New biz accelerator will help manufacturers pivot to PPE production
Photo | Courtesy of Sparx
Sparx Hockey in Acton has switched from making skate-sharpening equipment to protective face masks.
A new business accelerator will help Massachusetts manufacturers pivot to producing and selling personal protective equipment, according to a press release from the Innovation Institute at MassTech, which manages the Massachusetts Manufacturing Emergency Response Team.
The COVID-19 Intrapraneur Challenge will be managed by North Adams-based Lever, a business accelerator and innovation support organization, and will be supported by a $250,000 grant from the Innovation Institute.
Participating companies, which will be selected through an application process, will receive support and resources to pivot their operations to manufacture PPE, as well as access to experts and information about entrepreneurial methods.
The first challenge, which focuses on producing general-use face masks, will run for five-weeks. During that time, representatives from selected companies will work virtually with Lever, with the goal of returning to their businesses with the skills and resources needed to pivot manufacturing operations.
At the end of the five weeks, a $25,000 award will be given to the winner at a virtual pitch event.
Applications for the first round are due June 12. Eligible companies must be based in Massachusetts, have been in operation for at least three years, have at least $500,000 in annual revenue, and be registered with the MERT program by May 15, 2020. They must also have expressed the intention to pivot to making general use face masks.
Selections will be made by June 19.
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