Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $2 Million to Berkshire Innovation Center for Advanced Optics Lab

Healey-Driscoll Administration Awards $2 Million to Berkshire Innovation Center for Advanced Optics Lab 

PITTSFIELD – Governor Maura Healey announced today a $2 million award to the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) to support the Advanced Manufacturing for Advanced Optics (AMAO) Lab in Pittsfield, helping establish Western Massachusetts as a national leader in optical manufacturing and strengthening the region's innovation economy. 

The award, provided through the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, builds on the previously announced $5 million award to the BIC through the Massachusetts TechHubs Program. Together, the investments will support the expansion of the Berkshire Innovation Center through the acquisition of an adjacent facility, creating additional space for advanced manufacturing, workforce training and industry collaboration. 

"Massachusetts has long been a global leader in innovation, and we're making sure the next generation of advanced manufacturing happens here," said Governor Maura Healey. "The Berkshire Innovation Center is bringing together industry, research and workforce partners to strengthen a critical technology sector, create good jobs and help Western Massachusetts continue leading the way." 

"The Berkshires have a strong reputation for advanced manufacturing, and we're continuing to invest in the people, partnerships and infrastructure that will fuel the region's future," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "This project will help companies innovate, grow and compete while creating new opportunities for workers and communities across Western Massachusetts." 

"Massachusetts' continued global leadership in innovation relies on our willingness to invest today. Supporting these innovations and strengthening our manufacturing economy have long been priorities of the Senate, and today's investment reflects our continued commitment," said Senate President Karen E. Spilka (D-Ashland). "We are creating new opportunities for communities, workers, and businesses, reinforcing the Commonwealth's position as a global leader today, and positioning ourselves to lead in the industries of tomorrow. I applaud Governor Healey for her prioritization of these crucial investments." 

"Innovation happens where talented people, cutting-edge companies and strong partnerships come together," said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley. "The Advanced Manufacturing for Advanced Optics Lab builds on the Berkshires' unique strengths and reinforces Massachusetts' position as a leader in next-generation manufacturing and technology." 

“I appreciate the support of the Healey-Driscoll Administration, Senator Mark, Representative Farley-Bouvier and the Pittsfield City Council for their investments in this economic development project that will expand the Berkshire Innovation Center and create a meta-optics manufacturing facility,” said Pittsfield Mayor Peter Marchetti. “The combination of state and local resources for the TechHub will create more job opportunities, support entrepreneurs who want to grow their businesses and serve as a catalyst for future development at Site 9.” 

“Today’s funding announcement is the outcome of multiple years of hard work and builds upon recent investments in the Berkshire Innovation Center,” said Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier (D-Pittsfield). “With this funding, we are able to elevate the Berkshires as industry leaders in advanced manufacturing and improve the economic health of the region.  I have immense gratitude for the Healey-Driscoll Administration for recognizing the potential in the BIC and acting upon it. And I have faith that the BIC partners will see this through.”  

“The Berkshires are well-positioned to lead the next generation of advanced manufacturing, and this investment helps make that possible,” said Senator Paul Mark (D-Berkshires). “It’s another strong example of what can be accomplished when the Legislature, the Healey-Driscoll Administration, and our local partners work together to create jobs, support local industry, and grow our regional economy.” 

"This investment reflects what is possible when state and local government, industry, higher education, and nonprofit partners work together around a shared vision,” said Ben Sosne, Executive Director, Berkshire Innovation Center. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration continues to implement a coordinated, strategic economic development plan that is creating opportunity in every corner of the Commonwealth while positioning Massachusetts for long-term growth in the industries that will define our economy for decades to come. We are proud that the Berkshire Innovation Center and the Berkshires are helping advance that vision, and we are grateful to Governor Healey, Mayor Marchetti, Senator Mark, Representative Farley-Bouvier, our partners at the MassTech Collaborative, and the many industry leaders whose collaboration and commitment made this project possible. This is what strategic investment and strong partnerships can achieve.” 

The BIC’s Advanced Manufacturing for Advanced Optics Lab in Pittsfield is anchored by high-growth companies Myrias Optics Inc. and Electro Magnetic Applications and designed to accelerate the development and manufacturing of advanced optical components while strengthening Western Massachusetts' position in the growing optics and photonics industry. 

The award builds on a partnership between the state, the City of Pittsfield and regional organizations to strengthen the Berkshires' advanced manufacturing ecosystem. Together, the partners have committed $11.6 million to establish the Advanced Manufacturing for Advanced Optics Lab and expand the Berkshire Innovation Center's capabilities.