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]

Building a physical product? Bring us your manufacturing challenge.

FORGE Pop-Up Office Hours is happening Monday, November 16 at CoCreate by GE Appliances, a Haier company in Stamford.

From 2:00 to 3:00 PM, sit down one-on-one with FORGE network experts and talk through whatever is slowing you down. Supplier questions, manufacturing challenges, design for production, sourcing, next steps.

Then from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, stay for a private tour of FirstBuild and the CoFab microfactory.

📅 Monday, November 16
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 CoCreate by GE Appliances, Stamford, CT
💲 Free to attend

Walk-ins are welcome, but if you know you’re coming, please register so we can plan for the group.

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

#FORGEImpact #Manufacturing #Hardtech #SupplyChain #StartupCT #CoCreate

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Building a startup? Let's talk dollars and sense!

Great products need more than great engineering. Having the right financial practices in place can make a big difference as your company grows.

On Thursday, November 19, FORGE is teaming up with our Iron Partner CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) for free, one-on-one Accounting & Tax Office Hours.

Whether you're looking to improve your monthly financial reporting, navigate grant reporting requirements, explore tax-saving opportunities, or just get a better handle on your startup's finances, CLA's experts are ready to help.

No presentations or lengthy seminars. Just practical, personalized conversations about the financial challenges your business is facing.

📅 November 19
🕚 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Greentown Labs, Somerville, MA or virtual
⏱️ Four free, 30-minute appointments available

And if you're joining us in person, lunch will be provided!

Space is limited, so reserve your spot today!

👉 Register here: https://t.co/ytMbf8gnqY

Follow FORGE for more opportunities to connect with experts who can help your startup grow.

#FORGEImpact #CLA #StartupFinance #TaxStrategy #Hardtech #Startups #Manufacturing

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Building an electronic product? Let's talk connections. The hardware kind!

The right connector or interconnect solution can make a big difference in your product's performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

On Wednesday, November 18, FORGE is teaming up with our partner Samtec (@SamtecInc ) for free, one-on-one office hours to help startups tackle their electronic interconnect challenges.

Whether you're working through a design issue, evaluating connector options, or getting ready to move toward production, this is a chance to talk directly with Samtec's technical experts and get some practical advice.

📅 November 18
🕚 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Greentown Labs, Somerville, MA or virtual
⏱️ Four free, 30-minute appointments available

Space is limited, so grab a spot while you can!

👉 Reserve your session: https://t.co/OtOA6ynFD8

Follow FORGE for more opportunities to connect with industry experts and get the help you need to move your product forward.

#FORGEImpact #Samtec #HardwareStartups #ElectronicsDesign #Manufacturing #Hardtech

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Building a physical product in Connecticut?

Sometimes the fastest way to get unstuck is to sit down with someone who has worked through the same kinds of manufacturing challenges before.

On Monday, November 16, FORGE is bringing free Pop-Up Office Hours to CoCreate by GE Appliances, a Haier company in Stamford.

From 2:00 to 3:00 PM, drop in for one-on-one conversations with FORGE network experts in manufacturing, supply chain, engineering, and more. Bring a question, a challenge, or just come talk through where you are in your product development journey.

Then, from 3:00 to 4:00 PM, stay for a behind-the-scenes tour of FirstBuild and the CoFab microfactory and see where small-batch advanced manufacturing happens.

No appointment needed. No cost to attend. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration helps us plan.

📍 CoCreate by GE Appliances, Stamford, CT
📅 Monday, November 16
⏰ 2:00–4:00 PM

Register here: https://t.co/5iaEkNS4M5

Follow FORGE for more opportunities to connect with the people and resources that can help move your physical product forward.

#FORGEImpact #Hardtech #Manufacturing #SupplyChain #Connecticut #StartupCT #CoCreate

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

What a day celebrating Massachusetts manufacturing! 🏭👏

FORGE joined manufacturers, innovators, policymakers, and industry partners at Gillette Stadium for the 2026 Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up.

