Kinefac Corporation, founded in 1962 and based in Worcester, Massachusetts, specializes in the development, manufacturing, and sale of advanced metal forming, metalworking, and processing equipment. The company offers a diverse range of products, including thread rolling machines, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment, CNC micro-coiling machines, and multi-machine systems tailored for automotive parts production. Kinefac also designs and builds motion control systems and machines for coiling springs and medical components. In addition to manufacturing equipment, the company provides industrial centrifuges for fluid cleaning and oil extraction processes, along with a variety of metal forming techniques such as spring making, hydro-forming, and bending. Kinefac's extensive capabilities also include specialized processes like helical pinion rolling and powder metal gear densification. With operations extending to China, Kinefac serves a global customer base across multiple industries.
rStream Recycling
Grant in 2024
rStream is solving waste collection. rStream is developing end-to-end, robotic solutions for waste collection at high-traffic locations.
Mapless AI is a research company based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, focused on developing safe alternatives for transportation systems. The company offers a remote vehicle operations platform that provides a safe and scalable solution for autonomous driving applications. This platform features a proprietary fail-operational safety system and optimized low-latency connectivity, allowing for efficient and reliable operation. Additionally, it includes a fleet-friendly retrofit that can be easily installed on existing vehicles, enabling customers to deploy and operate autonomous vehicles effectively. By facilitating the adoption of autonomous driving technology without the need for human drivers, Mapless AI aims to enhance the safety and efficiency of transportation systems.
Oligo redefines lunar operations and orbit payload integration through Modular Reconfigurable Systems and Interfaces. It was founded in 2023 and is located in Cambridge, Massachusettes.
Yard Robotics
Grant in 2024
Yard Robotics specializes in providing advanced lawn care services through the use of electric-powered autonomous robots. The company designs, builds, and maintains its robots in-house, allowing for complete control over their efficiency and safety. Their services include mowing, trimming, edging, and blowing, with the robotic systems primarily handling the mowing tasks while manual labor is employed for the other services. By automating routine yard maintenance, Yard Robotics aims to enhance the customer experience and ensure well-manicured lawns.
Hominid X is dedicated to developing and delivering innovative assistive wearable products aimed at enhancing the lives of people worldwide. The company specializes in creating practical, functional, and economical tools designed to improve hand mobility. Their flagship product includes an adjustable wrist, finger, and dorsal strap that ensures a custom fit, along with a spring-drawn cable system supporting various grip diameters. This technology enables individuals with hand disabilities to achieve greater functional independence.
SIMPL Automation
Grant in 2024
SIMPL Automation specializes in warehouse automation, offering the SIMPL Store, an innovative Automated Storage and Retrieval System (AS/RS). Their solutions are designed for seamless integration with existing infrastructure, minimizing disruption and prioritizing ease of implementation. The company's focus on streamlined products and a meticulous design process ensures optimal productivity with minimal downtime for warehouse operators.
Robotics 88 is building an autonomous drone to empower land managers to conduct larger and faster-prescribed burns. Our decision-making drone is able to navigate the cluttered subcanopy environment to provide critical fire behavior prediction data for burn planning and evaluation.
Brd Bot is a manufacturer specializing in robotic vending machines. These machines are designed to prepare and serve freshly fried foods, from ordering to serving, autonomously and with minimal human intervention. They require only a standard electrical outlet and can produce cook-to-order meals, offering customers high-quality food at affordable prices.
Gopher Motion
Grant in 2024
Gopher Motion, a stealth-mode company, specializes in developing Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) designed for high-speed operation, up to 20 miles per hour. These robots integrate advanced sensors for obstacle detection and mapping, GPS for navigation, and cellular communication for connectivity.
Apparel Robotics
Grant in 2024
Apparel Robotics is a deep tech startup based in Cambridge, Massachusetts, focused on revolutionizing apparel manufacturing through advanced hardware and software technologies. Founded in 2022, the company aims to achieve fully autonomous clothing production, which it views as essential for modern manufacturing. By developing innovative solutions for automating the material handling of fabrics, Apparel Robotics enables customers to produce clothing domestically, sustainably, and on-demand. The company emphasizes the need to rethink interactions with apparel and the manufacturing process to fully realize the potential of smart apparel, circularity, and the digital aspects of clothing.
MITRE Corporation / CVE
Grant in 2023
The MITRE Corporation is a not-for-profit organization that provides systems engineering, research and development, and information technology support to the U.S. government. It operates federally funded research and development centers (FFRDCs) for various government entities, including the Department of Defense, the Federal Aviation Administration, and the Department of Homeland Security. MITRE's FFRDCs focus on areas such as acquisition and systems analysis, airspace safety and security, command and control, cybersecurity, and healthcare technology. The organization also conducts research and development in advanced technologies, including biotechnology, nanotechnology, neurotechnology, computational imaging, and quantum computing. Founded in 1958 and headquartered in Bedford, Massachusetts, MITRE has additional facilities in McLean, Virginia, and maintains a global presence.
Downtown Northampton Association
Grant in 2023
The DNA designs, plants, and maintains the hanging baskets and island planters that adorn downtown during the spring and summer using local businesses.
The Venture Forum
Grant in 2023
The Venture Forum is a startup community based in Worcester, Massachusetts, dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs in Central Massachusetts. Founded in 1991, the organization focuses on helping individuals launch and grow their businesses by providing access to essential resources and mentorship. By fostering connections between entrepreneurs and industry experts, The Venture Forum aims to drive entrepreneurial success and encourage innovation within the region.
North Central Massachusetts Development Corp
Grant in 2023
The North Central Massachusetts Development Corporation (NCMDC) is a non-profit corporation with the mission of creating jobs and improving the economy of North Central Massachusetts.
