FORGE Connecticut
Thanks to support from the Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund, FORGE is deploying non-dilutive Product Development Grants in the range of $30k – $100k to award to Connecticut-based companies this fiscal year. Subscribe to the FORGE newsletter to find out when applications open for the next tranche of grants or learn more below.
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
To see a full list of FORGE partners, click here:
FORGE Connecticut Ecosystem Collaborators
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.
Connecticut Feature
What regional companies are saying
“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
“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
FORGE Product Development Grants for Connecticut-based hardtech startups
Innovative physical product companies face significant challenges in reaching the pilot or scaled production stage, even when they have robust prototypes, manufacturing readiness knowledge from FORGE, and a drive to work with local manufacturers and supply chains. A key challenge: gaps in available capital to support advancement across build stages.
Through support from the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF), FORGE is deploying non-dilutive Product Development Grants of up to $100k to bridge the funding gap for promising Connecticut-based, emerging hardtech companies. This funding is for use to advance or scale production of innovative products, working with Connecticut-based contract manufacturers and suppliers.
Product Development Grants are non-dilutive and address product-specific scaling or market entry challenges. Our grants support the growth of innovative companies solving some of the toughest problems and position those companies to reach challenging but essential milestones on the route to achieving next-stage traction. Our ultimate goal is to drive innovation success rates, create new opportunities to engage with innovation for Connecticut suppliers, and increase advanced product development in-state. We believe if you can invent it here, you should be empowered to make it here!
Read about examples of past FORGE Product Development Grant awards in our Success Stories.
Subscribe to our newsletter to be the first to know when applications open for the next tranche of Product Development Grants.
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.
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