- Mass. Economic Development Sec. Hao announces $10 million in clean tech grants in Holyoke, supporting innovation and sustainable manufacturing
- Governor Maura Healey’s administration awards $10.2 million to 13 companies and universities through the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2)
- Grantees include CapyBara Energy, SolaBlock, and University of Massachusetts Amherst for various clean tech projects
- Clean Crop Technologies in Holyoke receives the largest grant to develop alternative seed treatment using cold plasma technology
- The grants aim to support companies in scaling up innovative technologies, creating jobs, and fostering manufacturing advancements in Massachusetts
Mass. Economic Development Sec. Hao Announces $10 Million in Clean Tech Grants in Holyoke
More than $10 million in clean tech grants is being awarded across Massachusetts, marking a significant investment in sustainable manufacturing and innovation in the state. The announcement of the grants took place in Holyoke, with Governor Maura Healey’s administration revealing that $10.2 million will be distributed among 13 companies and universities as part of the Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2).
Supporting Innovation in Emerging Industries
The grants are part of a program dedicated to supporting innovation and projects in emerging industries, with a focus on clean technology. The funding is being provided by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s Center for Advanced Manufacturing and the state’s Executive Office of Housing and Economic Development. Secretary Yvonne Hao emphasized the importance of collaboration and investment in innovative companies, aiming to help them grow and become global leaders in solving crucial environmental challenges.
One of the grant recipients, CapyBara Energy, is set to receive $1.1 million to establish an advanced manufacturing facility in the Merrimack Valley, showcasing a commitment to sustainable practices. In western Massachusetts, SolaBlock of Pittsfield will utilize its $204,000 grant to develop automated systems for constructing Solar Masonry Units, integrating solar paneling into cement blocks to enhance carbon offsetting in construction projects.
Related Video
Advancing Sustainable Solutions
The University of Massachusetts Amherst is also among the grant recipients, securing $265,000 to further develop a cold-spray manufacturing technology that can facilitate cost-effective repairs for corroded steel bridges, contributing to infrastructure sustainability. Another notable recipient, Holyoke-based Clean Crop Technologies, received the largest grant in the region to support the development of an innovative solution for enhancing crop production.
Clean Crop Technologies is working on an alternative to bleaching seeds, aiming to address the issue of food loss due to contamination. By utilizing cold plasma technology to eliminate bacteria and molds from seeds before planting, the company seeks to improve germination rates without compromising seed integrity. CEO Daniel White highlighted the significance of this approach, emphasizing the detrimental effects of traditional methods like bleach on seed quality.
With a substantial grant of $1.2 million, Clean Crop Technologies plans to scale up production by investing in additional seed cleaning machines, leading to job creation and economic growth in Holyoke. This expansion aligns with the goals of the grant program, which focuses on supporting companies in advancing innovative technologies and transitioning to commercial manufacturing.
Promoting Economic Growth and Job Creation
Christine Nolan, director of MassTech CAM, highlighted the importance of providing capital investment to companies like Clean Crop Technologies that are innovating in sustainable manufacturing. The grants aim to bridge the gap in the investment cycle, supporting startups and early-stage companies in transitioning to full-scale production and commercialization of their technologies.
Since its inception in 2016, the M2I2 program has invested over $90 million in clean tech initiatives, resulting in the creation of thousands of jobs and the funding of numerous projects. The success of these grants underscores the commitment of Massachusetts to fostering innovation, sustainability, and economic growth through strategic investments in emerging industries.
Links to additional Resources: