FORGE

FORGE is a 501c3 nonprofit on a mission to help innovators navigate the journey from physical prototype through to commercialization and IMPACT at scale.

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Keeping great people is not just an HR issue. It is a growth issue.

For small and growing businesses, every role matters. When a strong employee leaves, the impact goes beyond an open seat. It can affect momentum, customer relationships, team morale, and the knowledge that helps a company move faster.

In the latest FORGE Tools of the Trade blog, our Iron Partner, Insperity, shares practical employee retention strategies that can help businesses build stronger teams and support long-term growth.

It is a practical read for leaders who are trying to build teams that stay, grow, and keep the business moving forward.

Read the full blog here:
https://t.co/nufyW7Pc1r

Follow FORGE for more practical tools and insights for startups, manufacturers, and the hardtech ecosystem.

#FORGEImpact #EmployeeRetention #BusinessGrowth #Manufacturing #Startups #Hardtech #Leadership #Insperity

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Congratulations to University of Massachusetts Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen on being named to the Boston Globe’s 2026 Tech Power Players list!

This is a well-deserved recognition of Chancellor Chen’s leadership in research, innovation, workforce development, and economic growth across Massachusetts.

Julie is also a valued member of the FORGE Board of Directors, and we are grateful for the perspective and commitment she brings to our work supporting startups, manufacturers, and the broader hardtech ecosystem.

Her leadership continues to strengthen connections among universities, industry, entrepreneurs, and the talent needed to build the region's future in technology and manufacturing.

Learn more about this recognition: https://t.co/YPWeqDmdKU

Follow FORGE to stay connected to the people, companies, and institutions helping strengthen the hardtech and manufacturing ecosystem.

#FORGEImpact #UMassLowell #TechPowerPlayers #Innovation #WorkforceDevelopment #Massachusetts #Hardtech #EconomicDevelopment

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Advanced Manufacturing in Action at CCAT

FORGE was pleased to collaborate with the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (@CCATInc ) to host emerging hardtech companies, manufacturers, and industry leaders for a tour and networking event at CCAT’s Advanced Technology Center in East Hartford.

A big thank you to Amy Thompson and Eileen Candels for such an informative presentation on the many ways CCAT supports manufacturers and emerging hardtech companies across Connecticut, from technical programs and regional collaboration to workforce education and training.

Thank you as well to the entire CCAT team for the facility tour and for showcasing the advanced technologies on display. It was a great look at the capabilities helping drive manufacturing innovation across Connecticut and beyond.

FORGE was well represented by Laura Teicher, Adam Rodrigues, Trinell Ball, and Scott Longley, who joined the event in support of Connecticut’s growing hardtech and manufacturing ecosystem.

We were also pleased to award Blue Elm Scientific with a FORGE Product Development Grant to support their work on the Patient Controlled Drug Dispenser and Deactivator alongside their Connecticut-based manufacturing partner, Synectic. Congratulations to both teams.

Want to learn more about what CCAT offers? Visit https://t.co/GcrzU6nk6n to explore their programs.

And if you are a founder navigating manufacturing challenges, FORGE is here to help. Visit https://t.co/GNcD4b3dI5 to sign up for a Product Development Session and subscribe to the FORGE newsletter.

FORGE is proud to collaborate with CCAT in support of Connecticut’s hardtech innovation and manufacturing ecosystem.

#Hardtech #AdvancedManufacturing #Connecticut #Manufacturing #Innovation #CCAT #FORGE

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Don't Miss This Week's CCAT Tour

This Thursday, join FORGE and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) for an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at one of Connecticut's premier advanced manufacturing facilities.

The CCAT Advanced Technology Center in East Hartford provides startups, manufacturers, and innovators with access to advanced technologies that help bring products from concept to commercialization. During the tour, attendees will explore additive manufacturing, precision machining, automation, and other capabilities that are strengthening Connecticut's manufacturing ecosystem.

