Worcester’s innovation economy is growing, and two MBI startups are growing with it. XTOP Biotherapeutics and Volta Energy are moving their operations into larger laboratories at MBI, choosing to expand right here in the city where they got their start. 

XTOP Biotherapeutics: scaling up the CrossBody platform 

XTOP Biotherapeutics develops immuno-oncology therapies using its proprietary CrossBody platform, which builds multi-specific antibodies designed to trigger tumor-specific immune responses. XTOP joined MBI in early 2025 and has already outgrown its first lab. Its new 663 sqft lab will support their growth as they advance their science and expand their team. 

Volta Energy: clean energy storage, made in Worcester 

Volta Energy is developing technology to decarbonize energy, including flow batteries for long-duration storage and electrolyzers for green hydrogen. Its move to a 733 sqft lab will help the company pave the way for a cleaner future. 

A growing hub for life sciences and clean tech 

XTOP and Volta represent the two sides of the biomanufacturing economy MBI is working to grow in Central Massachusetts. XTOP represents biotherapeutic development, creating antibody medicines that will one day need to be manufactured at scale, while Volta is on the bioindustrial and clean-tech side, building new processes to meet energy and climate challenges. Both need the same things to grow: flexible lab space, skilled people, and a clear path from the bench to manufacturing.  

That path is what MBI is building, but the work reaches well beyond our walls. MBI’s Regional Biomanufacturing Strategy lays out a plan to make Central Massachusetts a global hub for biotherapeutic and bioindustrial manufacturing. The region offers what growing manufacturers need: available land, lower costs than Greater Boston, a deep talent pool, and organizations that support the industry. 

Partners across the region are investing in that vision. In late 2025, WPI, MBI, the City of Worcester, and more than 30 regional partners secured $5.2 million from the Commonwealth to launch the Central Massachusetts BioHub, focused on bioindustrial manufacturing, applied research, and workforce development.  

When companies like XTOP and Volta choose to scale here, they show the strategy is working. Each expansion brings jobs, partnerships, and investment that stay in Central Massachusetts, and it strengthens the case for the next company looking for a place to grow.