One highlight was the 11th Annual Manufacturing Awards Ceremony, led by State Senator Paul Feeney and Representative Jeffrey Roy.

We were especially excited to see four manufacturers from the FORGE network recognized:
🏆 Empire Group (Attleboro), nominated by State Senator Paul Feeney
🏆 Peerless Precision, Inc. (Westfield), nominated by State Senator John Velis
🏆 REIGN Manufacturing (Springfield), nominated by State Representative Carlos Gonzalez
🏆 Cartamundi (East Longmeadow), nominated by State Representative Brian Ashe

We also cheered on eight companies in our network that received M2I2 awards to grow their advanced manufacturing capabilities in Massachusetts:
• Andros Innovations
• Boston Materials
• Eden GeoPower
• Highland Park Technologies
• Nth Cycle
• Reframe Systems
• Robigo
• Rock Zero

We’re proud to serve as Highland Park Technologies’ nonprofit partner on its project. Congratulations to all the awardees!

We enjoyed hearing Secretary Eric Paley’s perspective in his fireside chat with Jonathan Kraft and seeing so many members of the Commonwealth’s economic development team there to celebrate Massachusetts manufacturing.

FORGE Manufacturing Experts in Residence Scott Longley and Mark Michalski also joined a live manufacturing scale-up simulation with Elise Strobach of AeroShield Materials, Allison Byers of Scroobious, and Mitch Kumin of Savills. We’ve worked with the AeroShield team over the years, and it was great to hear Elise bring her perspective. The group worked through the kinds of decisions hardtech companies face as they move from prototype to production, a transition FORGE helps innovators navigate every day.

Thanks to the Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) and Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) for bringing this community together. See you next year!

#MAMashUp26 #Manufacturing #AdvancedManufacturing #Massachusetts #Hardtech #SupplyChain #FORGEimpact

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

A strong afternoon in New Haven with Connecticut’s hardtech and manufacturing community.

FORGE Connecticut and wiggin(x) brought together first-time hardtech founders, manufacturers, investors, and others from across the ecosystem for Practitioner Lessons for First-Time Hardtech Founders.

Trinell Ball led the event for FORGE Connecticut, with support from Adam Rodrigues and Scott Longley.

On the panel, Jack Sousa of wiggin(x), Kira Vanderwert of Outsiders Fund, and Erick E. Rios of Big Bang shared practical perspectives on the issues hardtech founders face early:
• The legal footing founders should have in place
• What investors look at beyond the product itself
• What separates a working prototype from something a manufacturer can actually build

The founders in the room brought plenty of questions and experiences to the conversation, which made the discussion even better.

Outside, Jeffrey Andrade of Diversified Solutions Group and Richard Burgess of Dynamic Control Concepts brought the mobile manufacturing truck, with equipment and demonstrations showing what goes into physical product design and manufacturing.

And with Sound Coffee set up right next to it, the conversation kept going well after the panel wrapped up.

Thank you to wiggin(x) for hosting us at The District, and to everyone who joined us and stayed for the conversations outside over coffee.

Next up in Connecticut:
📍 FORGE Pop-Up Office Hours
📅 November 16 | 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 CoCreate, Stamford

Drop in to speak one-on-one with FORGE network experts in manufacturing, supply chain, and engineering, then tour the CoFab microfactory.

👉 https://t.co/5iaEkNS4M5

If you’re building a physical product in Connecticut, you can also schedule a Product Development Session with a FORGE Manufacturing Expert in Residence:

👉 https://t.co/G5IH2lkiub

Follow FORGE for more events, resources, and connections for hardtech companies across the region.

#FORGEImpact #Manufacturing #Hardtech #Connecticut #Startups #Innovation

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

What happens when great ideas and the right people come together? Some pretty exciting things!

Our October FORGE newsletter is out, and we've got a lot to share!

We had a fantastic time at our Fall Startup Showcase, where innovative hardtech startups showed off what they've been working on, three companies received $75,000 in Product Development Grants, and a lively panel explored how AI is changing the way companies do business and grow.