This is a great opportunity to learn about available resources, make valuable connections, and see firsthand how advanced manufacturing technologies are helping companies innovate and grow.

📅 Thursday, June 25, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
📍 CCAT Advanced Technology Center, East Hartford, CT

Registration is required and space is limited.

👉 Register here: https://t.co/Qx7Ybs14he

Follow FORGE for more events, resources, and connections that help hardtech startups and manufacturers grow.

#FORGEImpact #CCAT #AdvancedManufacturing #ConnecticutManufacturing #HardTech #ProductDevelopment #ManufacturingInnovation #ConnecticutInnovation

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

A Major Milestone for Phoenix Tailings and American Manufacturing

Congratulations to the Phoenix Tailings team on a major milestone.

Phoenix Tailings announced a $1B+ initiative focused on rebuilding America’s rare earth industrial base, expanding operations in New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and deploying the new Freedom Facility.

That is a big moment for Phoenix Tailings, and a big moment for American manufacturing.

FORGE had the opportunity to work with Phoenix Tailings early in their journey, as they moved from a backyard prototype toward pilot production and began building the manufacturing path needed to scale.

Seeing that early hardtech startup work grow into a mission focused on critical metals, supply chain resilience, national security, and industrial capacity is exactly why this ecosystem matters.

Rare earths and critical minerals are essential to so many of the technologies shaping the future, from clean energy and robotics to aerospace, defense, and advanced manufacturing. Phoenix Tailings’ work is a powerful example of what can happen when bold technology, manufacturing execution, and long-term supply chain needs come together.

Congratulations to the entire Phoenix Tailings team. FORGE is proud to have been part of the early ecosystem around your growth, and we are excited to see what comes next.

Read more about the announcement here:
https://t.co/pY2octFLMV

If you are building a hardtech company and working through the challenges of manufacturing, supply chain, or scale-up, connect with FORGE to learn how we can help.

#Hardtech #AdvancedManufacturing #CriticalMinerals #RareEarths #SupplyChain #AmericanManufacturing #StartupSuccess

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Celebrating Robotics in Massachusetts

FORGE was glad to be at Boston Dynamics today for Celebrating Robotics in Massachusetts, hosted by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative.

The event was a good reminder of how much strength Massachusetts has across robotics: talent, industry, public-sector leadership, and the organizations helping companies move from development to deployment.

Today’s announcement of nearly $2 million through the Massachusetts Robotic Digital Twin Initiative is a meaningful investment in that work. Better access to digital twin tools can help robotics teams test faster, lower risk, and get closer to real-world use.

Congratulations to SAMIS AI, Robot on Rails, BlueFusion Inc., Northeastern University, Boston Dynamics, and Luminous Robotics.

Thank you to Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley for his remarks in support of robotics investments in Massachusetts, “With these investments, teams can further test and refine technologies, accelerating innovation and advancing Massachusetts’ leadership in the robotics field.”

Also thank you to Patrick Larkin, Sharron Wall, MBA, Boston Dynamics, MassRobotics, and everyone who helped bring today’s event together.

Read more here: https://t.co/vVtl5D0vpv

Laura Teicher and Mark Michalski attended on behalf of the FORGE team. It was great to see and connect with friends from the Massachusetts Strategic Hub for Innovation, Exchange and Leadership in Defense (SHIELD), the State of Robotics Focus group, and lots more from the ecosystem! Tom Ryden, John Wetzel, Joyce Sidopoulos, Lily Fitzgerald, Colleen Cronin Anderson

Follow FORGE to stay connected to the companies, programs, and ecosystem work helping turn robotics innovation into real-world impact.

#Robotics #Hardtech #Manufacturing #Massachusetts #Innovation #DigitalTwin #FORGEImpact

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Step Inside Connecticut’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem

What does it take to move a hardtech product from concept to reality?

Join FORGE and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (@CCATInc ) for an exclusive tour of the Advanced Technology Center in East Hartford and see firsthand how advanced manufacturing technologies are helping companies accelerate product development, prototyping, and commercialization.

