Sept. 12, 2022

Institute Facilities Are a Draw for Many Early-Stage Companies

August 17, 2022 — Competitiveness was among the primary drivers in the creation of Manufacturing USA to secure U.S. global leadership in advanced manufacturing by connecting people, ideas, and technology. The Manufacturing USA network, which has roots in the creation of America Makes in 2012, has grown to include 16 manufacturing innovation institutes that work to accelerate and de-risk technology development and scale-up through an ecosystem of government research institutions, universities and private sector industry members. Collectively, the institutes in the past decade have advanced 270 technologies toward commercialization.

Aug. 19, 2022

AFFOA and Greater Lawrence Technical School Conclude Product Development Challenge to Support Ukraine

August 3, 2022 — Launched in 2018, the AFF program aims to develop the next generation of multi-skilled workers by exposing students to a myriad of technical skills and equipment in the context of manufacturing advanced functional fabrics. High school students from GLTS have completed the four-part hands-on AFF program during which they ideate and prototype novel textile products that address specific challenges.  At the conclusion of the program, students get to present their prototypes to their community and peers.

Aug. 17, 2022

How the Manufacturing USA Network Nurtures Startup Companies Across the Innovation Gap

August 17, 2022 — The gap between a good idea and a successful commercial product is known as the “innovation valley of death.” It’s part of the complex history in which manufacturers and investors struggled to keep operations on shore and develop innovations domestically when lower cost options existed elsewhere. The additional business risk associated with investments in prototyping and product development also hinder the creation of new companies that can drive innovation in manufacturing.