04/15/2026
The Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC) is already breathing new energy into downtown Lowell, and that momentum is only going to accelerate. By bringing together thriving businesses, cutting-edge research, new residential spaces and updated infrastructure, LINC will attract professionals, entrepreneurs and students into the heart of the city. This infusion of innovation and activity will support local restaurants, shops and cultural venues, supporting a vibrant downtown that blends the city’s historic character with a dynamic, forward-looking economy.
Hub of Innovation
By attracting visionary companies excited to tap into UMass Lowell’s expertise and resources, LINC will lead to advancements in:
- Cybersecurity and national defense
- Biotechnology and life sciences
- Sustainability and clean energy
- Advanced materials and manufacturing
- Artificial intelligence and robotics
A LINC to the Future
Research and development will reach new heights as the university and industry partners come together under one roof in the planned UML Industry Building. The space will include robotics testing and drone flights.
The LINC development will not only create new business and research space, but it also includes the construction of hundreds of housing units, giving people who work in the LINC businesses the option to live in the community and walk to work in minutes. And with housing costs in the Merrimack Valley about 50% of those in Boston, Cambridge and Somerville, according to the UMass Donahue Institute, the development will provide more affordable options for residents. A multistory residential building with units ranging in size from studio to three-bedroom apartments will foster a sense of community through amenities, including a pool, lounge areas, a fitness center and game spaces.
The next generation of big-league hitters will be swinging for the fences just steps from the heart of LINC. The Futures Collegiate Baseball League and UMass Lowell announced plans to bring a new team, to be known as the Spinners, to play at LeLacheur Park this spring. The Futures League is a summertime proving ground for collegiate athletes working to develop their talent and draw the attention of scouts while maintaining their NCAA/NAIA eligibility and amateur status. The team is expected to draw thousands of fans to the 4,700-seat ballpark throughout the summer. From left, Futures League Collegiate Baseball Commissioner Joe Paolucci; league Chairman and Nashua Silver Knights President John Creedon Jr.; Maria Syrniotis, district director for U.S. Rep. Lori Trahan; state Rep. Vanna Howard; Chancellor Julie Chen; league co-founder Drew Weber; UMass Trustee Mary Burns '84; and Lowell City Manager Tom Golden '93, '01.
Plans for a new hotel within LINC will provide a convenient place to stay for alumni, business travelers and families, along with event space for conferences and gatherings and adjacent green space for recreation. Efforts are also underway to partner on building a second ice rink behind the Tsongas Center, creating a year-round hub for public skating, youth hockey, figure skating and community events.