Massachusetts Announces Major Funding for New Draper IMPACT Center in Lowell

Massachusetts Partners with Draper to Create New IMPACT Center

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is taking a bold step to strengthen its defense and technology sectors with an exciting new investment. Governor Maura Healey has announced a substantial funding package amounting to $25 million, aimed at supporting the construction of Draper's Integrated Microelectronics Production Advanced Chip Technology (IMPACT) Center. This initiative, in partnership with the City of Lowell, is anticipated to play a crucial role in advancing the nation’s microelectronics capabilities.

The IMPACT Center will be located in the vibrant Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC) and will encompass a sprawling 75,000 square feet. Designed to be a hub for advanced microelectronic design and production, the center will cater specifically to Draper's U.S. Military, Aerospace, and Government (USMAG) customers. The facility is expected to generate over 150 high-skilled jobs in classified national security sectors, ranging from technicians to engineers and business professionals.

Governor Healey highlighted the historical significance of Massachusetts in the defense sector, noting its long-standing legacy as the origin of key military institutions such as the National Guard, U.S. Navy, and Coast Guard. The governor expressed pride in supporting Draper's vision to bolster this legacy through the establishment of the IMPACT Center, which promises to create quality jobs and boost the local economy.

Dr. Jerry Wohletz, Draper’s President and CEO, echoed these sentiments, stating, "This substantial investment not only meets the pressing needs of the nation’s defense sector, but it also amplifies our capacity for secure, on-shore microelectronics production." He emphasized that the center will lead to new capabilities for the military while concurrently fortifying Massachusetts’ manufacturing base. This initiative will pave the way for job creation for a highly trained local workforce, educated in nearby universities and trade schools.

The IMPACT Center is more than just a technological endeavor; it is part of a broader strategy between Draper and the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML), complemented by partnerships with state and local authorities. Together, they aim to enhance national security, stimulate economic growth, and establish Massachusetts as a leader in advanced microelectronics manufacturing. Over the next decade, Draper is set to contribute as much as $10 million in research, educational resources, and programming to UML, further solidifying this collaborative effort.

Earlier this year, Draper took a significant step by opening a new corporate campus at UML, becoming an anchor tenant in the LINC development. This project, which totals 1.2 million square feet, is poised to revolutionize the city’s economic landscape by fostering innovation and providing a conducive environment for growth.

Draper, a non-profit research and manufacturing company, is dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing the nation today. With an extensive workforce of over 2,500 employees dispersed across its 12 locations, Draper’s commitment to delivering transformative, mission-driven solutions is firmly established.

Moving forward, the establishment of the IMPACT Center is seen as a significant leap toward enhancing the resilience and capabilities of the U.S. defense landscape. By embedding advanced technology at a local level, the initiative will not only benefit Draper and its clients but will also contribute to the broader economic health and security of the Commonwealth.

For more information on Draper and its initiatives, visit www.draper.com.