During this event, you'll explore additive manufacturing, precision machining, automation technologies, and other capabilities that support innovation across Connecticut's manufacturing ecosystem. You'll also learn about CCAT's programs and resources while connecting with fellow startups, manufacturers, suppliers, and ecosystem partners.

Whether you're developing a new product, seeking manufacturing resources, or looking to expand your network within Connecticut's innovation community, this is a great opportunity to make valuable connections and discover new capabilities.

📅 June 25, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 CCAT Advanced Technology Center, East Hartford, CT

Space is limited, and registration is required.

Join us and see what Connecticut's advanced manufacturing ecosystem has to offer.

👉 Register today: https://t.co/oCBA2HYjsC

Follow FORGE for more opportunities to connect with the people, resources, and expertise that help physical product companies succeed.

#FORGEImpact #Connecticut #AdvancedManufacturing #HardTech #Manufacturing #Innovation #Startups #CCAT #ConnecticutInnovation

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Many entrepreneurs focus on building from the ground up. But what if the fastest path to growth is through acquisition?

Our friends at The Center for Inclusive Growth are launching Evergreen New Haven, a new program designed to help aspiring business owners and operators learn how to acquire and grow existing businesses.

Participants will gain practical, hands-on knowledge in:
▶️ Business acquisition fundamentals
▶️ Deal sourcing and due diligence
▶️ Financing and acquisition structuring
▶️ Community wealth-building strategies
▶️ Operating and growing acquired businesses

This inaugural cohort is geared toward entrepreneurs interested in exploring entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA), an often overlooked path to business ownership and growth.

📅 Application Deadline: June 30
📢 Applicant Notifications: July 10

Learn more and apply:
https://t.co/gcilWn89mr

#FORGEImpact #Entrepreneurship #BusinessAcquisition #StartupEcosystem #SmallBusiness #EconomicDevelopment #NewHaven

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

From Startup to Scale: Real Lessons from Hardtech Leaders

One of the highlights of the FORGE Spring Startup Showcase was the panel conversation led by FORGE President and Executive Director Laura Teicher on what it really takes for hardtech startups to move from startup to scale.

The discussion brought together David Lu of Laminar, Suchit Jain of Dassault Systèmes, John Hughes of CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), and Jack Sousa of Wiggin and Dana LLP for a practical conversation on customers, people, cash, partners, contracts, supply chains, and the real work it takes to build a company that can grow.

“Begin with one value add and do that really well with your customers. Then you have the trust and the opportunity to expand.”
David Lu, Co-Founder and CTO, Laminar

“The network you have is very important. Lean on FORGE, lean on SolidWorks, lean on your suppliers in those early days.”
Suchit Jain, VP of Strategy & Business Development, Dassault Systèmes

“Cash flow isn’t a metric that you look at after the fact. Cash flow is something to be actively managed.”
John Hughes, Principal, CLA

“Anything that you think might be hard now gets harder and worse later.”
Jack Sousa, Partner, Wiggin and Dana

We also appreciated the closing remarks from C.A. Webb, who captured so much of why this community matters: “There’s nothing more fun than hanging out with people that make real things that you can touch and use, that solve real problems and make your life better.”

Her remarks were a fitting close to the evening and a reminder of why 10 Prospect Street in Union Square was such a great setting for the Showcase, surrounded by a growing ecosystem of hardtech, climate tech, physical AI, biotech, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and community.

Thank you to David, Suchit, John, and Jack for sharing your time, experience, and honest advice. Thank you to Laura for leading such a strong conversation, and thank you to C.A. Webb and the USQ team for helping welcome us into such a great space.

These are the kinds of conversations, connections, and places that help hardtech companies build, grow, and scale.

Want to be part of the next conversation? Follow FORGE and stay connected with our growing hardtech and manufacturing community.

