Space connects inventors to resources, community
02/13/2020
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu and Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
LOWELL, Mass. – The UMass Lowell Innovation Hub in Haverhill, one of the university’s premier business incubators for the region’s entrepreneurs, has created a new membership option for technology-based startups.
The new open co-working option offers full access to the iHub’s resources at a rate designed for sole proprietors. Memberships include access to shared co-working space, conference rooms and the university’s secure, high-speed wireless network. In addition, the iHub offers entrepreneurs access to the expertise and research support of UMass Lowell’s world-class faculty. Members also have the option to use a prototyping and fabrication lab on site.
“The new shared co-working option in Haverhill provides flexibility for single entrepreneurs or small startup teams. It gives them the space they need to work, along with access to supportive resources and programs and professional meeting space, all at a rate that startups can afford,” said Tom O’Donnell, UMass Lowell’s senior director of innovation initiatives and iHub director.
The iHub in Haverhill is the newest business incubator established by UMass Lowell to drive economic innovation throughout the region. The university’s first Innovation Hub, now home to 34 companies, opened in Lowell in 2015. And, in partnership with UMass Medical School, UMass Lowell also operates the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2), an incubator serving startups in the biotech and medical-device industries with locations in Lowell and Worcester.
In Haverhill, 20 companies are headquartered at the iHub, including Microshare, CJK Technologies, Uncommon Catalyst, IT Squared, Stories Podcast and QueueDr. In addition, the incubator is home to the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), both of which provide valuable assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
A vibrant part of the Haverhill and Lowell communities, the iHubs also host regular networking opportunities and programming for entrepreneurs and the public. In Haverhill, these events include monthly open co-working days, business workshops and a speaker series that features UMass Lowell faculty on emerging technologies.
“Since joining the iHub in Haverhill, I am able to take advantage of its support network, professional meeting spaces that have great light and views of the Merrimack River and the fastest internet around. The iHub also makes me feel connected to the community in a way no other co-working space can offer,” said Kris Hopkins, president of CJK Technologies LLC, a product consulting company that uses artificial intelligence in real-time communication. “We love the affiliation with UMass Lowell and we hope that as the business grows, we’ll be able to use the advanced labs, training facilities and recruit great talent.”
Entrepreneurs and other individuals who want to learn more about the Haverhill iHub, including membership options, should visit www.uml.edu/ihub or contact Stephanie Guyotte at Stephanie_Guyotte@uml.edu or 978-934-5560.
UMass Lowell is a national research university located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community. The university offers its more than 18,000 students bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be leaders in their communities and around the globe. www.uml.edu