FORGE Product Development Grants

Geographic Scope: Massachusetts and Connecticut (Northeast Massachusetts, Western Massachusetts, Connecticut, North Shore)

Focus Areas:

• Physical product innovation and hardtech startups
• Companies transitioning from prototype/MVP to commercialization
• Manufacturing readiness and production scaling
• All sectors where startups are driving innovation

Award Amounts:

• Recent awards range from $30,000 to $100,000
• $100,000 is the maximum grant size currently offered with Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund (MIF)
• Examples: Floe ($30,000), AtlasXomics ($70,350), SedMed ($50,000), OHM ($64,853), Mirabelle Medical ($62,978), Hera Materials ($100,000)

Eligibility:

• Physical product startups and emerging manufacturers
• Companies with prototypes or MVPs ready for manufacturing advancement
• Preference for companies seeking to manufacture with Connecticut-based suppliers (CT program)
• Must identify high-impact product development milestone
• Must obtain quotes from local/regional manufacturers

What They Fund:

• Product development milestones
• Manufacturing readiness activities
• Working with contract manufacturers for prototype/production advancement
• Equipment purchases
• Design validation and manufacturability refinement
• Transition from prototype to early production

What They Don't Fund:

• Not explicitly stated in provided materials

Supported By:

• Connecticut Manufacturing Innovation Fund (CT program)
• M&T Bank (presenting sponsor for recent events)

Background:

• FORGE is a nonprofit organization supporting physical product innovation in New England since 2015
• Helps emerging hardtech companies navigate journey from prototype through commercialization
• Has supported 800+ companies
• Non-dilutive funding (no equity taken)
• Includes curated connections to supply chain network and manufacturing partners

Contact:

• FORGE Headquarters: 444 Somerville Ave., Somerville, MA 02143
• FORGE Connecticut: 770 Chapel St., New Haven, CT 06510
• Multiple regional offices in Massachusetts (Pioneer Valley, Merrimack Valley, North Shore)

Application Process

1. Identify a High-Impact Product Development Milestone
- Articulate the specific manufacturing goal
- Define how funding would help achieve the milestone

2. Obtain Manufacturer Quotes
- Secure quotes from local/Connecticut-based manufacturers
- FORGE can assist with this step

3. Submit Application
- Application portal available at forgeimpact.org
- Link: "Apply for FORGE Product Development Grants"
- FORGE staff can provide guidance through the process

4. Pitch/Award Competition
- Some programs feature pitch competitions at FORGE events
- Public events where winners are announced
- Recent events: Gyre9 facility tour (Apr 2025), KUBTEC event (Jan 2026)

Required Materials

• Quotes from Connecticut-based manufacturers (preferred)
• Description of product development milestone
• Explanation of funding use
• Product details and innovation focus

Support Available

• FORGE staff assistance in identifying appropriate manufacturers
• Guidance on defining manufacturing milestones
• Manufacturing readiness education and consultation
• Connection facilitation with supply chain network

Contact for Application Help

• Schedule a call with FORGE for guidance
• Contact: forgeimpact.org contact form
• Available at all five regional offices