 |
| 麻州州長Maura Healey簽署行政命令。（周菊子攝） |
奚莉州長率同副州長Kim Driscoll，經濟發展廳廳長Eric Paley，Draper 董事長兼執行長Jerry Wohletz
，國家安全企業高管會董事長兼執行長，也是美國退休空軍將軍Tim Ray，麻州科技合作組織執行長Carolyn Kirk等人，與將近200名麻州國防工業高管，在州政府大廳（Great Hall）齊聚一堂，支持「麻州之盾」計畫，也彰顯麻州在美國的國防工業上佔有舉足輕重的地位。
麻州州長Maura Healey強調和麻州大學羅爾分校校長陳理珠（中）合作。（周菊子攝）
奚莉州長說，麻州以在國防工業上佔領導地位而驕傲。麻州不僅是國家衛隊，美國海軍，以及美國海岸衛隊的誕生地，創新與服務精神也傳承了好幾代。
 |
| 麻州州長Maura Healey稱麻州的國防工業居美國領導地位。（周菊子攝） |
作為「造盾計畫（SHIELD）」的一部分，奚莉州長今日簽署行政命令，成立「造盾工作組（SHIELD Working Group）」，由麻州科技合作組織（Massachusetts Technology Collaborative）率領，督促州政府機構找出支持國防工業的方法，向州長及副州長提供加強國防工業發展建議。
 |
| 麻州政府頒發獎助款給MITRE的量子項目，由該公司微電子系統主任 Moise Solomon（右三）和研究員Mark Dong (左三）代表領取。（周菊子攝） |
在這場簽署行政命令，頒發資助科研經費款項的聚會中，麻州政府還宣佈和羅爾市（Lowell），以及陳理珠（Julie Chen）擔任校長的麻州大學羅爾分校合作，撥款2500萬元，在羅爾市設立“衝擊中心（Integrated Microelectronics Production & Advanced Chip Technology，簡稱IMPACT）”，估計會支持200個新工作機會。
陳理珠表示，該校和軍事設施，國防工業夥伴，以及其他大學都致力加強保護國家，支持創新的生態系統。他們很感謝奚莉政府的支持及遠見，也期待繼續經由東北微電子聯盟樞紐（Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub），美國陸軍Natick士兵系統中心，Hanscom空軍基地等繼續合作。
會中，希莉州長也宣佈撥出1140萬元聯邦及州政府經費，用於研發保護男女軍人的前沿解決方案。
在”支持從實驗室到企業的晶片進步（SCALE）資本計畫“下，奚莉州長另外宣佈1020萬元經費，經由東北微電子聯盟（NEMC）補助MITRE 等9個組織，加強麻州的微電子生態系統。
Governor Healey Launches Defense Sector Initiative to Strengthen Massachusetts’ National Security Leadership
At convening with defense sector leaders, Governor announces $47 million to support military innovation, grow microelectronics and chips manufacturing, create jobs
BOSTON – At a convening of defense sector leaders at the State House today, Governor Maura Healey announced the launch of the Massachusetts Strategic Hub for Innovation, Exchange and Leadership in Defense (SHIELD), a new initiative to strengthen the state's defense leadership and accelerate the development of cutting-edge national security solutions. As part of this effort, the Governor also announced nearly $47 million in funding to support military innovation, expand microelectronics and chips manufacturing in Massachusetts, create high-quality jobs and bolster U.S. supply chain resilience.
Massachusetts plays a pivotal role in the nation’s defense ecosystem as the home of leading research institutions, advanced manufacturers, and a highly skilled workforce. The industry supports more than 130,000 jobs, contributes $15.2 billion in annual labor income, and generates $48.6 billion in annual economic output, underscoring the state’s outsized impact on national security and innovation.
“Massachusetts is proud of our defense leadership – we are the birthplace of the National Guard, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, and we’ve carried that legacy of innovation and service forward for generations. Our defense sector is a cornerstone of our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic impact,” said Governor Healey. “Today, in partnership with defense sector leaders from across the state, I’m taking action to strengthen our national security leadership, expand advanced manufacturing, and create more high-quality jobs for Massachusetts workers.”
“Massachusetts is no stranger to innovation and manufacturing in support of national security. We're truly a defense state. Through this initiative and these investments, we’re leveraging the work that we already have underway in advanced manufacturing and innovation, and we’re investing in the future of our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As someone who grew up in a military family, I know how important this sector is. Today, we’re proud to ensure that Massachusetts remains a leader in the defense industry.”
SHIELD Initiative
As part of SHIELD, Governor Healey signed an Executive Order directing state agencies to identify ways to increase support for defense sector initiatives across the administration. The Executive Order also establishes a SHIELD Working Group, led by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), to advise the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on advancing the defense sector in Massachusetts.
Governor Healey also announced that the Executive Office for Economic Development (EOED) has created a defense industry sector focus within its Business Front Door Navigator team to better connect defense companies and organizations with state resources and growth opportunities.
“Massachusetts has always led where innovation meets impact. Our defense sector unites cutting-edge research and advanced manufacturing to solve the nation’s toughest challenges,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, Chair of the MassTech Board of Directors. “Through SHIELD, we’re connecting partners across industry and academia to grow jobs, strengthen national security, and keep Massachusetts at the forefront of America’s defense economy.”
The administration will also partner with Business Executives for National Security (BENS) and other defense sector organizations to convene future engagements in Massachusetts focused on national security and economic growth.