We're also looking ahead to some great upcoming events! From hands-on manufacturing conversations and facility tours to one-on-one office hours with industry experts, there are plenty of opportunities to learn something new, get advice, and make valuable connections.

So grab a coffee, take a few minutes, and see what we've been up to and what's coming next.

👉 Read the October newsletter: https://t.co/qYWwctBaVH

And follow FORGE for more startup stories, manufacturing news, and opportunities to connect!

#FORGEImpact #Hardtech #Manufacturing #Startups #Innovation #NewEngland

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

🏭 Connecticut makes things. Let’s talk hardtech.

We’re just two days away from Practitioner Lessons for First-Time Hardtech Founders at The District in New Haven.

If you’re building a physical product company, this is a chance to hear directly from people who work with hardtech companies every day and understand what it takes to move from an idea and prototype toward manufacturing, investment, and growth.

🎤 Meet the panelists:
🔹 Jack Sousa, Co-Founder and Partner at wiggin(x), on the legal side of building and growing a hardtech company.
🔹 Kira Vanderwert, Operating Partner at Outsiders Fund, on what investors are looking for when they evaluate hardtech startups.
🔹 Erick E. Rios, Principal and Chief Product Owner at Big Bang, on what it really takes to move from prototype to something that can be manufactured.

And the conversation won’t stop inside the room.

🚚 Jeffrey Andrade of Diversified Solutions Group and Richard Burgess of Dynamic Control Concepts will be outside showcasing modern manufacturing capabilities aboard a mobile manufacturing truck.

Two hours. Real-world experience. Practical advice. Valuable connections.

📅 Thursday, October 29
🕑 2:00–4:00 PM
📍 The District, New Haven

✅ Free to attend

We’re almost there, so if you’ve been thinking about joining us, now is the time to register.

👉 Register: https://t.co/O9XF1YlQ2f

Follow FORGE for more events, resources, and connections supporting hardtech companies across the region.

#FORGEImpact #Manufacturing #Hardtech #Connecticut #ManufacturingMonth

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Got Tax or Accounting Questions? Ask the Experts.

On November 19, FORGE is hosting Accounting & Tax Office Hours with CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) from 11:00 AM–1:00 PM.

CLA is the 11th largest accounting firm in the country and a proud FORGE sponsor, supporting startups with outsourced accounting, tax strategy, and other advisory services.

The CLA team will be available for four 30-minute sessions, with both in-person and virtual options, to discuss topics including:
• Monthly reporting best practices
• Grant reporting
• Tax strategy
• Potential tax savings opportunities

Lunch will be provided for in-person participants beginning at 11:00 AM.

👉 Reserve your session: https://t.co/ytMbf8gnqY

Follow FORGE for more opportunities to connect directly with experts who can help you build, grow, and scale your company.

#FORGEImpact #CLA #Hardtech #Startups #Accounting #Tax

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

Connecting the Dots on Interconnects

Designing a complex electronic product? The right interconnect solution can make a big difference in performance, reliability, and manufacturability.

On November 18, FORGE is hosting Office Hours with Samtec at Greentown Labs, with a virtual option available.

Meet one-on-one with Mark Tabor of Samtec Inc. to discuss your connector and interconnect needs, ask questions about your design, and explore solutions that can help move your product forward.

📅 November 18
🕚 11:00 AM–1:00 PM
📍 Greentown Labs, Somerville, MA or virtual
⏱️ Four free, 30-minute appointments available

If interconnects are part of your product challenge, this is a chance to get direct input from the experts.

👉 Reserve your session: https://t.co/J21VQJ2YpZ

Follow FORGE for more opportunities to connect with the technical experts, manufacturers, and resources that can help move your product forward.

#FORGEImpact #Samtec #Hardtech #Electronics #Manufacturing #ProductDevelopment

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

🏭 Connecticut Makes Things. Let's Talk Hardtech!