#FORGEImpact #HardTech #Manufacturing #Startup #Innovation #SupplyChain #Entrepreneurship

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Big ideas can start early. The challenge is helping young inventors find a real path from invention to impact.

FORGE is proud to partner with the University of New Haven and NextMinds on Connecticut Invents, a new program designed to help K–12 student inventors develop promising ideas into viable products and businesses.

Through the program, selected students will receive tuition-free undergraduate education, startup support, and guidance to help move their inventions toward commercialization.

FORGE will support the product development and manufacturing side of that journey, helping student innovators better understand what it takes to turn a prototype into something that can be built, scaled, and brought to market.

Thank you to Paul S. Lavoie, vice president of innovation and applied technology at the University of New Haven, and Nick Briere (Nick B.), CEO of NextMinds, for their leadership in helping build this pathway for student inventors.

Read more about Connecticut Invents:
https://t.co/pia8Ek8pQl

#FORGEImpact #HardTech #Innovation #StudentInventors #Manufacturing #ProductDevelopment #Connecticut

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

🚀 Just 2 Days Until the 2026 FORGE Spring Startup Showcase!

We're looking forward to bringing together startups, manufacturers, suppliers, investors, and ecosystem partners this Wednesday in Somerville for an afternoon of networking, conversation, and live technology demonstrations.

The Showcase is a chance to meet the founders behind innovative physical products, see what they're building, and connect with the people and organizations that help move those products from prototype to production.

We'll also be hosting a panel discussion:
Scaling a Hardtech Startup: Building the Foundations for Growth

Moderated by FORGE President and Executive Director Laura Teicher, the panel will explore what it takes to prepare a company for growth, with perspectives from startup, product development, finance, and legal leaders.

Panelists include:
• Jon L. Hughes, CPA, Principal, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen)
• Suchit Jain, VP of Strategy & Business Development, Dassault Systèmes
• David Lu, Co-Founder & CTO, Laminar (Formerly H2Ok Innovations)
• Jack Sousa, Partner, Wiggin and Dana LLP

Whether you're building a company, supporting founders, or simply interested in the hardtech ecosystem, we'd love to see you there.

📍 10 Prospect Street, Somerville, MA
📅 June 10, 2026
⏲️ 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Register today:
https://t.co/5iWHWuB2IL

Join us to meet the people building the next generation of hardtech products and the network helping them scale.

#FORGEImpact #Hardtech #Manufacturing #Startups #Innovation #Hardware #SupplyChain #ProductDevelopment

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

📢 One Week Until the 2026 FORGE Spring Startup Showcase

Join us on June 10 in Somerville's Union Square for an afternoon and evening of live technology demonstrations, startup exhibits, networking, and conversations focused on bringing physical products to market.

The showcase will feature innovative startups from across the FORGE network exhibiting their technologies alongside members of the FORGE supplier and manufacturing network who help turn great ideas into scalable products.

We're also excited that a number of FORGE network partners will be joining us to connect with startups and attendees, including: Wiggin and Dana LLP, Wolf Greenfield, Alternative Manufacturing, Inc., Burt Process Equipment, Inc., Cambridge Polymer Group, Cofab Design, Kalow Technologies, LLC., PMR - Plastics Manufacturing Resources, Dassault Systèmes, Insperity, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), and Product Resources.

Whether you're a founder looking for resources, a manufacturer seeking new opportunities, an investor exploring emerging technologies, or an ecosystem partner interested in supporting innovation, this event is designed to create meaningful connections.
📍 10 Prospect Street, Somerville, MA
📅 June 10, 2026
⏲️ 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Register today: https://t.co/5iWHWuBAyj

Follow FORGE for more opportunities to connect with startups, manufacturers, and the organizations helping bring innovative products to market.

#FORGEImpact #Hardtech #Manufacturing #Startups #Innovation #Hardware #SupplyChain #ProductDevelopment

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Step Inside Connecticut’s Advanced Manufacturing Ecosystem

What does it take to move a hardtech product from concept to reality?

