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Business Development
Clusters of Strength
Western MA possesses unique clusters of strength in Precision Machining, Plastics, Life Sciences, Information Technology, Communications and Electronics. These areas have enabled the region to advance its stake in emerging technology areas including Medical Devices, Analytical Instruments, Biopharmaceuticals and Medical Equipment.
Whatever your specific business development need, contact the Regional Technology Corporation to get connected to the resource YOU need. Or, search the RTC Directory for fast access to resources. And, be sure to create your free directory entry so potential partners can find you.
Life Sciences
The two major engines for growth in the region's life sciences are Baystate Health Systems, a teaching hospital ranking in the Top 100 Hospitals in America, and UMass Amherst, Massachusetts's own landgrant institution with sponsored research activities in excess of $100 million. Together, under the auspices of The Pioneer Valley Life Sciences Initiative, the two formed the "Institute" which focuses on translational research, the bridge between basic science and clinical practice. Last year, Baystate and UMass unveiled incubator space and brought on star tenant Biomedical Research Models, an entity which conducts research but also links startups with infrastructure and funding (SBIR-leveraged and Venture Capital). Additional biosciences activity in the region ranges from drug development, diagnostic equipment, medical instruments and devices and research and testing, as well as food sciences, agricultural chemicals (including seeds and fertilizer), and environmental biotechnology. Leveraging BETA, RTC's Life Sciences arm, there is an industry link to commercialize the technology advances brought to bear by these organizations.
There are numerous full-time, day programs for this sector. Following highlights some of the key training resources for this sector:
- STCC's Biotechnology Program A.S.
- WNEC's Biomedical Engineering B.S.
- UMass Amherst's MBA, Engineering and BioChemistry Programs
Information Technology, Electronics and Communications
Although a handful are mid-sized, the vast majority of companies that are in this cluster are small companies (former Digital Equipment Corporation, Data General and UMass Amherst technologists). These companies have expertise in traditional information services, including data processing, network services, computer programming, software development, systems integration and outsourcing. In addition, there is a strong base of "New Economy", Internet-related computer services such as e-commerce, web design, web portals and application service provision. Among specific technology focus areas found in western Massachusetts, information classification and retrieval systems, data warehousing and data mining and e-commerce are areas of strength. The region possesses a strength in Advanced Electronics & Communications, primarily involving electronic components design, imaging, engineering, assembling and packaging, with specific technology focus areas of microwave and millimeter wave technologies, RF technologies, signal processing and fiber optic communications (see Precision Manufacturing below). UMass Amherst's Computer Science Department was ranked 25th in Computer Science and 6th in the field of Artificial Intelligence in U.S. News & World Report's 2003 ranking of "America's Best Graduate Schools". UMass Amherst has technology available of licensing, as well as graduate students and professors available to conduct research. Leveraging TEC, RTC's IT and Communications arm, there is a mechanism to connecting industry professionals, academia and others, to share best practices and commercialize technology.
There are numerous full-time, day programs for this sector. Following highlights some of the key training resources for this sector:
- STCC Associates programs in Computer, Engineering and Information Technology; Laser Electro-Optics and Telecommunications Technologies; and certification programs in Electrical/Robotics, and Electronics Systems Engineering
- WNEC Certificate Programs in Computer, Electrical and Mechanical Engineering.
- UMass Amherst's MBA, Computer Science and Engineering Programs
Plastics
The region possesses over 66 plastics companies, earning revenues in excess of $175 million per annum. Companies include injection molders, thermal molding companies, thin film coaters, extruders and more. Supporting industries, such as resin manufacturers, film and chemicals suppliers, and mold makers also have a strong presence in the region. Within an hour's driving distance, in Pittsfield, exists another resource in support of the Plastics industry... the Berkshire Plastics Network, providing another cluster of plastics companies (12 companies, $40 million) and one of the few certified 4-year mold maker apprentice/training programs in the country. Polymer Science is a center of excellence at UMass Amherst, offering industry access through the Center for University of Massachusetts - Industry Research on Polymers (CUMIRP). In 1996 and 1998, U.S. News and World Report listed the UMass Polymer Science Department as the top-ranking Polymer Chemistry program in the nation. MMTN, RTC's Materials and Manufacturing arm, is the vehicle for industry and academia to collaborate and find new business opportunities.
There are numerous full-time, day programs for this sector. Following highlights some of the key resources for this sector:
- Berkshire Plastics Network, Mold Maker's Certification Program
- WNEC's Electrical, Industrial, and Mechanical Engineering B.S. and Certification Programs, including expertise in Materials Science and Radiation Cure technologies
- UMass Amherst's MBA Program, Engineering and Polymer Science Programs
Precision Machining
Traditionally a supplier to the Aerospace, Metal Fabrication and Industrial Machinery/Device markets, the region's precision manufacturing base today manufactures employs precision casting, molding and laser welding to produce highly specialized, quality controlled products with tight tolerances and long life spans. These include anything from implantable devices to satellite equipment, both requiring over 15 years of consistent quality usage. The region's precision manufacturers are skilled in welding, electro-plating and heat treatment processes. The region's core strength is in the design and engineering of systems, incorporating machining, plastics, optical/electronics and other essential components. Precision Manufacturers are found in all three RTC networks, TEC, BETA and MMTN.
There are numerous full-time, day programs for this sector. Following highlights some of the key resources for this sector:
- Berkshire Plastics Network, Moldmaker's Certification Program
- STCC's CNC and Robotics Programs
- UMass Amherst's MBA and Engineering Programs
Whatever your specific business development need, contact the Regional Technology Corporation to get connected to the resource YOU need. Or, search the RTC Directory for fast access to resources. And, be sure to create your free directory entry so potential partners can find you.
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Featured Events |
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Monday, May 12, 2008
Noon - 2pm
MMTN Luncheon Roundtable |
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MEMBERS ONLY EVENT
The Materials and Manufacturing Technology Network (MMTN) of the Regional Technology Corporation announces its new LUNCHEON ROUNDTABLE EVENT.
The topic of the this event will be "EDC's Homefield Advantage Program as a Resource for Manufacturers"
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Friday, May 16, 2008
8:00 - 11:00 a.m.
Breaking Through |
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BREAKING THROUGH:
IT-ENABLED BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES EVENT SERIES
Springfield, MA—May 5, 2008 – The Regional Technology Corporation (RTC) is pleased to announce that its Technology Enterprise Council (TEC) network will be holding a business focused information technology event on Friday, May 16t
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Latest News |
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Monday, April 28, 2008:
MMTN Chair featured on MasterCard promo |
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Ann Latham, President of Uncommon Clarity, Inc. and Chair of our MMTN network is currently featured on the MasterCard Small Business website
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Monday, April 7, 2008:
RTC featured in Business West |
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“All Access Pass: The Regional Technology Corporation Keeps the Welcome Mat Out” is the article about RTC in the current issue of BusinessWest and can be found here:www.businesswest.com/details.asp?id=1515.
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Blog Roll |
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