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ACTION Innovation Network (ACTION) Awarded EDA Regional Innovation Strategies i6 Grant to Support International Programs for Technology Business Incubators

December 13, 2018

FALL RIVER, MA (December 13, 2018) – ACTION Innovation Network (ACTION) has been awarded a Regional Innovation Strategies i6 grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce, Economic Development Administration (EDA) to support The Plymouth Rock Project: A Program to Introduce and Land High-Growth, Innovation-Driven International Startups in New England’s Technology Innovation Ecosystem Through the ACTION Innovation Network.

The Plymouth Rock Project’s purpose is to identify, attract, land in incubators, and grow international high-growth, innovation-based technology startup companies in key sectors (life sciences, cleantech, robotics, water, marine and maritime), looking to establish a US presence. Utilizing the strength and connections within ACTION’s innovation ecosystem will ensure foreign direct investment opportunities are maximized by accelerating company investment and commercialization, providing the potential for sustained job growth in the region.

North Shore InnoVentures (NSIV), ACTION’s co-applicant on the grant, brings experience in supporting international startups. NSIV is the 2018 recipient of International Business Innovation Association (INBIA)’s "Dinah Adkins Technology Incubator of the Year", and has received their ‘soft landing’ designation, the only one in the Northeast. NSIV is highly recognized for its exceptional mentoring program for startups. “This is really exciting news. We are thrilled for ACTION.”, states Chris Ilsley, President and CEO of NSIV. “We look forward to working with Joan and the rest of the ACTION members to deliver on the opportunity of attracting and supporting international companies looking to make the Northeast their US headquarters.”

ACTION’s partnership with Boston-based Richi Foundation/Richi Entrepreneurs to organize and run its successful Boston Immersion program has established the foundation for The Plymouth Rock Project.

ACTION’s Executive Director, Joan Popolo, states that “This EDA investment will be used to build capacity in ACTION’s incubator network to effectively assist international startups. We will expand and develop new programs designed to build partnerships with international entrepreneurship centers and agencies to continue to attract foreign startups. Further, these new relationships will provide cross-border opportunities for domestic companies looking to export their products and services”.

The new program is expected to begin in January 2019 and run for three years. See the EDA announcement here.

About ACTION Innovation Network

ACTION Innovation Network is a collaborative network of technology business incubators and other entrepreneur support organizations. Together they promote the growth and success of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, share resources and best practices, strengthen technology clusters, and contribute to economic improvement. The network of incubators provides diverse resources and a highly- supportive hub in which entrepreneurs, business leaders, government agencies, community leaders, investors, universities, and other interested organizations can collaborate toward the successful commercialization of technology enterprises that will build a prosperous economy, improve the quality of life and sustain the health of our environment. Visit www.actionnewengland.org.

ACTION Innovation Network Contact

Joan Popolo
Executive Director
+1 978-287-0324
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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