Home Posts tagged Massachusetts Technology Collaborative

Tech Foundry Awarded Laptops Through the Connected and Online Program

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Daily News

SPRINGFIELD — Tech Foundry, a regional leader in IT workforce development and training, recently received a donation of 30 laptops to its Tech Hub programs through the Connected and Online Program, overseen by the Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), a division of the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech).

The Connected and Online Program is designed to increase access to education, workforce development, and healthcare services with a particular focus on Gateway Cities and rural communities. The donated laptops will be used for Tech Hub’s digital literacy community workshops hosted throughout Western Mass.

MBI is working to extend high-speed internet access and availability across the state. To achieve this, MBI uses state and federal funding to launch infrastructure expansion programs that target areas of the state that lack high- speed internet access as well as digital equity programs that tackle barriers to internet adoption and increase availability, addressing critical issues around affordability, enhanced public Wi-Fi, the need for internet-enabled devices, and digital literacy training. For more information, visit broadband.masstech.org.

State Announces Distribution of 27,000 Internet-enabled Devices Across Massachusetts

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI) announced the distribution of nearly 27,000 internet-enabled devices through the Connected and Online Program to improve quality of life for Massachusetts residents by providing access to essential services and resources online.

Funded through the U.S. Treasury’s Capital Projects Fund, the Connected and Online Program is a $28.5 million initiative that will provide Massachusetts-based organizations with 26,368 devices, including laptops, tablets, and desktop computers. In addition, more than 20,000 pieces of supporting equipment, including monitors, assistive technology, and remote patient monitoring tools, will be made accessible to more than 200 of these organizations statewide, including nonprofits, hospitals, libraries, and elder and youth aid organizations. Devices will be used in public spaces such as schools, libraries, and learning centers, or incorporated into free-to-borrow lending programs.

“Massachusetts residents rely on the internet every day to find work, take classes, access healthcare, and build stronger community ties,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “The Connected and Online Program helps residents improve their lives by equipping them with the capacity to directly access services and opportunities.”

The Connected and Online Program is designed to increase access to education, workforce development, and healthcare services with a particular focus on Gateway Cities and rural communities. Devices will be offered through lending programs or at locations accessible to the public. Organizations will conduct public outreach to notify people of opportunities to borrow and use devices.

The complete award breakdown by organization can be found at broadband.masstech.org/connected-online. The deadline for applicants interested in applying to be part of the next round of the Connected and Online Program is Sunday, April 5. Click here for more information and to apply.

State Awards More Than $540,000 to Boost Cybersecurity for Manufacturers

By
Daily News

BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM) have awarded $540,473 to 20 Massachusetts-based manufacturers to upgrade their cybersecurity infrastructure. The grants were provided through the Manufacturing Cybersecurity Program (MCP), an initiative that supports small to medium-sized manufacturers across Massachusetts with capital funding to secure and improve their cybersecurity infrastructure.

With the funds, participating companies will be able to invest in badge readers, network switches, and security appliances such as firewalls to address gaps in security. As a result, awardees will be able to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses and operate more efficiently.

“Protecting manufacturers from cybersecurity threats will ensure the Massachusetts manufacturing ecosystem remains safe, secure, and competitive,” Massachusetts Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao said. “The MCP will empower manufacturers to grow and provide opportunities to access new markets while remaining protected from threats to their operations.”

Launched in 2023, the MCP is a Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerate Program program that allows Massachusetts manufacturers to better protect their businesses by establishing a more secure cybersecurity framework. The program also connects manufacturers with nonprofit partners to foster an ecosystem of support and collaboration. These partnerships assist manufacturers with assessments, requirements, equipment acquisition, and other cybersecurity needs. By investing in critical cybersecurity upgrades, MCP helps drive business growth, increases job opportunities, and strengthens the supply chain.

“Through this program, CAM aims to not only help small and medium manufacturers grow, but also to become more resilient,” CAM Director Lily Fitzgerald said. “MCP enables manufacturers to invest in critical infrastructure while meeting customer demand. Overall, the program is essential for strengthening and securing the broader ecosystem here in Massachusetts.”

Four of the grant recipients are based in Western Mass.:

• $30,000 to Governors America Corp. of Agawam, with nonprofit partner MassMEP;

• $26,326 to Meridian Industrial Group LLC of Holyoke, with nonprofit partner MassMEP;

• $30,000 to Patriot Armored Systems LLC of Lee, with nonprofit partner Berkshire Innovation Center; and

• $17,743 to Rock Valley Tool LLC of Easthampton, with nonprofit partner MassMEP.

Last month, CAM announced more than $1 million to manufacturing projects across the state through its Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative, which bridges the gap between innovation and commercialization in hardtech manufacturing.

To be eligible for funding for MCP, manufacturers must partner with a higher-education institution, nonprofit, or other public or quasi-public entity to promote collaboration and ecosystem growth. The application deadline for the next round of MCP funding is June 27.