Join FORGE Connecticut and wiggin(x) on Thursday, October 29, at The District in New Haven for an engaging conversation about what it takes to build and scale a physical product company.

If you're a hardtech founder, entrepreneur, or part of Connecticut's manufacturing ecosystem, this is a great opportunity to connect with experienced practitioners who work directly with emerging hardtech companies.

🎤 Meet the panelists:
🔹 Jack Sousa, Co-Founder and Partner at wiggin(x), sharing the legal perspective on building a hardtech company.
🔹 Kira Vanderwert, Operating Partner at Outsiders Fund, offering insights into how investors evaluate hardtech startups.
🔹 Erick E. Rios, Principal and Chief Product Owner at Big-Bang, discussing what it really takes to move from prototype to manufacturable product.

🚚 And there's more happening outside!

Jeffrey Andrade of Diversified Solutions Group and Richard Burgess of Dynamic Control Concepts will showcase modern manufacturing capabilities aboard a mobile manufacturing truck.

Two hours. Real-world insights. Valuable connections.

✅ Free to attend, but space is limited!

👉 Register today and join the Connecticut hardtech conversation:
https://t.co/O9XF1YlQ2f

#FORGEImpact #Manufacturing #Hardtech #Connecticut #ManufacturingMonth

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

We're heading to the 2026 Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up!

FORGE is excited to be exhibiting at this year's Massachusetts Manufacturing Mash-Up, hosted by the Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) at Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, on Tuesday, October 27, at Gillette Stadium!

This year's event celebrates 250 years of manufacturing innovation in Massachusetts, bringing together manufacturers, startups, educators, and industry leaders for a day of collaboration, innovation, and connections across the Commonwealth's manufacturing ecosystem.

We're also excited that FORGE Manufacturing Expert in Residence Scott Longley will be participating in the panel “Can Your Startup Survive Scale-Up? A Live Simulation from Prototype to Production.”

The interactive session will explore the real-world challenges startups face as they move toward commercial production, from gaining market traction and selecting the right facility to financing equipment and preparing for growth.

At FORGE, helping innovative companies navigate the journey from prototype to production is what we do every day, so we're especially looking forward to this conversation!

Will you be at the Mash-Up? Stop by the FORGE table, meet our team, and learn how we can help bring your innovations to market.

📅 Tuesday, October 27, 2026
🕘 9:00 AM – 2:30 PM
📍 Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, MA

Learn more about FORGE's participation, Scott's panel, and how to join us:
https://t.co/c8PT3t3tlz

#FORGEImpact #MassTech #MAMashUp26 #Manufacturing #Hardtech

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

🔬From the research lab to the real world, with a little help from some great partners!

What if detecting bacterial contamination took just five minutes instead of days?

That's the idea behind BactiSee, an innovative technology being developed by HerZeta Tech, Inc., a startup founded out of research at UMass Amherst.

Led by co-founder and CEO Yuzhen Zhang, Ph.D., HerZeta Tech is developing a smartphone-based detection system that combines a reusable microscope, disposable sensing chips, and a mobile app to provide rapid, quantitative bacterial contamination results. The potential applications range from food processing and agriculture to healthcare and pharmaceutical manufacturing.

It's exactly the kind of promising technology that deserves the opportunity to move beyond the laboratory.

At the FORGE Fall Startup Showcase, HerZeta Tech received $49,489, the largest award through the FORGE Product Development Grant for Startups and Existing Businesses with Underrepresented Leadership, supported by the EASTERN BANK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION.

The funding will help HerZeta Tech advance its laboratory prototype toward US-based manufacturing and a pilot-ready product, bringing this innovative technology closer to commercial deployment.

This is why partnerships like ours with Eastern Bank are so important. Developing breakthrough technology is one challenge. Turning it into a product that can be manufactured, scaled, and brought to market is another. Eastern Bank Foundation's commitment to supporting entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds is helping bridge that gap and create opportunities for promising hardtech companies to succeed.

