News from the life sciences and technology sectors north of Boston |
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Massachusetts continues to solidify its role as a quantum tech hub, as Qblox, a Dutch company with newly established North American headquarters in Boston, begins manufacturing its quantum control systems in the U.S. Qblox is working in partnership with high-tech electronics component maker Prodrive Technologies, which will begin shipping to customers from its facility in Canton starting April 1. Read more in Boston Business Journal (subscription required). |
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Ben Downing has been appointed as the next chief executive officer of Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC).
Downing was formerly the chief growth officer at The Engine, a nonprofit incubator and accelerator built by MIT to support climatetech, biotech, and advanced infrastructure startups. He also previously served as a state senator representing the Berkshires and as Senate chair of the Joint Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy Committee. |
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Governor Maura Healy said, "Massachusetts is home to some of the world’s leading climatetech companies, and many of their successes can be attributed to Ben Downing’s visionary leadership in the Legislature and the support he has spearheaded for startups at The Engine. Our administration is deeply committed to growing our innovation economy. With strong support authorized under the Mass Leads Act, Ben will steer our climatetech industry and over 162,000 climatetech workers to its next chapter.” |
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RAN Biotechnologies (48 Dunham Ridge, Beverly), a science-driven innovator in advanced micro- and nano-materials and microfluidic systems, has launched the OrchestRANum System, a new line of products designed to make high-performance single-cell partitioning accessible, flexible, and cost-effective for research laboratories worldwide. The system is engineered to support workflows such as single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq), a cornerstone technology in modern biology and precision medicine. |
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The OrchestRANum System combines optimized hardware, consumables, and flexible protocols to deliver reliable, customizable, and rapid single-cell partitioning into barcode droplets (BARDs) compatible with standard molecular biology workflows. Its two scalable introductory kits support sample inputs from 5,000 to 80,000 cells and ensure broad utility across diverse scRNA-seq applications. Learn more. |
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Phoenix Tailings (2 Henshaw Street, Woburn and Exeter, NH), a rare earth metals production company building a stable, circular rare earth supply chain from tailings to metal, closed a $40.2 million oversubscribed B-3 amplification round, bringing total Series B funding to $116.6 million. Proceeds from the round will expand Phoenix Tailings’ capabilities beyond its current production of neodymium-praseodymium (NdPr), dysprosium (Dy), and terbium (Tb) to include samarium (Sm), yttrium (Y), and other critical rare earth metals. The capital accelerates the buildout of a fully integrated domestic rare earth production platform capable of delivering the full spectrum of strategic materials required across energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing sectors. |
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Natera, Inc. (500 Cummings Center, Beverly and Austin, TX), a global leader in cell-free DNA and precision medicine, has launched Zenith Genomics, its next-generation whole genome sequencing assay designed to enhance the detection of rare and ultra-rare diseases.
Built to tackle the challenge of timely and accurate diagnosis of rare genetic conditions, Zenith genomics provides enhanced resolution of typically hard-to-detect features such as tandem repeat expansions by using long-read sequencing confirmation to provide comprehensive diagnostic clarity. Learn more. |
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Massachusetts Innovation Network is accepting applications for The 2026 Eddies, the oldest and longest-running innovation-fueling program in the region. The program is open to Mass-based startups that have developed a product or technology disrupting their market/industry.
Celebrating its 40th year, the program has supported more than 3,800 startups. Notable winners include iRobot, Zipcar, Vistaprint, HubSpot, Keurig, Carbonite, Insulet, E-Ink, MassChallenge, MathWorks, and Cambridge Nanotech. Learn more. |
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Rgenta Therapeutics (300 TradeCenter 128, Woburn), a clinical-stage biotechnology company pioneering the development of a new class of oral small molecules targeting RNA and RNA regulation for oncology and neurological disorders, presented preclinical data from its new Huntington’s disease (HD) drug candidate targeting PMS1, RGT-0474060 at the 21st Annual HD Therapeutics Conference in Palm Springs, CA. The data, generated in a model of HD, demonstrate robust efficacy and well tolerated in vivo safety. The pharmacokinetics of RGT-0474060 track with reduction in PMS1 RNA and protein levels, and a dose-dependent suppression and inhibition of somatic CAG-repeat expansion associated with HD. Learn more. |
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digiM (500 West Cummings Park, Woburn), a company providing advanced 3D microstructure analysis insights that predict product quality and performance to accelerate pharmaceutical development and regulatory success, is supporting the 28th Annual Conference of the Northeast Regional Discussion Group (NERDG) of the American Association of Pharmaceutical Scientists.
Saturday, April 11, Mystic Marriott, Groton, CT. Learn more. |
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InnoVenture Labs (100 Cummings Center, Beverly), a nonprofit technology incubator specializing in supporting early-stage biotech and cleantech startups, is one of seven organizations sharing in $11 million awarded through MassCEC's new Ocean Innovation Network. A recent Boston Globe "Bold Types" column from business reporter Jon Chesto discusses MassCEC's shifting focus toward building an “ocean-tech” innovation network. Read more (subscription required). |
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Join North Shore Technology Council later this month for the second annual Sustainability for Life Sciences Conference.
