FEATURED Lamont announces new organization supporting startup and manufacturing partnerships

BRISTOL – In a move to aid entrepreneurship in Connecticut businesses, Gov. Ned Lamont’s Office and partners announced the emergence of a new effort looking to support regional startups and industry as part of a press conference at Bristol manufacturer Novo Precision Wednesday.

CTNext is a quasi-public organization that works to support innovators and groundbreaking businesses throughout the state, said CTNext Executive Director  Onyeka “Ony” Obiocha. In connection with funding from the organization and the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund, the partnership is looking to bring the Massachusetts-found FORGE group to support area businesses.

“At FORGE, we believe in innovation. We believe that when it comes to solving the world’s toughest challenges, the manufacturing and manufactured products we help with are crucial,” said Laura Teicher, executive director of FORGE. “We believe in localizing the production of these products. It’s a powerful way to drive regional job creation, economic health and resiliency.”