UMass Lowell Receives Funding to Advance Clean Energy Innovation

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) last week announced $3.6 million in funding for 20 clean energy and climatetech companies and researchers. UMass Lowell is among the recipients, as is Mira Intel of Lowell.

Dr. Jinde Zhang, an Assistant Research Professor at UML, received $75,000 as part of his efforts to fabricate a novel superhydrophobic surface to reduce drag in marine vehicles.

Mira Intel, a company using cutting-edge technology to transform how critical infrastructure is monitored and maintained, also received $75,000 to use drone imaging and AI-powered data analytics to detect defects in operational wind turbines.

The overall investments will accelerate innovation and business growth in 11 cities and towns across Massachusetts.

The grants are awarded through four of MassCEC’s programs: AmplifyMass, Catalyst, Diversity in Cleantech – Early Stage (DICES), and InnovateMass. MassVentures also supports Catalyst, DICES, and InnovateMass.

“Massachusetts leads the nation in climate innovation, and this funding reaffirms our commitment to the entrepreneurs and researchers driving this global industry,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Even as federal support wavers, we’re stepping up—investing in early-stage companies and cutting-edge research to grow our economy, create high-quality jobs, and strengthen communities across the state and beyond.”

“These awards reflect our belief that Massachusetts has a leading role to play in shaping a more affordable and abundant energy future,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “We’re backing homegrown innovation with the power to scale, solve real problems, and keep the state at the forefront of this critical industry.”

“Massachusetts is home to some of the most inventive clean energy thinkers in the world,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “These awards are about turning groundbreaking ideas into practical tools that people, businesses, and communities can use to improve quality of life.”

“Massachusetts leads on clean energy, with the most climatetech startups per capita and an economic impact of more than $36B annually,” said State Senator Barry Finegold (D-Andover). “This announcement from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is exactly the kind of investment that keeps Massachusetts competitive and moves our economy forward.”