Join FORGE and the Connecticut Center for Advanced Technology (CCAT) for an exclusive tour of the Advanced Technology Center in East Hartford and see firsthand how advanced manufacturing technologies are helping companies accelerate product development, prototyping, and commercialization.

During this event, you'll explore additive manufacturing, precision machining, automation technologies, and other capabilities that support innovation across Connecticut's manufacturing ecosystem. You'll also learn about CCAT's programs and resources while connecting with fellow startups, manufacturers, suppliers, and ecosystem partners.

Whether you're developing a new product, looking for manufacturing resources, or interested in expanding your network within Connecticut's innovation community, this is a great opportunity to make valuable connections and discover new capabilities.

📅 June 25, 2026
🕙 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
📍 CCAT Advanced Technology Center, East Hartford, CT

Space is limited and registration is required.

Join us and see what Connecticut's advanced manufacturing ecosystem has to offer.

👉 Register today: https://t.co/Qx7Ybs14he

Follow FORGE for more opportunities to connect with the people, resources, and expertise that help physical product companies succeed.

#FORGEImpact #Connecticut #AdvancedManufacturing #HardTech #Manufacturing #Innovation #Startups #CCAT #ConnecticutInnovation

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

🚀 Hardtech Innovation in Action at CT Tech Week

What a fantastic afternoon at CoCreate by GE Appliances, a Haier company in Stamford!

FORGE was excited to host our first-ever pop-up office hours as part of CT Tech Week, bringing together physical product founders and hardtech innovators for one-on-one conversations with experts from the FORGE manufacturing and supply chain network.

A special thank you to our FORGE network experts from Big Bang, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen), and Samtec Inc for sharing their time, experience, and practical guidance with the founders in the room. These are exactly the kinds of connections that help innovative products move from concept to commercialization.

We also want to thank the CoCreate and GE Appliances team for opening the doors to this incredible facility and providing attendees with a behind-the-scenes look at the FirstBuild makerspace and CoFab microfactory. It was an outstanding opportunity to see innovation, prototyping, and manufacturing collaboration in action.

Finally, thank you to the team at CT Tech Week and Realist Lab for creating a week that brings together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and ecosystem partners from across Connecticut. FORGE is proud to be part of the growing hardtech community that is helping build the future.

Interested in bringing a physical product to market? Follow FORGE to learn about upcoming events, expert resources, manufacturing connections, and opportunities to accelerate your journey from prototype to production.

#FORGEImpact #CTTechWeek #HardTech #Innovation #Manufacturing #StartupEcosystem #ProductDevelopment #HardwareStartup #ConnecticutInnovation

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

“The future of robotics is going to require much more than great demos.”

That was one of the big takeaways from this week’s FORGE panel, “The Demo Is Not the Product: What Robotics Companies Learn Too Late,” moderated by FORGE Manufacturing Engineering in Residence Mark Michalski during Robotics Tech Week Boston.

The discussion focused on the difficult transition from impressive prototype to real-world product. Panelists shared honest perspectives on manufacturability, reliability, deployment challenges, customer expectations, and what it actually takes to scale robotics companies successfully.

A few lines from the discussion that really stood out:
“You don’t want to be selling specs and features. You want to be selling value.” — Ulysses Gilchrist
“Think more about the service you are selling. A service that happens to include robotics, not a robot that is doing a cool thing.” — Raagini Rameshwar, Ph.D
“Get to know the customer better. It never fails.” — Kristen Craft
“It’s not just about technical performance. It’s about whether you can actually use the system successfully in the field.” — Ryan Knopf

Huge thank you to Kristen Craft, Dr. Raagini Rameshwar, Ulysses Gilchrist, and Ryan Knopf for such a thoughtful discussion.

Thank you as well to Pedro Arce and the M&T Bank team for hosting us at their Boston offices, Fidelity Private Shares, @roboticstechwk Boston, and everyone who joined us for the event and networking afterward.