Event highlights include:
- Keynote speaker: Brooke Thomson, president and chief executive officer, Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM)
- Networking and exhibitor expo
- Panel discussion featuring speakers from Boston Children’s Hospital, Moderna, and New England Biolabs, moderated by My Green Lab
- Case study presentations featuring Alnylam, Cell Signaling Technology, and Verve Therapeutics
Tuesday, March 31. Register. |
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MassBio’s 2026 State of Possible Conference will reveal the stories behind the breakthroughs, spotlighting the people, passion, and purpose that fuel innovation.
The annual event provides an opportunity to explore collaboration and creativity, learn about leadership and motivation, and celebrate the power of science to change patient lives. The agenda features prominent leaders from pharma and biotech speaking on timely topics.
Thursday, March 26 at Omni Boston Seaport. Learn more and register. |
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North Shore companies are invited to join InnoVenture Labs to learn about the Northeastern University co-op program. Hear from Associate Director of Partnership Development Mary McLaughlin and College of Engineering assistant co-op coordinator Marna Eckels about this effective hiring solution.
Thursday, April 9, 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM, InnoVenture Labs, 100 Cummings Center, Suite 451-C. |
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Mass Innovation Network and Middlesex 3 Coalition will host an AI Summit focused on Operationalizing Intelligence and Driving Innovation.
AI is affecting our workplace, human capital, productivity, and deliverables. Join innovators, industry practitioners, academics, and AI experts for this premier gathering, and hear insights from leaders representing organizations such as Cyvl, University of Massachusetts Lowell, Northeastern University, Massachusetts General Hospital, Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, Middlesex Community College, Oracle, Takeda, and more.
Thursday, April 16, 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM, 400 Presidential Way, Woburn. Register. |
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The 2026 Education & Workforce Development Conference hosted by Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute will focus on the importance of collaboration in building a resilient life sciences workforce. As the biotechnology and life science industry continues to face uncertainty and cycles of rapid growth and contraction, the conference will provide a forum to explore how education providers, workforce training organizations, industry partners, public officials, and funders can work together in a more proactive and coordinated way to prepare for future downturns.
Thursday, April 16, 8:30 AM - 3:30 PM at Cruiseport Gloucester. Register. |
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During Boston Climate Week, Climate Salon is teaming up with Fidelity Private Shares and Greentown Labs to celebrate the success of this ecosystem - and discuss its challenges for future growth.
Join to discuss solutions and the stakeholders working on them across:
- Energy systems
- Resilience and adaptation
- Climate & AI
- Food systems & supply chain
- Manufacturing & heavy industry
Wednesday, May 6 at 9:00 AM. Learn more and request to attend. |
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Business Development Strategies, Inc. (BDS) is a government tax incentives consulting firm that assists companies with proposed real estate expansion plans to identify, negotiate and secure state and local tax incentives in the form of Tax Increment Financing (TIF) and other programs. BDS has assisted businesses in securing tax incentives for expansion projects, including MilliporeSigma, Analog Devices, Waters Corporation, TripAdvisor, Keurig, Catania Oils, Watson-Marlow, Rentschler Biopharma, Rexa, and others. Timing is essential and tax incentives need to be secured prior to lease signing or property closing; otherwise, companies could leave cash on the table.
In November 2024, significant updates were made to the state tax incentive laws. One of the key provisions strengthens the state tax credit program by making the credits potentially refundable (if applicable), which enhances the overall value for companies undertaking real estate expansion, renovation, and/or job creation projects. Importantly, these benefits may apply whether a company leases space, renovates a portion of an existing facility, or owns and renovates its property.
Companies now have the option to apply for the state tax credit alone or pursue both the state credit and a municipal tax incentive, depending on project scope and eligibility.
Lynn Tokarczyk is the founder and president of BDS. |
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400 TradeCenter, Woburn
Sixth Floor Lab and Office - 6,559 SF |
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This bright laboratory and office suite at TradeCenter 128 provides ample natural light and a sunny corner location. Located just off I-95 at the Burlington/Woburn line, this campus offers the convenience of free on-site garage and surface parking as well as numerous on-site amenities, including Teresa's Ristorante, Apple Spice café, a fitness center, child care options, a hairdresser, and a barber shop. |
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Lab features include:
- 6' and 8' fume hoods
- Epoxy and VCT floor
- Lab sink with casework
- Two emergency eyewash stations
- Easy access to freight elevator
Office features include:
- Balcony
- Open floor area
- Conference room
- Two in-suite restrooms
- Shower
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We welcome your feedback on this newsletter and invite readers to share company news, personnel changes, product launches, funding updates, events, and more. Contact Sue Howland, client engagement manager, at svh@cummings.com to offer your news for upcoming newsletters. We look forward to hearing from you. |
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