by Allison Mikaniewicz and Bailey Goodrich
The Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) has launched a new accelerator program designed to leverage the BIC, and the BIC network, to help early-stage tech startups that are building a physical product and moving toward the manufacturing phase. Building on and expanding their current offerings, the BIC will provide a full range of resources to the entrepreneurs participating in the program, including a dedicated workspace, membership to the BIC, full access to our labs, advanced equipment, digital media studio, and our internal team of subject matter experts, as well as broad and curated support from our committed member community. The firms will also be invited to participate in the BIC Manufacturing Academy, an industry-led training program started last year in partnership with MIT and with support from the US Department of Commerce, the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, and General Dynamics Mission Systems. The 35-week accelerator program will begin late September and will run through May.
In addition to the direct support the startups will receive from the BIC, they will have extensive access to the vast network of experts that engage with the BIC regularly. Among the numerous mentors supporting the entrepreneurs and guiding the growth of the program will be Sam Russo, Pittsfield native and co-founder of Dive Technologies, who will maintain an office at the BIC and serve as the program’s official “Entrepreneur in Residence.” Organizations supporting the program include the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, the Mill Town Foundation, 1Berkshire, Hamilton Brook Smith Reynolds, and MassMEDIC.
For the first cohort, the review committee has selected six firms from industry sectors prioritized by the Commonwealth and critical to the strength of our regional rural economy. The awardees include:
eSki
eSki is a startup company specializing in manufacturing battery electric PWCs (personal watercrafts). Under the leadership of Founder & CEO Jack Duffy-Protentis, their mission is to "make waves in the EV industry." With stricter emissions regulations leading to bans on gasoline powered PWCs, their electric vehicles offer an eco-friendly alternative, addressing noise pollution and reducing maintenance and fuel costs. The ES1 battery electric personal watercraft boasts advanced safety features, a longer ride time, and a patented hot-swapping battery system. With a goal of selling 5,000 units within five years, eSki Watercraft is committed to revolutionizing the watercraft industry.
Fibrocor Therapeutics
Fibrocor Therapeutics is a patient-led, independent, non-profit startup company founded in 2017 at St. Michael's Hospital in Toronto, and now led by longtime Berkshire County resident, and BCC Alum, William Newsome. Specializing in early-stage treatments for fibrotic diseases, they utilize their unique screening technology called Fibrosis-AMD to develop groundbreaking treatments for various fibrotic disorders. Their global team boasts extensive experience and networks worldwide, allowing them to tackle fibrosis on an international scale. Besides their research efforts, Fibrocor Therapeutics also plays an active role in providing education and resources for patients, healthcare professionals, caregivers, and researchers alike. With more than 8,500 members, they are committed to advancing the understanding and treatment of fibrotic diseases.
MacFarlane Medical
MacFarlane Medical is a startup company dedicated to revolutionizing insulin delivery. They aim to provide a more efficient alternative to daily injections or pumps for insulin-dependent individuals. Their innovative solution is a wearable port, which is significantly smaller than existing Omnipods and eliminates the need for long tubes and software dependency. The cost-effective model allows users to purchase only 12 boxes of 10 ports per year at $125 each. With a healthy expected profit margin of 42%, they have garnered recognition for their entrepreneurial efforts from the Berthiaume Center for Entrepreneurship at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. Led by a team of experts including Connor MacFarlane, Dr. Christian G. Klaucke, and Dr. Danel Zeve, the company has already developed a production-level prototype and is set to conduct safety testing in the near future. MacFarlane is a recent graduate of UMass and is already developing parts with Sinicon Plastics, a longtime BIC member based in Dalton.
Noble Carbon
Noble Carbon is an innovative startup specializing in advanced circuit breaker technology. Their breakthrough product is a circuit breaker that syncs to the cloud, ensuring a secure and untethered user experience with end-to-end encryption. Powered by three microcontrollers, it has the capability to sense real-time data such as current draw, waveform, and voltage, enabling it to detect and break overcurrents within a remarkable 20 milliseconds. The convenience of controlling each circuit through a mobile application allows for easy scheduling, monitoring, and switching. Compatible with legacy panels and fully expandable, these compact breakers only take up 1 inch of space within an electrical panel. Noble Carbon envisions the application of these breakers in households and virtual power plants, promoting energy consciousness, reducing loads and wires, and contributing to climate goals. The company was founded by Berkshire native Andrew Crane and his longtime friend Jared Lebos.
PathogenX
PathogenX is an innovative startup specializing in medical waste management solutions. They have developed, manufactured, and distributed their proprietary technology aimed at addressing the challenges associated with medical waste handling. The PX2 device they offer revolutionizes the process by rendering hazardous waste sterile, unrecognizable, and non-reusable with a simple touch of a button. This transformation complies with all federal EPA, CDC, and OSHA standards and regulations, making it a safe and reliable option for medical practices. The user-friendly PX2 device can process up to 12 gallons of medical waste per day, converting it into a solid, non-toxic block within approximately 90 minutes. The company was founded by Pittsfield native Chuck Berkeley and his wife Courtney Scott, who are dedicated to finding efficient and cost-effective solutions for medical waste management.
SQE
SQE, which stands for Simulated Quantum Entaglement, is a cutting-edge startup that has developed a quantum secure digital blockchain platform to address data security challenges. Their platform utilizes the first-ever quantum secure decentralized network, with a patent-pending simulated quantum entanglement technology. By leveraging the power of quantum computing, they aim to overcome vulnerabilities found in current blockchains, as 93% of company networks are susceptible to cyberattacks. SQE operates on a decentralized network, utilizing a unique "proof of entanglement" system instead of the traditional proof of stake or proof of work methods. Moreover, their scalable databases are complemented by a digital asset called Quecredit, which can be converted into NFTs, enabling users to trade them as collectibles. Founded by visionary entrepreneurs Hamid Pishdadian, Richard Genga, and Akram Khalis, SQE stands at the forefront of quantum-secured blockchain technology. With roots in Rhode Island, the firm was drawn to the Berkshires through personal connections and the energy and excitement the founders felt at the Berkshire Innovation Center.
While this is the formal launch of this accelerator program, the BIC has supported over 20 startups since it opened its doors in February 2020, including a handful that have maintained dedicated space at the facility. The program structures and expands the services offered, leverages grant funding to provide the support free of charge, and builds on the success and expertise brought in by the BIC Manufacturing Academy. While the aforementioned six-firms represent the first cohort welcomed into this new accelerator, the program will run annually with the goal of attracting and nurturing new and exciting companies that can work with our local manufacturers and grow and diversify our regional rural economy.
Learn more about BIC Stage 2 Accelerator Program.
Allison Mikaniewicz is the Marketing & Events Manager at the Berkshire Innovation Center.
Bailey Goodrich is an intern at the Berkshire Innovation Center and a rising Sophomore attending the University of West Florida.