with Incentives from the State of Massachusetts at the University of Massachusetts Amherst

UMass Amherst Core Facilities Voucher Program

A new state voucher program funded by the Massachusetts legislature gives small and medium-sized businesses (<50 FTEs) access to the University’s leading-edge research facilities at reduced rates. Over thirty core facilities, from 3D printing to x-ray scattering, are available for use with the voucher program.

• • Eligibility

    • Companies with 50 or less FTEs, headquartered in Massachusetts and registered to do businesses in Massachusetts with the Secretary
    • Start-ups and companies with 10 or fewer employees receive a 75% subsidy.
    • Start-ups and companies with 11-50 employees receive a 50% subsidy.

  • UMass Core Facilities benefits:

    • Highly competitive rates
    • Managed by full-time experienced professionals
    • Companies retain intellectual property (IP)
    • Tiered access to equipment and services
    • Streamlined contracts
    • State-of-art facilities and equipment

  • Application Process

    • To obtain a voucher applicants must develop a scope of work and quote with the Core Facility utilizing this form.
    • This completed form will be routed to the 5-campus review committee who will determine whether the request meets the programs goals.
    • If the voucher request is approved by the 5-campus review committee, a notification letter will be sent to the applicant identifying the total voucher amount, amount to be paid by customer, voucher start date, and voucher expiration date.
    • Vouchers will expire 90 days from date of award. Any funds not used will be returned to the general pool for reallocation.

  • FAQs

    Who is eligible?

    Companies with 50 or less FTEs, headquartered in Massachusetts and registered to do businesses in Massachusetts with the Secretary.
    What does it cost?

    There is no charge to apply.
    How long does it take to get started?

    You can start right away by filling out the application form. Timing for processing your request depends on the number of applicants in the queue and the availability of funding.
    How does it work?

    Eligible companies can apply for vouchers up to $75,000 per year for use of core facilities at the University of Massachusetts.
    Start-ups and companies with 10 or fewer employees receive a 75% subsidy. Start-ups and companies with 11-50 employees receive a 50% subsidy.
    When & how do I apply?

    If you have not engaged with any core facilities staff, please complete this request for information, and someone will be in touch soon. If you are engaged with any core facilities, please inform the staff you would like to apply for a voucher. Funds are available now!
    Application process

    • To obtain a voucher applicants must develop a scope of work and quote with the Core Facility utilizing this form
    • This completed form will be routed to the 5-campus review committee who will determine whether the request meets the programs goals
    • If the voucher request is approved by the 5-campus review committee, a notification letter will be sent to the applicant identifying the total voucher amount, amount to be paid by customer, Voucher start date, and voucher expiration date.
    • Vouchers will expire 90 days from date of award. Any funds not used will be returned to the general pool for reallocation

    How will I know my application has been approved?

    You will receive a letter of award if your application has been approved.

    How long is funding available?

    Funds are limited. If you are interested, act now. The program is administered on a first-come-first-serve basis.

    Questions?

    Contact:
    Andrew Vinard, Core Facilities Director
    UMassCores@umass.edu
    (413) 577-4582

• • As a small business seeking ways to compete and develop in a global market, the MA innovation voucher program has been an invaluable assistance to our company we have gained exposure to both knowledgeable staff and excellent capabilities that we would have not have been able to afford our own. This voucher program has enabled Volo Aero MRO to implement solutions and deliver 3D printed fixtures into our production processes quickly and efficiently.”
    
    “Utilizing this program we have opened our employees to the opportunities and applications of 3D printing, and aided our recruitment process. The voucher program will definitely assist us in our growth and profitability in the future few years.”

    —Andrew Walmsley, President, Volo Aero MRO

  • The program gave us capital relief to finally move our research ahead centered around our novel orthopedic biomaterial. We had been tied up for the last two years asking scientific questions about the amorphous/crystal identify and structure of the biomaterial and how it evolves over time under hydrated and biological systems. During this recent cycle, the state voucher program allowed us to tap into the human capital resources and equipment at UMASS-Amherst to finally receive many answers to our basic questions. We look forward to publishing this research in peer-reviewed journals and sharing this information with reviewers at the FDA during our future regulatory submissions.”

    —Brian Hess, Chief Executive Officer & Founder, LaunchPad Medical, LLC

  • I approached the lab this past summer with a single objective in mind: to reduce the cost and labor involved in the manufacture of a low-volume part that is a necessary component for a fraction of our customers. Dave and interns took an active interest in this project and helped with the design of a suitable 3-D printed replacement. The final design achieved all the objectives and helps improve the profitability of Etesian.”
    
    “As I worked with Dave and the lab and came to understand the possibilities, I looked at several components and asked myself the question “Would this part be better manufactured using additive processes?” In may cases the answer was yes, and we now have 4 or 5 components being fabricated by the ADDFab. I doubt I would have undertaken developing prototypes and getting started without the generous MA Innovation Voucher Program.”

    —William M. Stein, CEO, Etesian Technologies LLC

  • As a startup with limited cash, it is important that we make every dollar go as far as possible. Using the voucher program has allowed us to tap into the vast opportunities that the core facilities at UMass have to offer, at very affordable rates.”
    
    “Being able to work directly with professional staff members like Dave Follette, who directs ADDFab, to conceptualize designs and fabricate prototypes, has given us an advantage not only in product development but in presenting our materials, data, and results quickly and effectively to potential investors.”

    —Barrett Mully, Co-founder, Aclarity Water