A special thank you to Natalia Urtubey and the entire Eastern Bank team for their partnership, enthusiasm, and continued commitment to making opportunities like this possible. We're proud to work alongside you to help the next generation of innovators bring their technologies to market.

And congratulations to Yuzhen, co-founder Lili He, Ph.D., and the entire HerZeta Tech team! We're excited to support your journey from prototype to production.

Learn more about HerZeta Tech and BactiSee: https://t.co/bCoRkxkgiB

Follow FORGE for more stories about the startups, technologies, and partnerships driving hardtech innovation forward.

#FORGEImpact #EasternBank #HerZetaTech #Hardtech #Manufacturing #Innovation

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

🎉 Meet the Product Development Grant Winners!

One of the highlights of last week's FORGE Fall Showcase was recognizing three innovative startups developing technologies with the potential to make a real difference.

Thanks to the generous support of the EASTERN BANK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION, these companies are receiving Product Development Grants to help move their technologies closer to commercialization.

Here's a closer look at this year's winners!

🏆 HerZeta Tech, Inc. | $49,489
Led by Yuzhen Zhang, HerZeta Tech is developing technology to make microbial contamination detection faster, more accessible, and more affordable.

Its BactiSee platform uses smartphone-based technology to detect bacterial contamination on surfaces, with potential applications in food processing, healthcare, and other industries where sanitation and safety are critical.

The grant will help HerZeta advance from a laboratory prototype toward a manufacturable product, preparing for pilot production and commercialization.

🏆 LiPhera | $18,926
Led by Jocelyn Foulke, LiPhera is developing technology to improve the efficiency and economics of lithium extraction.
Lithium is essential for batteries and energy storage, but recovering it from certain resources can be challenging and expensive. LiPhera aims to overcome these challenges and support more economical domestic lithium production.

The grant will support development of an integrated, bench-scale process system, helping move the technology toward larger-scale applications.

🏆 Dialysis-X | $6,585
Led by Oluwagbebemi D. Oyeniyi ('Niyi), Dialysis-X, Inc-X is developing medical device technology designed to make dialysis treatment easier and more accessible for patients with kidney failure.

Its approach focuses on reducing challenges associated with traditional dialysis access, with the potential to improve the patient experience and make home-based treatment more practical.
The grant will support continued device design and development, helping advance the technology toward FDA readiness.

From promising prototypes to real-world products.

These startups represent very different industries, but share a common challenge: turning innovative technologies into products that can be manufactured, scaled, and brought to market.

A huge thank you to Eastern Bank for supporting hardtech innovation, and congratulations to Yuzhen, Jocelyn, Niyi, and their teams! We're excited to see what comes next.

Follow FORGE to see how we're helping innovative startups move from prototype to production.

#FORGEImpact #EasternBank #Hardtech #Manufacturing #ProductDevelopment #Innovation

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

🚀 From Concept to Commercialization: What Does It Really Take?

You have a product idea or a working prototype. Now what?

Join FORGE Manufacturing Expert in Residence Scott Longley this Wednesday, October 21, for a virtual workshop hosted by UConn's Connecticut Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation (CCEI) as part of its Traction Workshop Series.

Scott brings more than 32 years of global manufacturing and operations experience, including roles at Apple, HP, and Sun Microsystems.

He'll share practical insights into moving from prototype to production, including:
🔹 Prototyping and product validation
🔹 Design for Excellence (DFX) and manufacturing readiness
🔹 Building a reliable, scalable supply chain
🔹 Managing risk, quality, and the challenges of scaling

Whether you're developing your first product or simply curious about entrepreneurship, this session is for you!

📅 Wednesday, October 21
🕡 6:30–7:30 PM ET
💻 Virtual via Zoom

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

Follow FORGE for more practical insights, resources, and opportunities to help hardtech startups move from concept to commercialization.

#FORGEImpact #UConnCCEI #Hardtech #Manufacturing #Startups #ProductDevelopment

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

What a night! The FORGE 2026 Fall Showcase was unforgettable!

