We are happy to welcome Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) as ACTION’s newest member! Located in Pittsfield, in the heart of the beautiful Berkshires in western Massachusetts, the BIC is located at the Stanley Business Park, formerly the site of General Electric. The Berkshire Innovation Center serves as a catalyst to spark innovation and sustainable growth of technology-focused companies. This is done through programs that promote learning and enrich people in technology-led career paths and by providing research and innovation space for people and companies to explore new technologies, all while convening and connecting a community of like-minded people. The BIC supports local manufacturers, educational partners and fellow nonprofit organizations by providing access to state-of-the-art facilities and technologies.

In 2014, Massachusetts Life Science Center provided grant funding to support life science innovation in the region. With an official opening in 2020, the BIC provides regional manufacturers and STEM businesses with advanced R&D equipment, state-of-the-art lab and training facilities, and collaboration opportunities with BIC’s renowned research partners, as well as internship and apprenticeship programs for local students. Here are some of the key features of the BIC:

• Specializing in additive manufacturing, with the ability to 3D print objects out of metal, in full color, or at a large physical scale.
• Offering digital design and fabrication tools including a laser cutter, 3D scanners, YR and AR headsets, and a CMM.
• Housing a wet lab, Sim Lab (augmented/virtual and mixed reality simulation), auditorium, event space, manufacturing space, prototyping lab, and conference rooms.
• Offering programming which spans from tech demo days and field trips for local high schools to the new BIC Manufacturing Academy, which will train local jobseekers for careers in advanced manufacturing.

The BIC’s commitment to the regional manufacturing economy guides our investments into technological resources as well as workforce pipeline development. Find out more at https://www.berkshireinnovationcenter.com/.