Mansfield Incubator or Other Workforce Development Projects

The Mansfield Bio-Incubator is a non-profit organization that seeks to facilitate and assist in the creation, growth, and success of biotech companies. As an incubator, the organization fosters economic development in the community by maintaining affordable lab and office space to lease, while offering services, training, mentoring, and a network of professional advisors. In late 2022, the Mansfield Bio-Incubator celebrated the grand opening of Phase II, which marked the expansion of the facility, tripling the lab’s footprint. Phase II was funded by a $4M award from the Massachusetts Life Science Center. The incubator occupies 10,000 square feet of a former manufacturing plant with up to 300,000 square feet and 63 acres available for further expansion.

Proposed Investment and Initiatives: Part of the Incubator’s mission is to provide training and create an environment that connects a variety of stakeholders including, industry experts, investors, government, and academia. The next steps for the incubator include expanding their workforce development program to create the next generation of biotech leaders. Given the current footprint of the organization, the Incubator expects to experience future growth to meet his full mission and vision.

Strengths

• Strong regional universities, colleges, and community colleges

• Incredible coastlines, rivers, natural resources, and recreation

Weaknesses

• Modern infrastructure investments – especially in ports, water, sewer, and broadband – are still required for more growth

Threats

• An aging population with increasing need for social services

• Perceptions of persistently high unemployment and low educational attainment