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Fabric Discovery Center (FDC)

The Future of Functional Fabrics is Here

Where small businesses, startups and large organizations turn ideas into valuable solutions.

The UMass Lowell Fabric Discovery Center is home to the first and only site in the nation that integrates discoveries from three Manufacturing USA Innovation Institutes.

110 Canal Street building

The 28,000-square foot Fabric Discovery Center located at 110 Canal St. in downtown Lowell features dedicated space for design, prototyping, pilot manufacturing and testing.

Use an Integrated Approach to Develop Functional Fabrics

The synergy between high-tech fabrics and flexible electronics combined with robotics could change the world. Just imagine developing products such as:

  • Fabrics that respond to temperature changes.
  • Fire resistant fabrics made from materials found in nature.
  • Fabrics that prevent water, oil or chemical penetration.
  • Fibers with self-healing nanocapsules.
  • Medical textiles that heal wounds, devices that prevent stroke.
  • Wearable electronics embedded in shirts and shoes that measure vital signs.
  • Power generating clothes, briefcase or shelter via weaveable organic photovoltaics.

To advance manufacturing, spark innovation and train workers for higher paying jobs, Massachusetts made a substantial commitment to develop the Manufacturing USA infrastructure within the state’s academic, research and manufacturing industry. 

  • FEB
    01
    2022 $200K Challenge Info Session
    For ALL medical device and life sciences startups interested in entering M2D2's 11th annual global pitch competition!

    About this event

    Join us for special insights into the types of innovations that Challenge sponsors are especially looking for, as well as the overall Challenge rules, key dates, insider tips, and more. We'll include ample Q&A time, so come with any questions you have.

    12:00 PM
  • FEB
    17
    It's Not Too Early to Think About Marketing
    Attend this BYO lunch & learn to learn about specialized marketing techniques.

    About this event

    Come on an exciting journey to learn about marketing with Northeast Biomedical’s Creative Marketing Specialist, Margaret Anne! This lunch and learn is designed to provide attendees with an understanding of the basic principles of marketing and how it relates to the medical device industry. It will include topics such as SWOT analysis, the 7 P’s, marketing mix options and how to market on the cheap. These marketing techniques will help you form business goals with measurable metrics. It also will help with implementing a marketing strategy across a cross functional team.

    12:00 PM
  • MAR
    22
    M2D2 $200K Challenge 2022

    The 15 finalists will pitch their novel medical device or biotech innovation to a panel of judges at this event.

    3:00 PM
  • MAR
    22
    M2D2 $200K Challenge 2022

    The 15 finalists will pitch their novel medical device or biotech innovation to a panel of judges at this event.

    4:00 PM
  • APR
    27
    M2D2 IMPACT Pitch Off

    Event page to come 

    5:00 PM
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