FORGE Connecticut

FORGE helps innovators navigate the journey from physical prototype through to commercialization and impact at scale. We provide instruction, training, access to grants, and right-fit introductions to regional suppliers and manufacturers.

Why Connecticut?

Research and Development: Connecticut is in the top 10 states for R&D spending. Its businesses are investing in innovative products. FORGE can connect growing innovative companies to a strong, advanced regional supply chain network.

Advanced Manufacturing: Connecticut has robust manufacturing capabilities. There are more than 4,000 manufacturing companies in the state. More than 70 percent of its manufacturing jobs are advanced, the highest percentage in New England. The state has a decades-long history of manufacturers bringing products to market, from vulcanized rubber and friction matches, to sewing machines, lollipops, corkscrews, mechanical calculators and the submarine! With a robust ecosystem of manufacturers and suppliers, Connecticut has just what startups with physical products need to succeed.

The FORGE Connecticut program is supported by funding and collaboration from the following organizations

The CTNext logo
The Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development logo
The CONNSTEP logo
The Samtec logo
The Pearse Bertram Streamline logo
The Burt Process Equipment logo

FORGE fosters relationships with a blossoming ecosystem of organizations that work with startups and manufacturers. We’re always evolving our collaboration to keep pace with startups’ ever-changing needs.

FORGE Connecticut Ecosystem Collaborators

ABCT logo
The AdvanceCT logo
The Angel Investor Forum logo
The Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology logo
The CBIA logo
The UConn CCEI logo
Connecticut Technology Council logo
Climatehaven logo
The Emporium logo
The Entrepreneurship Foundation logo
HAYVN logo
The Makehaven logo
The MakerspaceCT logo
The ManufaCTure logo
The Naval Maritime Consortium logo
The New England Lean Consulting logo
Urise Ventures logo
Well4Tech logo

Connecticut Feature

What regional companies are saying

Icon: Floe®

“FORGE has been a critical partner as we scale our product for launch. We would not have hit many milestones without them! Building hardware is hard, but FORGE provides a catalyst to helping founders turn their products into a physical reality.“

— David Dellal, CEO

Icon: Foot Traffic Stats®

“FORGE was a great help to us in the early stages of our company. Their people and network are really helpful. We are excited to see them bring their magic to Connecticut.“

— Frank Kuchinski, co-founder

The FORGE Supply Chain Network

  • Zero costs – FORGE is a mission-driven 501(c)(3) nonprofit, so it costs nothing to join the network
  • Opportunity for new business – FORGE’s connections have resulted in more than $41M in known contracts
  • New business and workforce opportunities – FORGE helps manufacturers and suppliers get a jumpstart on future opportunities and markets, as well as attract an enterprising workforce by demonstrating their dedication to innovative technologies
  • Derisked connections – FORGE ensures our referrals are right-fit and ready for manufacturers and suppliers
  • Trusted resource – We have built trust with regional suppliers and innovative companies, making more than 2,500 connections between innovators and manufacturers
  • Networking made easy – Access to FORGE’s public events, which provide opportunities to strengthen your connections, credibility, and brand recognition
  • FORGE is your boots on the ground – We travel throughout the state to discover innovative opportunities. When an innovator requests a product or service, we make the introduction to the right company and they take it from there

FORGE’s Connecticut Office

FORGE’s office in New Haven, CT puts us at the center of Connecticut’s robust manufacturing ecosystem and rapidly growing innovation community.

770 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06510

Meet the Connecticut Program Team

Join the FORGE Team

FORGE is hiring. Please send your resume and cover letter to apply@forgeimpact.org. Your cover letter must address why you’re a good fit and why we would be psyched to have you join us, how you learned about the role, and the date you’re available to start.

Equal opportunity: We actively encourage candidates from broad, diverse backgrounds to apply. FORGE is an equal opportunity employer.

Connecticut Advisory Council

Upcoming
FORGE CT Events

We’re excited to offer a unique opportunity to support your hardware startup with 1:1 Office Hours with an IP law expert from Wolf Greenfield. Address your Read more

Latest
FORGE CT News

Nov. 21, 2024 – We spent the night with some of Connecticut’s brightest and most enterprising minds! FORGE teamed up with Innovation Nights to show Read more