FORGE will continue to create conversations like this that help bridge the gap among innovation, manufacturing, and commercialization. Follow FORGE for more events, insights, and discussions focused on building successful hardtech companies.

#FORGEImpact #Robotics #AI #Manufacturing #Automation #HardTech #BostonTechWeek #RoboticsTechWeek

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

🚀 The May 2026 FORGE Newsletter is now live!

This month’s edition highlights the latest across the FORGE network, including upcoming events, startup and supplier updates, ecosystem opportunities, and new resources designed to help physical product companies move from prototype to production.

Inside you’ll find:
🔹 Updates from across the hardtech and manufacturing ecosystem
🔹 Upcoming FORGE workshops, showcases, and networking events
🔹 Startup and supplier spotlights
🔹 Funding, partnership, and growth opportunities
🔹 Insights focused on manufacturing readiness and scaling

Whether you're a startup founder, manufacturer, supplier, investor, or ecosystem partner, there’s something worth checking out.

📩 Read the newsletter here: https://t.co/ux3bhYBKXX

And if you haven’t already, make sure to follow FORGE to stay connected with the growing hardtech innovation and manufacturing community.

#FORGEImpact #Hardtech #Manufacturing #Startups #Innovation #SupplyChain #ProductDevelopment #AdvancedManufacturing

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Hardtech Innovation. Live Prototypes. Real Manufacturing Connections.

The 2026 FORGE Spring Startup Showcase is happening next week, and the room is filling up fast.

Join us on June 10 in Union Square, Somerville, for an evening focused on the people and companies building physical products and bringing new technologies to market.

You’ll meet startups showcasing live prototypes, manufacturers exploring new partnerships, investors looking at emerging technologies, and ecosystem leaders helping hardtech companies scale successfully.

📍 10 Prospect Street, Somerville, MA
📅 June 10, 2026
🕒 3:00 PM – 7:00 PM

Featured startups currently include:
🔹 KIRA Systems Inc.
🔹 Diel Technologies
🔹 AllStrum
🔹 Spear the Air
🔹 ThermoBionics
🔹 Dialysis-X, Inc
🔹 Allkemie
🔹 Latimer Technologies
🔹 Comprehension Clicker
🔹 Play Smart Early Learning Program
🔹 Bootbox Labs
🔹 Laminar (Formerly H2Ok Innovations)
🔹 CADSPARC

Event Schedule:
🛠️ 3:00 – 5:30 PM | Startup Exhibition
🎤 5:30 – 6:15 PM | Speaking Program
🤝 6:15 – 7:00 PM | Networking + Wrap-Up

If you're working in hardtech, manufacturing, robotics, climatech, medtech, or physical product innovation, this is a great opportunity to connect with the ecosystem in one room.

Register here: https://t.co/5iWHWuBAyj

Follow FORGE for more startup showcases, manufacturing insights, and ecosystem events.

#FORGEImpact #Hardtech #Manufacturing #Startups #Hardware #Innovation

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Sustainable Innovation and Big Ideas at @UMassLowell

FORGE Manufacturing Expert in Residence Mark Michalski was glad to serve as a judge at the 2026 Sustainable Innovation Showcase and Challenge at the University of Massachusetts Lowell alongside Barbara Russell, Co-Founder-CapW Global and Adjunct Professor at UMass Lowell, and Benedikt Reynolds, Program Manager at Massachusetts Clean Energy Center.

Hosted by the Rist Institute for Sustainability & Energy, the event brought together students, researchers, startups, and innovators working on real sustainability and climate challenges.

The poster sessions and pitch presentations were impressive across the board, with a lot of strong ideas, thoughtful research, and practical approaches to solving real problems.

Congratulations to the winners:
• Plastos x Keevah (Student Award)
• Cellulose Foam (Faculty Award)
• Stewardship (Poster Award)

Thank you to everyone who presented during the poster sessions and pitch competition. The amount of work, creativity, and passion that went into the projects was clear throughout the evening.

