Mass Leads Act proposes $25 million for new program to expand MA’s leadership in robotics

Boston, MA - Today, to kick off National Robotics Week, Governor Maura T. Healey continued her Mass Leads Road Show with visits to North Andover High School and MassRobotics.

In North Andover, the Governor met with the high school robotics club and congratulated them ahead of the Vex Robotics World Championships, which they will compete in later this month. She saw their robotics projects and presented a proclamation for National Robotics Week.

MassRobotics is the largest independent robotics hub dedicated to accelerating innovation and adoption in the field of robotics. They recently kicked off Mass Robotics Accelerator, powered by Mass Tech Collaborative, to support the robotics entrepreneurs through an intensive 13-week program. During the visit, Governor Healey and Lieutenant Governor Driscoll toured a lab space and met some of the startups housed at the facility. They also saw a classroom that is used for STEM Education.

The visits were part of the Governor’s Mass Leads Act Road Show during which she is traveling to communities across Massachusetts to highlight the ways in which her recently proposed economic development bill will grow the state’s economy, support businesses and attract talent. The bill proposes $25 million for a new Robotics Investment Program that will advance the state’s leadership in the robotics sector through research, commercialization, and training.

“Massachusetts is proud to be home to one of the lead robotics hubs in the world, and it’s essential that we continue to lengthen this lead through targeted investments like the Mass Leads Act,” said Governor Healey. “It was great to see the innovative work being done in robotics from high school students in North Andover to cutting-edge startups at MassRobotics.”

“There’s a reason why 1 in 4 robotics patents are earned by Massachusetts inventors – it’s because we prioritize giving this industry the tools it needs to thrive,” said Lieutenant Governor Driscoll. “Our administration is excited to continue supporting robotics entrepreneurs, as well as expanding opportunities for students to participate in STEM education and see themselves in a future career like robotics.”

Earlier this year, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) launched a new $5 million initiative to boost the robotics sector across the state. The new department, established within the Innovation Institute at MassTech, is focused on supporting robotics research and development (R&D), testing, commercialization, and workforce development.

“The investments proposed in the Mass Leads Act will help Massachusetts secure our leadership in the robotics sector,” said Secretary of Economic Development Yvonne Hao. “The proposed robotics capital program at MassTech and reauthorization of the R&D Fund will drive innovation by funding research, commercialization, and training across the state.”

“MassTech’s mission is to create opportunities for growth in the Massachusetts innovation economy, and that definitely includes robotics,” said Carolyn Kirk, CEO of MassTech. “Our Innovation Institute implements a unique model for the state that spurs economic growth -- together with industry leaders, academic researchers, and policymakers. MassTech is proud to help drive the competitiveness of tech and innovation through strategic investments and partnerships.”

"We are excited to be joined by the Governor, LG, and staff members to celebrate National Robotics Week.  Robotics is an important industry in the state, employing over 5,000 people and shipping 1,000s of robots every month,” said MassRobotics Executive Director Tom Ryden. “Massachusetts is truly the Hub of robotics and recognized as a world leader. With thee continued support in the Mass Leads Act this exciting industry will continue to grow in size and impact throughout the state."

For more information about the Mass Leads Act, visit the Economic Development Bill website.