“This is a great time for states. The combination of shifting national security demands and new federal instruments makes this a pivotal moment for state-level leadership,” said General Tim Ray, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), President & CEO of Business Executives for National Security. States that can integrate defense funding, federal incentives, private capital, and academic expertise will be best positioned to drive meaningful results.”
SHIELD is informed by Governor Healey’s convening of the Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force (MASS-TF) in January 2025. The MASS-TF’s mission is to partner with, support and expand military assets and installations within Massachusetts, including Barnes Air National Guard Base, Devens Reserve Forces Training Area, Hanscom Air Force Base, Joint Base Cape Cod, Natick Soldier Systems Center, and Westover Air Reserve Base. This includes coordination and partnerships with the defense sector in order to support the national security missions at each military installation and across the state. The Task Force is housed within the Office of the Governor and supported by the Executive Office of Economic Development and MassDevelopment.
“From the birthplace of the National Guard to the home of world-class research and innovation, Massachusetts has always answered the call to serve and lead. The SHIELD initiative continues that proud legacy by investing in our people, our communities, and our shared commitment to national defense,” said Major General Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard.
IMPACT Center
At today’s convening, Governor Healey also announced up to $25 million in state and local funding in partnership with the City of Lowell to support the construction of the nonprofit Draper’s Integrated Microelectronics Production & Advanced Chip Technology (IMPACT) Center in Lowell. The IMPACT Center will support up to 200 new jobs and enable Draper to continue to execute hundreds of millions of dollars of contracts within Massachusetts. The new facility will also generate substantial state and local tax revenue, support education and workforce development, and nurture the innovation ecosystem.
“Today’s investment reflects Governor Healey's ongoing commitment to ensuring that Massachusetts’ technology and innovation ecosystem is aligned with the needs of the nation's defense sector. It also strengthens the Commonwealth's manufacturing base in the critical microelectronic sector," said Jerry Wohletz, Ph.D., President and CEO of Draper. "In addition to the IMPACT Center, our partnership with UMass Lowell and LINC will create new jobs for a highly skilled workforce, educated and trained in our local universities, colleges, and trade schools. And all of this will be done in service to our nation's security needs. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Commonwealth, and our partners in state and federal government for supporting our vision of what can be accomplished by this investment.”
This state and local funding builds on the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC), a transformative public-private partnership made possible by the leadership of the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML), the UMass Building Authority and the City of Lowell, with significant support from the Healey-Driscoll administration. The project is expected to generate over $3.7 billion in economic activity, create 2,000 permanent jobs, and result in nearly 500 units of new housing in Lowell over the next decade.
In March 2023, Governor Healey joined state and local leaders to announce that Draper would serve as LINC’s anchor tenant. Draper intends to provide up to $10 million in program, research, and educational resources to UML over the next decade.
“This investment by the Healey-Driscoll Administration is a game-changer for the City of Lowell. The IMPACT Center will not only bring hundreds of high-quality jobs to our community, but it will also solidify Lowell’s role as a hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and national security,” said Lowell City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. “We are proud to partner with Draper, UMass Lowell, and the Commonwealth to bring this vision to life. This is more than a building – it’s a catalyst for economic growth, workforce development, and opportunity for generations to come. The IMPACT Center and the broader LINC initiative represent the future of Lowell, and we’re grateful for the state’s commitment to making it a reality."
“The defense industrial base and national security cluster here in New England are essential to both our economic strength and our collective security. At UMass Lowell, we’re proud to play a leading role in that effort, working side by side with military installations, defense industry partners and other universities to strengthen the ecosystem that protects our nation and drives innovation,” said Dr. Julie Chen, Chancellor, UMass Lowell; and MASS-TF Member. “Draper’s expansion in Lowell is a great example of what’s possible when state leadership, industry and higher education come together with a shared purpose. We’re deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support and vision, and we look forward to continued collaboration through the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub, the U.S. Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center, and Hanscom Air Force Base. Together, these partnerships are positioning Massachusetts, and the city of Lowell, as a national leader in defense innovation, workforce development and economic opportunity.”
Protecting Servicemembers
Governor Healey also announced $11.4 million of federal and state funding to support the development of cutting-edge solutions to protect military servicemen and women, in partnership with the U.S. Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center and Hanscom Air Force Base. This initiative will both support the work of the Army at the Natick Soldier Systems Center called BioNexus, as well as scale up funding support to Massachusetts small businesses working on Air Force innovation at Hanscom Air Force Base. The state's share of the funds will be distributed as innovation grants through a competitive incubator-like structure, administered by the Military Asset & Security Strategy Task Force through EOED. This funding was secured due to Governor Healey’s federal funding law.
SCALE Program
Additionally, Governor Healey announced $10.2 million in grants to nine organizations to strengthen Massachusetts’ microelectronics ecosystem through the Supporting Chip Advancement from Lab to Enterprise (SCALE) Capital Program. The SCALE program leverages state match funding through the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub, a division of MassTech, that supports cutting-edge projects in the state’s microelectronics ecosystem that bridge innovation and capability gaps, enhance workforce development and drive technology from the lab to the fab. Massachusetts is first state in the federal Microelectronics Commons program to deploy state matching funds.
“For the past two years through the Northeast Microelectronics Commons (NEMC) Hub, Massachusetts has been leading a collective, regional effort to advance technologies critical to national security, create jobs and invest in transformative projects across the microelectronics industry,” said MassTech CEO Carolyn Kirk. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s SHIELD initiative and strategic investment bolsters partnerships within the defense sector which will lead to future breakthroughs in these critical technologies.”
沒有留言:
發佈留言