation Advisor program, and awarded 16 product development grants. We helped 242 innovative companies on their journey to manufacturing…

2022 Impact Report

2022 Impact Report

Last year, with your help, we served over 300 innovative companies with manufacturing strategies and connections, launched our new Manufacturing Readiness Workshop Series, and distributed non-dilutive product development funding to our startups, and more. In 2022 alone, the FORGE team made 489 curated connections between innovators and local suppliers. Within the network, we saw supply chain companies and manufacturers redouble…

Manufacturer Perspectives: Why You Should Work With Innovators

Manufacturer Perspectives: Why You Should Work With Innovators

Startups and manufacturers are drivers of the local economy, and when they collaborate they can accelerate bringing leading-edge technologies to market together, with talent attraction and business growth benefits for the suppliers. However, there are barriers of perception and of lack of supporting tools that can prevent these fruitful collaborations. Startups often assume they must…

Startup Perspectives: Why You Should Manufacture Locally

Startup Perspectives: Why You Should Manufacture Locally

At FORGE, we believe in the value of supporting innovation, stimulating the local economy, and connecting the vast networks of creators and manufacturers in Massachusetts and New England. The state of Massachusetts itself, where FORGE maintains its offices, has the largest concentration of people employed in the innovation ecosystem in the country, with roughly 38%…

2020 Impact Report

2020 Impact Report

2020 has been strange and difficult. From supply chain disruptions, to new and added stressors on small business, this year has presented unique challenges for us all. And yet, we’ve seen our community of innovators and manufacturers rise to the challenge, adapting to a remote world, pivoting to help to fight COVID, and achieving impressive…

Massachusetts’ Unique Advantage for Recovery: Innovation & Manufacturing

Massachusetts’ Unique Advantage for Recovery: Innovation & Manufacturing

     Massachusetts is uniquely positioned for recovery from the pandemic, and growth – with both a first class innovation ecosystem and more than 7,000 manufacturers right here in the state. The innovation and manufacturing sectors here are key drivers of economic growth and activity. The value of the two sectors working together has been…

Innovating Through COVID-19: Why Localizing Your Supply Chain Is More Important than Ever

Innovating Through COVID-19: Why Localizing Your Supply Chain Is More Important than Ever

Key Benefits of Securing and Diversifying Your Supply Chain During COVID-19 Image courtesy of Treasury & Risk Global supply chains are being radically disrupted by COVID-19. Innovative companies are navigating these changes, and in some cases pivoting to help in the fight against coronavirus. Securing and diversifying supply chain and hardware-friendly funding is crucial for your…