Affordable Interior Systems
Grant in 2022
Affordable Interior Systems (AIS) is a manufacturer and distributor of commercial furniture dedicated to providing tailored solutions for businesses. The company specializes in a variety of office systems, including monolithic and segmented panel systems, tile-based stacking panels, floor-to-ceiling panels, and beltline raceway systems. AIS prioritizes sustainability in its operations by employing Lean Manufacturing principles to minimize waste and utilizing materials with high recycled content. Their products are certified for indoor air quality and sustainability, reflecting their commitment to a healthy environment. Additionally, AIS partners with ANEW to facilitate the repurposing of unwanted office furniture, further supporting eco-friendly practices. By adhering to recognized sustainability standards, AIS continuously seeks innovative approaches to meet the evolving needs of the modern office landscape.
Multiscale Systems
Grant in 2022
Multiscale Systems produces industrial innovations through technical engineering services and a robust in-house R&D program. The company specializes in metamaterial composites and focuses on advanced manufacturing.
Boston University
Grant in 2022
Boston University is an international, comprehensive, private research university, committed to educating students to be reflective, resourceful individuals ready to live, adapt, and lead in an interconnected world. Boston University is committed to generating new knowledge to benefit society. We remain dedicated to our founding principles: that higher education should be accessible to all and that research, scholarship, artistic creation, and professional practice should be conducted in the service of the wider community—local and international. These principles endure in the University’s insistence on the value of diversity, in its tradition and standards of excellence, and in its dynamic engagement with the City of Boston and the world. Boston University comprises a remarkable range of undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs built on a strong foundation of the liberal arts and sciences. With the support and oversight of the Board of Trustees, the University, through our faculty, continually innovates in education and research to ensure that we meet the needs of students and an ever-changing world.
Artaic, LLC, established in 2007 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for both commercial and residential markets. The company offers a wide range of mosaic and tile designs suitable for various applications, including bathrooms, kitchens, hotels, public spaces, and outdoor areas. Artaic utilizes advanced technology such as computer-aided design software, cloud-based logistics systems, and robotic assembly to create innovative mosaics tailored to the architecture and interior design industry. Additionally, Artaic provides installation services for its custom tile work.
Artaic, LLC, established in 2007 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for both commercial and residential markets. The company offers a wide range of mosaic and tile designs suitable for various applications, including bathrooms, kitchens, hotels, public spaces, and outdoor areas. Artaic utilizes advanced technology such as computer-aided design software, cloud-based logistics systems, and robotic assembly to create innovative mosaics tailored to the architecture and interior design industry. Additionally, Artaic provides installation services for its custom tile work.
University of Massachusetts, Lowell
Grant in 2015
University of Massachusetts Lowell is a high-ranking university, with several nationally recognized academic departments. Located about 30 minutes from Boston in Lowell, Massachusetts, UMass Lowell offers more than 100 degree programs at the undergraduate and graduate levels. UMass Lowell has several nationally recognized, research-oriented programs, including science and engineering. These programs undertake groundbreaking research and also provide exceptional work opportunities for its students and graduates. Other programs at UMass Lowell include liberal and fine arts, humanities, health-related programs, teacher education and social sciences. UMass Lowell also offers a range of internship opportunities for students who wish to gain experience in their field of study. Student life options at UMass Lowell include more than 100 diverse student organizations, leadership programs and community service opportunities. Lowell’s admissions policies are moderately competitive. Financial aid is available to eligible students through loans, academic scholarships and other sources to help cover tuition.
Artaic, LLC, established in 2007 and based in Boston, Massachusetts, specializes in designing and fabricating custom tile work for both commercial and residential markets. The company offers a wide range of mosaic and tile designs suitable for various applications, including bathrooms, kitchens, hotels, public spaces, and outdoor areas. Artaic utilizes advanced technology such as computer-aided design software, cloud-based logistics systems, and robotic assembly to create innovative mosaics tailored to the architecture and interior design industry. Additionally, Artaic provides installation services for its custom tile work.
Hariri Institute, Boston University
Grant in 2014
The Rafik B. Hariri Institute for Computing and Computational Science & Engineering initiates, catalyzes, and propels collaborative, interdisciplinary research and training initiatives for a better society by promoting (a) discovery and innovations through the use of computational and data-driven approaches, and (b) advances in the science of computing inspired by challenges in arts and sciences, engineering, and management disciplines.
Ogin
Debt Financing in 2008
Ogin Inc. is a company based in Waltham, Massachusetts, that specializes in the design, manufacture, and construction of innovative wind turbines. The firm is recognized for its high-efficiency shrouded wind turbine technology, which employs a mixer/ejector design to enhance aerodynamic performance, a method inspired by applications in military and commercial aircraft. Ogin's turbines are tailored for deployment in lower-voltage distribution grids, making them suitable for wind farm developers, industrial operators, and utilities both in the United States and internationally. The company's technology aims to significantly reduce the cost of wind energy, expand its viability in areas with lower wind speeds, and optimize land usage while minimizing environmental impact. Founded in 2007 and formerly known as FloDesign Wind Turbine Corporation, Ogin operates as a subsidiary of FloDesign Inc.
Agrivida
Seed Round in 2004
Agrivida, Inc. is a biotechnology company specializing in animal health and nutrition through the development of innovative feed additives for poultry, swine, dairy and beef cattle, and aquaculture. Founded in 2003 and based in Four Seasons, Missouri, Agrivida utilizes its proprietary GRAINZYME technology to produce enzymes directly within corn kernels, offering a natural and effective method to enhance animal diets. This platform enables the integration of beneficial enzymes such as phytase and glucanase, which improve nutritional efficiency and reduce the environmental impact of livestock production. Agrivida's solutions aim to promote healthier food production while delivering economic benefits to its clients in the agricultural sector.