UMass Lowell iHub Aims to Attract Solo Entrepreneurs, Small Teams to Downtown Haverhill

Haverhill’s UMass Lowell iHub. (WHAV News file photograph.)

To bolster usage of UMass Lowell’s Haverhill Innovation Hub, the university has rolled out a new membership plan for technology-based startups by sole proprietors.

The iHub, as it is known, is located at 2 Merrimack St. Designed to “drive economic innovation throughout the region,” the Haverhill incubator has attracted Microshare, CJK Technologies, Uncommon Catalyst, IT Squared, Stories Podcast and QueueDr.

“The new shared co-working option in Haverhill provides flexibility for single entrepreneurs or small startup teams. It gives them the space they need to work, along with access to supportive resources and programs and professional meeting space, all at a rate that startups can afford,” said Tom O’Donnell, UMass Lowell’s senior director of innovation initiatives and iHub director.

Memberships include access to shared co-working space, conference rooms and the university’s secure, high-speed wireless network. In addition, the iHub offers entrepreneurs access to the expertise and research support of UMass Lowell’s world-class faculty. Members also have the option to use a prototyping and fabrication lab on site.

The university’s first Innovation Hub, now home to 34 companies, opened in Lowell in 2015. In partnership with UMass Medical School, UMass Lowell also operates the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2), an incubator serving startups in the biotech and medical-device industries with locations in Lowell and Worcester.

Besides the handful of technology startups, Haverhill’s iHub is home to the Greater Haverhill Chamber of Commerce and the Service Corps of Retired Executives, both of which provide valuable assistance to entrepreneurs and small businesses. The iHubs also host regular networking opportunities and programming for entrepreneurs and the public. In Haverhill, these events include monthly open co-working days, business workshops and a speaker series that features UMass Lowell faculty on emerging technologies.

“Since joining the iHub in Haverhill, I am able to take advantage of its support network, professional meeting spaces that have great light and views of the Merrimack River and the fastest internet around. The iHub also makes me feel connected to the community in a way no other co-working space can offer,” said Kris Hopkins, president of CJK Technologies, a product consulting company that uses artificial intelligence in real-time communication. “We love the affiliation with UMass Lowell and we hope that as the business grows, we’ll be able to use the advanced labs, training facilities and recruit great talent.”

Entrepreneurs and other individuals who want to learn more about the Haverhill iHub, including membership options, should visit www.uml.edu/ihub or contact Stephanie Guyotte at [email protected] or 978-934-5560.

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