Thank you to Anne Maglia, Ph.D., Vice Chancellor for Research and Economic Development at UMass Lowell, for the opening remarks and for supporting sustainability and innovation efforts across the university.

A big thank you as well to Tionge Nakazwe and her team for organizing such a great event and keeping everything running smoothly throughout the evening.

FORGE is proud to support the next generation of hardtech and sustainability innovators.

Follow FORGE to stay connected to the growing innovation and manufacturing ecosystem.

#FORGEImpact #ClimateTech #Sustainability #Innovation #Manufacturing #UMassLowell

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Hard-tech founders, hardware startups, and innovators, this looks like a great Boston Tech Week event.

The SOLIDWORKS for Startups program and the 3DEXPERIENCE Lab are hosting a Hard-Tech Mixer on Friday, May 29 from 6:00–9:00 PM at Lamplighter Brewing Co. in Cambridge.

The evening will bring together founders, innovators, and industry leaders from the local and global startup ecosystems for networking, refreshments, and conversations with others building in the startup and hardware space.

You’ll also hear from Suchit Jain, SOLIDWORKS VP of Strategy & Business Development, and Abhishek Bali, Director of Mainstream Innovation for the SOLIDWORKS Startup Global Ecosystem and 3DEXPERIENCE Lab.

📍 Lamplighter Brewing | 110 N First St, Cambridge
⏰ Friday, May 29 | 6:00–9:00 PM

Register Here: https://t.co/qBZtTJqJkT

Follow FORGE for more events, resources, and opportunities supporting startups building physical products and manufacturing-ready technologies.

#FORGEImpact #HardTech #HardwareStartups #BostonTechWeek #Startups #Innovation #SOLIDWORKS #3DEXPERIENCELab

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Building Stronger Startup Ecosystems Across New England

FORGE was proud to be part of an important conversation at Startup Maine focused on how startup ecosystems across New England can collaborate more effectively rather than operate in isolated pockets.

FORGE Manufacturing Expert in Residence Mark Michalski moderated a panel featuring Stephanie Roulic of Startup Boston, Marie Rocha of Realist Lab, and Zachary Dutton of Auxilium.

The discussion explored where regional collaboration is already working, where fragmentation still exists, and what it will take to create stronger connections between founders, investors, manufacturers, universities, and support organizations across state lines.

A major theme throughout the discussion was that startup ecosystems become stronger when founders can more easily find the right people, resources, and communities to support the stage they are in.

Stephanie spoke about the importance of helping founders navigate ecosystems that can often feel overwhelming:
“You want to just find your community for the time you’re in now, then eventually graduate, and you'll find a new community that fits your growth as an operator or founder.”

The conversation also focused heavily on the tension between collaboration and competition inside startup ecosystems.

Marie challenged organizations to think differently about how they work together and stay focused on the people they are supposed to serve:
“When I meet funders, they actually want us to collaborate… if we each stay in our zone, we could probably deliver more for everyone.”

Zach Dutton added that some of the strongest ecosystem growth happens when organizations are willing to share ideas, learn from one another, and build intentionally instead of competing for the same space:
“Stephanie came out to our office early on… Startup Rhode Island shared how they did things… and the end result was we started Startup Worcester Week.”

One of the clearest takeaways from the panel was that stronger ecosystems are not built by a single organization. They are built through relationships, referrals, shared expertise, and people willing to collaborate across regions to help founders succeed.

Big thanks to Startup Maine for bringing together such a strong group of ecosystem builders, founders, and operators, and special thanks to Sarah Smith and the entire Startup Maine team for the hospitality and support throughout the event.

Follow FORGE for more conversations and resources supporting hardtech and physical product innovation across New England.

#FORGEImpact #StartupMaine #Innovation #Hardtech #StartupEcosystem #Entrepreneurship