Massachusetts Invests in Ocean Innovation with New Bedford Research & Robotics Grant
New Bedford Research & Robotics received a $65,000 MassCEC grant to acquire advanced manufacturing equipment that will accelerate ocean technology development and workforce training in Massachusetts' growing blue economy.
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center has awarded New Bedford Research & Robotics a $65,000 grant as part of the state's Ocean Innovation Network, a comprehensive program providing more than $11 million in funding to strengthen Massachusetts' position as a global leader in ocean technology. The announcement was made during the Southeast stop of MassCEC's Climatetech Corridor Roadshow, highlighting the strategic importance of this investment in the Commonwealth's clean energy and climate technology ecosystem.
Dr. Emily Reichert, CEO of MassCEC, joined New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell to emphasize the South Coast's expanding role in ocean innovation. Reichert noted that New Bedford holds a special place in MassCEC's leadership for its longstanding contributions to the blue economy and offshore wind innovation. This recognition underscores the region's strategic importance in Massachusetts' broader clean energy ambitions.
The grant will enable NBRR to acquire a Computer Numerical Control machine, a high-precision manufacturing tool that will significantly enhance prototyping capabilities for startups developing underwater robots and other ocean technology innovations. According to Mark Parsons, Executive Director of New Bedford Research & Robotics, this investment represents a dual opportunity for both technological advancement and workforce development. The CNC technology not only strengthens product development processes but also provides valuable training opportunities in high-demand manufacturing skills essential for the growing blue economy workforce.
The addition of this advanced equipment is expected to streamline development processes, reduce production costs, and accelerate innovation for early-stage companies working within the NBRR ecosystem. By enabling on-site prototyping of components for underwater robotics and other ocean technologies, the CNC machine addresses a critical gap in the innovation pipeline that often slows down technology commercialization. Following the announcement, Parsons led a tour of NBRR's developing facility, showcasing the center's expanding capabilities and its vital role in supporting Massachusetts' ocean innovation community.
This funding milestone comes alongside additional significant investments in New Bedford's marine innovation infrastructure. The New Bedford Ocean Cluster received $2.13 million to expand facilities, support its Maritime Business Incubator, and install new prototyping equipment at NBRR. These coordinated investments further cement New Bedford's leadership position in marine innovation and demonstrate the state's commitment to building a comprehensive ecosystem for ocean technology development. The collective funding strengthens Massachusetts' competitive edge in the global blue economy while creating new economic opportunities in the South Coast region.