Yesterday at Dassault Systèmes in Waltham, startups, manufacturers, and partners came together to share new technologies, make connections, and celebrate the hardtech community.

🎉 Congratulations to our newest FORGE Product Development Grant recipients, supported by the EASTERN BANK CHARITABLE FOUNDATION!

🔹 HerZeta Tech, Inc. ($49,489): Congratulations to Yuzhen Zhang and the team, who are advancing a microbial contamination detection prototype toward pilot production.
🔹 LiPhera ($18,926): Jocelyn Foulke and the team will build a bench-scale lithium extraction process system.
🔹 Dialysis-X, Inc-X ($6,585): Oluwagbebemi D. Oyeniyi ('Niyi) and the team will refine a dialysis treatment device toward FDA readiness.

We're grateful to Natalia Urtubey and the Eastern Bank Foundation for helping entrepreneurs from underrepresented backgrounds reach their next product milestones.

Our AI panel gave us plenty to think about! As Peter Russo shared about an AI-assisted product development project:

“We thought of the concepts before lunch, and by the time everyone was back from lunch, they were all done in an amazing finished format, even right down to packaging.”

Terrific perspectives from John Harmon of Wolf Greenfield, Steve Pouliot, CBPA of Insperity, and Peter Russo, MBA, CPM, who jumped in at the last minute! Kudos to FORGE President and Executive Director Laura Teicher for moderating.

It was great having Wolf Greenfield, Burt Process Equipment, Inc., Cambridge Polymer Group, Kalow Technologies, LLC., PMR - Plastics Manufacturing Resources (PMR), Wiggin and Dana LLP, Insperity, CLA (CliftonLarsonAllen) CLA, Product Resources, CUMMINGS FOUNDATION, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, and Mestek, Inc. at their tables, connecting directly with founders. We appreciate you being part of the FORGE community!

A special shout-out to David Thompson for leading the Showcase, and to Adam Rodrigues, Anya Losik, Trinell Ball, Mark Michalski, Scott Longley, Michael Enriquez, Arvind Chettiar, and Shaan Kapoor for making it happen behind the scenes. What a team!

And to Stella Cortese, Abhishek Bali, Rollin Willis, and the entire Dassault Systèmes and SOLIDWORKS team, we couldn't have asked for better hosts. Thanks to every exhibiting startup and everyone who joined us!

The event may be over, but the conversations continue. Follow FORGE for more highlights and to see how we're helping hardtech startups move from prototype to production!

#FORGEImpact #FallShowcase #Hardtech #Manufacturing #Innovation #Startups

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

The FORGE Fall Showcase is in full swing! 🚀

Things are buzzing here at Dassault Systèmes in Waltham!

Lots of familiar faces, plenty of new ones, and some really impressive technology on display. Everywhere you look, founders are showing off what they've been working on, people are asking questions, and conversations are happening.

This is exactly why we love bringing everyone together!

Still to come tonight, our AI panel and the announcement of this year's Eastern Bank Product Development Grant recipients.

A big thanks to everyone who's here and to Dassault Systèmes for hosting us!

We'll be sharing more photos and highlights from the evening. Follow FORGE to see what these amazing startups are building!

#FORGEImpact #DassaultSystemes #EasternBank #FallStartupShowcase #Hardtech #Manufacturing #Innovation

[FORGE @FORGEImpact]

It's almost showtime!🚀

We're at Dassault Systèmes in Waltham getting everything ready for today's FORGE Fall Startup Showcase!

The startups are arriving, displays are going up, and the FORGE team is busy pulling everything together.

We're excited to see so many founders, manufacturers, and partners coming together for what should be a great evening.

Doors open at 4 PM, and there's still time to join us!

👉 https://t.co/pYJIftxZFP

Follow FORGE for more photos and updates as the evening unfolds!

#FORGEImpact #DassaultSystemes #FallStartupShowcase #Hardtech #Manufacturing #Innovation