10/05/2015
Media contacts: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu and Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
* M E D I A A D V I S O R Y *
Tuesday, Oct. 6, 11 a.m.
WHAT: Massachusetts Lt. Gov. Karyn Polito, business leaders and representatives of the University of Massachusetts system and Lowell campus will officially open the UMass LowellInnovation Hub and expansion of the Massachusetts Medical Development Center (M2D2) with a ceremony and tours of the business incubators.
The Innovation Hub and M2D2 offer startups in the medical device and technology sectors co-working and research space to foster innovation, job creation and economic development. The business incubators occupy two floors UMass Lowell leases in the 110 Canal building and are the first commercial components of Lowell’s revitalized Hamilton Canal District.
The Innovation Hub – also known as the iHub – offers a brand-new opportunity for entrepreneurs to start their ventures in the city. The incubator is modeled after the highly successful M2D2, a joint effort of the University of Massachusetts’ Lowell and Worcester campuses. Since 2007, M2D2 has worked with more than 100 companies that have raised approximately $58 million in external funding. M2D2 opened a business incubator elsewhere in Lowell in 2011 and the new space is an expansion.
The iHub and M2D2 incubators’ proximity to the UMass Lowell campus encourages faculty and student participation and offers easy access to the university’s world-class researchers, resources and facilities, as well as to expertise in engineering and business.
More than 100 people are expected to attend the event. Along with Polito, speakers are scheduled to include UMass President Marty Meehan, UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney, UMass Medical School Chancellor Michael Collins, members of Lowell’s legislative delegation and city representatives. Entrepreneurs who are tenants in the incubators will be available to talk to the media.
WHERE: UMass Lowell Innovation Hub, 110 Canal St., Lowell. Contact UMass Lowell media relations for directions and parking information.