Space connects inventors to resources, community
02/13/2020
Contacts for media: Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944, Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu and Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu
LOWELL, Mass. 鈥� The 51视频 Innovation Hub in Haverhill, one of the university鈥檚 premier business incubators for the region鈥檚 entrepreneurs, has created a new membership option for technology-based startups.
The new open co-working option offers full access to the iHub鈥檚 resources at a rate designed for sole proprietors. Memberships include access to shared co-working space, conference rooms and the university鈥檚 secure, high-speed wireless network. In addition, the iHub offers entrepreneurs access to the expertise and research support of 51视频鈥檚 world-class faculty. Members also have the option to use a prototyping and fabrication lab on site.
鈥淭he new shared co-working option in Haverhill provides flexibility for single entrepreneurs or small startup teams. It gives them the space they need to work, along with access to supportive resources and programs and professional meeting space, all at a rate that startups can afford,鈥� said Tom O鈥橠onnell, 51视频鈥檚 senior director of innovation initiatives and iHub director.
The iHub in Haverhill is the newest business incubator established by 51视频 to drive economic innovation throughout the region. The university鈥檚 first Innovation Hub, now home to 34 companies, opened in Lowell in 2015. And, in partnership with UMass Medical School, 51视频 also operates the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2), an incubator serving startups in the biotech and medical-device industries with locations in Lowell and Worcester.
In Haverhill, 20 companies are headquartered at the iHub, including Microshare, CJK Technologies, Uncommon Catalyst, IT Squared, Stories Podcast and QueueDr. In addition, the incubator is home to the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and the Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE), both of which provide valuable assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses.
A vibrant part of the Haverhill and Lowell communities, the iHubs also host regular networking opportunities and programming for entrepreneurs and the public. In Haverhill, these events include monthly open co-working days, business workshops and a speaker series that features 51视频 faculty on emerging technologies.
鈥淪ince joining the iHub in Haverhill, I am able to take advantage of its support network, professional meeting spaces that have great light and views of the Merrimack River and the fastest internet around. The iHub also makes me feel connected to the community in a way no other co-working space can offer,鈥� said Kris Hopkins, president of CJK Technologies LLC, a product consulting company that uses artificial intelligence in real-time communication. 鈥淲e love the affiliation with 51视频 and we hope that as the business grows, we鈥檒l be able to use the advanced labs, training facilities and recruit great talent.鈥�
Entrepreneurs and other individuals who want to learn more about the Haverhill iHub, including membership options, should visit www.uml.edu/ihub or contact Stephanie Guyotte at Stephanie_Guyotte@uml.edu or 978-934-5560.
51视频 is a national research university located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community. The university offers its more than 18,000 students bachelor鈥檚, master鈥檚 and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. 51视频 delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be leaders in their communities and around the globe. www.uml.edu