Catalyst of Innovation: The Genesis of MBI

You probably already know that MBI is the Commonwealth’s longest-running incubator, but not many know the true origins of our humble nonprofit. Did you know MBI wasn’t always called “MBI?” 

Initially a spinoff of the Worcester Chamber of Commerce in 1984, the Massachusetts Biomedical Research Institute (MBRI) would later become Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives (MBI). MBRI was created to perform four primary functions: tech transfer, new ventures, basic research grants, and public education, which are still some of the most important aspects of our work.

A fact sheet from the 1990’s describes MBRI’s creation in this way:

“In the early 1980s, an extraordinary event took place in Worcester, Massachusetts. Members of the city’s established business base began a formal inquiry to determine which emerging technology could be the most suited to building the area’s economic future for the next generation… Under the leadership of Joseph Carter and Abraham Haddad, and the broad support of the Worcester business community, a farsighted organization was established that could both draw established enterprises to Worcester and help found new, rapidly growing businesses. Civic pride and community service were the hallmarks of this program, as individuals who had no personal or professional link to new technology were ready to stand behind this development. Few acts in the history of community development have been this free from self-interest and as rich in social commitment as the establishment of MBRI.” 

This sentiment still applies to our work and vision for MBI today!