New Bedford Research & Robotics Receives $65,000 MassCEC Grant for Ocean Technology Advancement

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center has awarded New Bedford Research & Robotics a $65,000 grant as part of the state's Ocean Innovation Network, which represents over $11 million in funding aimed at strengthening Massachusetts' position as a global leader in ocean technology. The announcement was made during MassCEC's Climatetech Corridor Roadshow at NBRR's facility, with MassCEC CEO Dr. Emily Reichert and New Bedford Mayor Jon Mitchell highlighting the South Coast's growing significance in the Commonwealth's clean energy and climate technology ecosystem.

According to Mark Parsons, Executive Director of New Bedford Research & Robotics, the investment will enable significant expansion of hands-on support for ocean technology startups while simultaneously training the next generation of blue economy workers. The grant specifically funds the acquisition of a Computer Numerical Control machine, a high-precision manufacturing tool that will allow startups within the NBRR ecosystem to prototype components for underwater robots and other ocean technology innovations directly on-site. This equipment addition is expected to streamline development processes, reduce production costs, and accelerate innovation for early-stage companies working in marine technology sectors.

Dr. Reichert emphasized New Bedford's special place in MassCEC's leadership considerations, noting the city's longstanding contributions to blue economy development and offshore wind innovation. The grant announcement occurred during the Southeast stop of MassCEC's Climatetech Corridor Roadshow, which followed morning sessions at UMass Dartmouth, further connecting educational institutions with practical innovation centers. Following the formal announcement, Parsons conducted a tour of NBRR's developing facility, demonstrating the center's expanding capabilities and its crucial role in supporting Massachusetts' ocean innovation community.

The funding represents more than just equipment acquisition—it signifies a strategic investment in Massachusetts' position within the global ocean technology landscape. By providing technical resources, collaborative space, and workforce development programs, NBRR serves as a critical hub for researchers, entrepreneurs, and companies focused on ocean-related technologies including robotics, offshore wind, and clean energy. The addition of CNC technology not only strengthens product development capabilities but also creates valuable workforce training opportunities in high-demand manufacturing skills, addressing both innovation and employment needs within the marine technology sector.

This development milestone underscores New Bedford's emergence as a central hub for ocean innovation, clean energy, and the future of offshore wind development. The city's strategic position at the heart of America's blue economy receives additional reinforcement through complementary funding, including the New Bedford Ocean Cluster's $2.13 million award to expand facilities, support its Maritime Business Incubator, and install new prototyping equipment at NBRR. These coordinated investments create a comprehensive ecosystem supporting marine innovation from concept through commercialization, positioning Massachusetts as a competitive force in the rapidly growing global blue economy market.