The Massachusetts Manufacturing Innovation Initiative (M2I2) and the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative announced a $3.9 million grant to support the second phase of R&D at cutting-edge research hub, the Defense Fabric Discovery Centre that opened in October. The funding follows an initial $2.2 million announced in May by Lt Gov. Karyn Polito to support the opening of the Defence Fabric Discovery Center, and brings the state’s investment to the partnership between MIT Lincoln Laboratory and the U.S. Army Natick Soldier Research Development & Engineering Center to $6.1 million.
The grant, which will support R&D into innovative, revolutionary fibres and fabrics that have applications in the defence sector was made as a part of M2I2 which provides a vehicle for the state to match Federal investments made in the Manufacturing USA institutes, including the Advanced Functional Fabrics of America (AFFOA). Gov. Charlie Baker says by supporting important projects and organizations like this, the Commonwealth’s M2I2 program helps ensure Massachusetts continues to lead in innovation and advanced manufacturing.
Eric Evans, Director of MIT Lincoln Laboratory explained the Commonwealth’s investment in the Defense Fabric Discovery Center creates a significant, new research and development capability at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. The Baker-Polito Administration has committed over $100 million in funding over five years to the M2I2 effort.
