Massachusetts
Pioneer Valley
FORGE helps innovators navigate the journey from physical prototype through to commercialization and impact at scale. We provide manufacturing-focused support, training, and right-fit introductions to regional suppliers and manufacturers.
Why Western Massachusetts?
Research and Development: Massachusetts is one of the top states for R&D investment, with the second-highest R&D spending in the country. Massachusetts businesses are investing in innovative products. FORGE can connect innovators to a strong, advanced regional supply chain network. Our Springfield location brings innovative companies and manufacturers together in one of the state’s greatest manufacturing hubs.
Advanced Manufacturing: In 1819, Pioneer Valley had the first manufacturing assembly line in the world, and the region has continued to be a home for manufacturing and engineering innovation. With a manufacturing workforce of over 250,000, Massachusetts employs twice the national rate of computer and electronics manufacturing workers. In the Springfield area, you’ll find outstanding makers of fabricated metals, chemicals, plastics, and much more – just what startups with physical products need.
The FORGE Massachusetts program is supported by funding and collaboration from our partner organizations
FORGE’s committed partners help us support a self-fueling innovation ecosystem and give forward-thinking startups the tools they need to succeed, from education and training to connections to local supply chains across the Bay State.
FORGE Massachusetts 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.
Hear from Western MA Innovative Companies
“FORGE has been great. They connected me to many different manufacturing design companies, it was those connections that helped us establish the HOW behind the device. This process easily could have taken 3x-4x longer without FORGE.”
— Connor MacFarlane, Founder & CEO
“We have worked with FORGE over the last 5 years to identify, vet, and connect manufacturing and supply chain partners that we continue to work with today. The manufacturing resources in MA are significant, but an organization like FORGE is imperative to connect companies like Aclarity and the existing resources.“
— Julie Bliss Mullen, CEO
“FORGE provided tremendous support in various aspects such as awarding Elateq with FORGE Development Grant and providing continuous support through an introduction to manufacturers and organizations providing the manufacturing support.“
— Ljiljiana Rajic, CSO and 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 Pioneer Valley Office at Springfield Technology Park
Springfield is home to a key cluster of suppliers in Massachusetts. Our Pioneer Valley office serves as a springboard for engaging with suppliers there and throughout Western Massachusetts.
One Federal St., Springfield, MA 01105
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