FORGE 2025 Fall Startup Showcase Event Recap
Nov. 6, 2025 – Fall is one of our favorite seasons at FORGE because it means it’s time for another annual Fall Startup Showcase. This year, as always, we got to show off the most amazing physical products made by regional startups and innovative companies.
More than 150 innovators, local suppliers and manufacturers, investors, and innovation ecosystem collaborators filled the Dassault Systèmes North America HQ in Waltham, MA for the Showcase. Thank you to Dassault Systèmes for hosting!
After a VIP networking hour, attendees enjoyed appetizers and drinks while checking out the FORGE partner displays and tabletop demos from the startups. In addition to interest from investors and collaborators, many products drew attention from potential end users.
Zoe Watson, co-founder of Microvitality, which has developed novel capsule that provides precise, non-invasive, and uncontaminated sampling of the small intestine, said, “Every time we demo, at least a few people who have SIBO [small intestine bacterial overgrowth] or other gut health issues come up to tell me they wish my product was already on the market. Really validating – there’s definitely a need.”
2025 Fall Startup Showcase startups
Demoing startups included:
- Aquatic Labs, merging revolutionary sensing techniques with scalable manufacturing to deliver actionable high-quality data.
- Decarb Energy Partners, transforming waste into carbon-negative, American-made biofuels.
- Hy Music, whose Magic Dot Knob Module enhances the UX of electronic musical instruments and pro audio systems.
- Kykloris, converting seafood shell waste into high-purity, high-performance chitosan using a proprietary process that enables next-generation applications.
- Lase-X, applying its advanced laser processing technology to manufacturing workflows.
- Lucciola Technologies, Inc, pioneering a new era in industrial photochemistry with its Luchik Photoreactors.
- Microvitality, making significant contributions to the development of life-saving therapeutics, gut health diagnostics, and microbiome research.
- Mirabelle Medical, producing a gentle device that helps you check your breasts between mammograms.
- Nagle Energy Solutions, developing and distributing an innovative automation control system (ACS) for commercial properties, increasing operational efficiencies and reducing energy consumption.
- Noble Carbon, which has redesigned the century-old circuit breaker to make it smarter, faster, and controllable.
- nucleusRx, developing virtual care tools to personalize therapy, leading to improved patient adherence and better quality-of-life.
- Zinco Verde, producing high-quality metal oxides and custom compounds using a green chemistry process.
- ZipperBuddy, working to make life easier for individuals with mobility differences by transforming traditional zippers into one-handed, accessible closures.
FORGE partners
FORGE partners also displayed their services and materials at the event, connecting with innovators and the manufacturing community. Thank you to all our sponsors for making the showcase possible!
SOLIDWORKS for Startups, hardtech support award and fast pitches
FORGE Program Director David Thompson opened the speaking section of the event, welcoming the attendees and introducing FORGE President and Executive Director Laura Teicher.
“It is possible to beat the hardtech odds with the right connections, expertise, and support,” Teicher said. “At FORGE, we help bring hardtech innovation to life through product and manufacturing-focused support and interventions. These innovators are why we are all here together tonight.”
Dassault Systèmes SOLIDWORKS for Startups Program Manager Rollin Willis introduced the SOLIDWORKS for Startups program and said he was excited Dassault Systèmes could host another FORGE Startup Showcase, since both organizations value innovation and innovators.
FORGE Vice President Adam Rodrigues presented the FORGE Prototype to Impact award to Samtec Senior Market Development Manager Mark Tabor to highlight the company’s outstanding contributions to the startup ecosystem and continued support of hardtech innovation.
Rodrigues said, “It takes a partner who sees potential, embraces ambition, and supports a founder even when all they have is an idea, grit, and a prototype held together with hope and duct tape.”
Tabor said, “The connections FORGE has made for us have been very valuable to Samtec.”
Next, innovators from each demonstrating startup gave a one-minute overview of their products, from medical devices for diagnosing rare illnesses to revolutionary new chemical processes.
Kevin Gallagher of Decarb Energy Partners said, “It’s an honor to be here tonight. We’re grateful for FORGE, not just for [inviting us to demo], but for the support and opportunities they’ve given us to help us grow.”
Thank you again to our partners, ecosystem collaborators, and innovators! It’s an honor to showcase such a range of exciting, locally developed physical products every fall and spring.If you’re a startup, manufacturer, innovation ecosystem organization or potential sponsor interested in learning more about or getting involved with FORGE, contact us today.
