Even while uncertainty shakes the global life science space, Weaver and MBI help ensure Worcester plays an increasingly important role in the biggest bioscience breakthroughs. MBI provides up-and-coming scientists with the incubation space and resources they need to move from concept to clinical trials, incubating more than 45 early-stage firms. Companies under its roof raised more than $50 million in 2024.
MBI has helped Worcester County grow as a launching pad and destination for biomanufacturing firms, as the region saw jobs in the sector grow 12% in 2024 at a time where the state and country-at-large were seeing job retraction.
The nonprofits’ impressive and always growing network allowed it to launch its Spark Mentoring program in 2024, a free eight-week program connecting entrepreneurs with mentors in order to help overcome specific roadblocks. That program has paid dividends, with all participants hitting key milestones and half receiving investment dollars.
Worcester’s higher educational institutions have always attracted top talent, but establishments like MBI have played an important role in helping convince the best-and-brightest minds they can stay put after graduation while still having a globally-meaningful impact.
CORRECTION: An earlier version of this article stated companies under MBI’s roof raised $50 million in 2014. The correct year is 2024.Â
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.Â
