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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. 

  • MAR
    03
    Her Story Her Way - Celebrating Women's History Month at the iHub

    The iHub has partnered with the Greater Haverhill Chamber to present Her Story Her Way, a celebration of women in leadership and business to recognize Women’s History Month! Please join us for breakfast, networking and conversations with three exceptional women leaders and business owners from the Greater Haverhill community.

    Tuesday, March 3, 8:30 am – 10 a.m.

    Speakers:

    State Senator Diana DiZoglio;

    Dr. Noemí Custodia-Lora, Vice President of Lawrence Campus & Community Relations, Northern Essex CC;

    Entrepreneur and business owner Jane Ciccone, Co-Founder of Onesto Foods

    Location: Innovation Hub Haverhill, 2 Merrimack Street, 3rd Floor, Haverhill

    Register and more details: http://haverhillma.chambermaster.com/events/details/herstory-her-way-5138972?calendarMonth=2020-03-01

    8:30 AM
  • MAR
    04
    Pitch Karaoke Night at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub!

    In celebration of Lowell Women’s Week, the Innovation Hub and Women Accelerators will be hosting our first ever Pitch Karaoke event. Pitch Karaoke is a fun improv game where experienced and novice entrepreneurs are put on the spot to test their creative and impromptu presentation skills. The event is free, but you must register.

    6:00 PM
  • MAR
    11
    Community Coworking Day

    Join us for our monthly Community Coworking Day.

    Network and engage with entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Greater Merrimack Valley at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub Haverhill. At noon we will host our Lunch and Learn, featuring a guest speaker, lunch provided.

     

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-coworking-day-tickets-87972416867

    9:00 AM
  • MAR
    25
    Free State Programs For Your Business

    The business resource expo brings together more than twenty State and Federal agencies and others to help businesses of all sizes and types to access all of the resources available to Massachusetts businesses.

    Exhibitors will provide support and opportunities available on topics including: hiring, training, sustainability, tax incentive, access to capital, entrepreneurial opportunities, state contracting and much more! 

    Presented by the Innovation Hub, the Mass Office of Business Development and the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission.

    More info and free registration:

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/free-state-programs-that-your-business-doesnt-know-about-tickets-90172427157

    8:30 AM
  • MAR
    25
    VIP Reception M2D2 $200K Challenge

    VIP Reception for M2D2 $200K Challenge corporate sponsors and competition finalists

    3:00 PM
  • MAR
    25
    M2D2 200K Challenge 2020

    M2D2's annual pitch-off event where finalists in the $200K Challenge present their medical device and biotech innovations to a panel of judges and to an audience.

    5:00 PM
  • APR
    08
    Community Coworking Day

    Join us for our monthly Community Coworking Day.

    Network and engage with entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Greater Merrimack Valley at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub Haverhill. At noon we will host our Lunch and Learn, featuring a guest speaker, lunch provided.

     

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-coworking-day-tickets-87972416867

    9:00 AM
  • MAY
    13
    Community Coworking Day

    Join us for our monthly Community Coworking Day.

    Network and engage with entrepreneurs and small businesses in the Greater Merrimack Valley at the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub Haverhill. At noon we will host our Lunch and Learn, featuring a guest speaker, lunch provided.

     

    https://www.eventbrite.com/e/community-coworking-day-tickets-87972416867

    9:00 AM
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