MBI Receives $1.37 Million Pathmaker Grant to Expand Biomanufacturing Training in Central Massachusetts
Funding from Massachusetts Life Sciences Center will support new hands-on programs at WPI and MCPHS to prepare more than 115 residents for careers in the life sciences

Worcester, MA (12/10/25) — Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI) has been awarded a $1.37 million Pathmaker Grant from the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center to expand workforce training and create new pathways into biomanufacturing careers. Through this grant, MBI will partner with Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI) and Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS) to train 115 people for in-demand jobs in Central Massachusetts.

The Pathmaker program is designed to support industry-aligned training efforts that help more residents enter the life sciences workforce. With continued growth in biomanufacturing across the region, this grant will help meet a rising need for skilled workers while opening doors for people seeking stable, well-paying careers.

“We are grateful to MLSC for awarding us this grant,” said Jon Weaver, President and CEO of MBI. “It will help us expand the biomanufacturing workforce here in Central Massachusetts. By working with WPI and MCPHS, we can give people practical skills that lead to good careers and support the growing life sciences sector in our region.”

As the lead organization, MBI will coordinate the initiative and serve as the connector between academic partners, trainees, and employers. WPI and MCPHS, two institutions with deep experience preparing workers for careers in the life sciences, will implement the training programs.

WPI will deliver its Biomanufacturing Certificate Program, an applied training opportunity that teaches foundational skills in bioprocessing and prepares participants for entry-level positions in the industry. Trainees will gain hands-on experience through WPI’s Biomanufacturing Education and Training Center (BETC) using real equipment and processes commonly found in biomanufacturing facilities across the Commonwealth.

“We greatly appreciate the strong support from MLSC and look forward to partnering with MBI. This funding will enable WPI to provide much-needed training for entry-level and transitioning workers to biomanufacturing, thereby helping to expanding the supply of qualified manufacturing labor and strengthen the region’s biomanufacturing industry,” said Liaohai Leo Chen, Director, BETC and Practice Point at WPI.

MCPHS will develop and pilot a new Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) Certificate Program. This program will introduce participants to the essential skills needed to support product safety and compliance in biomanufacturing which is a critical area of workforce demand as companies scale production.

“Creating new pathways into meaningful careers is at the core of our mission at MCPHS. This partnership allows us to expand hands-on training that equips learners with the skills biomanufacturers urgently need. We are proud to help more people in Central Massachusetts access life-changing opportunities while strengthening the region’s growing life sciences ecosystem,” said MCPHS President Richard J. Lessard.

Together, the programs will strengthen the local talent pipeline and give participants practical, industry-ready skills. Graduates will be prepared to pursue roles such as manufacturing associate, QA/QC technician, or other early-career positions that support the region’s growing biomanufacturing sector.

This investment reflects a shared commitment across the state, higher education, and industry partners to build a strong and inclusive workforce that keeps Central Massachusetts at the center of life sciences innovation and production.

About Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives

Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI) is a non-profit focused on building the Central Massachusetts bio-cluster. MBI’s mission is to be a partner for fostering innovation in the life sciences and achieves that goal through its small business incubator system, workforce development efforts, and regional economic development initiatives. It is estimated that since 2000, MBI has assisted over 200 companies that have created over 1,800 jobs resulting in a $2 billion economic impact.

Media Contact:

Alicia Curran, acurran@aliciacurrancommunications.com, cell: 407-797-2076