At a convening of defense sector leaders at the State House today, Governor Maura Healey announced the launch of the Massachusetts Strategic Hub for Innovation, Exchange and Leadership in Defense (SHIELD), a new, $47 million initiative to strengthen the state’s defense leadership and accelerate the development of cutting-edge national security solutions.

As part of this effort, the Governor also announced a $25 million state and local funding partnership with the City of Lowell to support the construction of Draper’s Integrated Microelectronics Production & Advanced Chip Technology (IMPACT) Center in Lowell.

And while the location isn’t specifically mentioned in today’s press release, UMass Lowell Chancellor Julie Chen tells InsideLowell the funding is for a new facility slated to be constructed in the Mill City’s Hamilton Canal Innovation District, an additional development for Draper in the Lowell to go along with their presence as part of UMass Lowell’s Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC).

“The defense industrial base and national security cluster here in New England are essential to both our economic strength and our collective security. At UMass Lowell, we’re proud to play a leading role in that effort, working side by side with military installations, defense industry partners and other universities to strengthen the ecosystem that protects our nation and drives innovation,” said Dr. Julie Chen, Chancellor, UMass Lowell; and MASS-TF Member. “Draper’s expansion in Lowell is a great example of what’s possible when state leadership, industry and higher education come together with a shared purpose. We’re deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support and vision, and we look forward to continued collaboration through the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub, the U.S. Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center, and Hanscom Air Force Base. Together, these partnerships are positioning Massachusetts, and the city of Lowell, as a national leader in defense innovation, workforce development and economic opportunity.” 

“This investment by the Healey-Driscoll Administration is a game-changer for the City of Lowell. The IMPACT Center will not only bring hundreds of high-quality jobs to our community, but it will also solidify Lowell’s role as a hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and national security,” said Lowell City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. “We are proud to partner with Draper, UMass Lowell, and the Commonwealth to bring this vision to life. This is more than a building – it’s a catalyst for economic growth, workforce development, and opportunity for generations to come. The IMPACT Center and the broader LINC initiative represent the future of Lowell, and we’re grateful for the state’s commitment to making it a reality.” 

The IMPACT Center will support up to 200 new jobs and enable Draper to continue to execute hundreds of millions of dollars of contracts within Massachusetts. The new facility will also generate substantial state and local tax revenue, support education and workforce development, and nurture the innovation ecosystem.  

“Today’s investment reflects Governor Healey’s ongoing commitment to ensuring that Massachusetts’ technology and innovation ecosystem is aligned with the needs of the nation’s defense sector. It also strengthens the Commonwealth’s manufacturing base in the critical microelectronic sector,” said Jerry Wohletz, Ph.D., President and CEO of Draper. “In addition to the IMPACT Center, our partnership with UMass Lowell and LINC will create new jobs for a highly skilled workforce, educated and trained in our local universities, colleges, and trade schools. And all of this will be done in service to our nation’s security needs. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Commonwealth, and our partners in state and federal government for supporting our vision of what can be accomplished by this investment.” 

This state and local funding builds on the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC), a transformative public-private partnership made possible by the leadership of the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML), the UMass Building Authority and the City of Lowell, with significant support from the Healey-Driscoll administration. The project is expected to generate over $3.7 billion in economic activity, create 2,000 permanent jobs, and result in nearly 500 units of new housing in Lowell over the next decade.  

In March 2023, Governor Healey joined state and local leaders to announce that Draper would serve as LINC’s anchor tenant. Draper intends to provide up to $10 million in program, research, and educational resources to UML over the next decade.  

Massachusetts plays a pivotal role in the nation’s defense ecosystem as the home of leading research institutions, advanced manufacturers, and a highly skilled workforce. The industry supports more than 130,000 jobs, contributes $15.2 billion in annual labor income, and generates $48.6 billion in annual economic output, underscoring the state’s outsized impact on national security and innovation. 

“Massachusetts is proud of our defense leadership – we are the birthplace of the National Guard, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, and we’ve carried that legacy of innovation and service forward for generations. Our defense sector is a cornerstone of our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic impact,” said Governor Healey. “Today, in partnership with defense sector leaders from across the state, I’m taking action to strengthen our national security leadership, expand advanced manufacturing, and create more high-quality jobs for Massachusetts workers.” 

“Massachusetts is no stranger to innovation and manufacturing in support of national security. We’re truly a defense state. Through this initiative and these investments, we’re leveraging the work that we already have underway in advanced manufacturing and innovation, and we’re investing in the future of our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As someone who grew up in a military family, I know how important this sector is. Today, we’re proud to ensure that Massachusetts remains a leader in the defense industry.”