BuildSmart aims to address the Commonwealth’s housing crisis through innovation in design and sustainability, zoning and policy, and manufacturing and construction. Led by UMass Lowell and in partnership with local government, developers and community organizations, BuildSmart is a designated TechHub through the Massachusetts TechHubs Program, an initiative intended to strengthen regional innovation ecosystems across the state.
BuildSmart Goals
- Bring affordable and efficient homes to Massachusetts by supporting the innovation and manufacturing workforce
- Make innovative housing models, such as modular homes, prefabricated construction and accessory dwelling units, easier to build and finance
- Leverage cutting-edge research in sustainability, advanced materials and policy to accelerate housing production and reduce costs
- Create a collaborative space where new housing ideas can be built, tested and improved with input from the community
- Develop scalable frameworks to replicate across Massachusetts and beyond