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Polaris MEP highlights workforce, supply-chain and a $3.9M EDA incubator grant
Summary
Polaris MEP described technical assistance, supply-chain work, ISO readiness support and a $3.9 million EDA grant to build lab/incubator space to support manufacturing and the blue economy; Polaris emphasized employer-driven training through Real Jobs Rhode Island partnerships.
Christian Cowan of Polaris MEP described the nonprofit's technical assistance, workforce programming and supply-chain services for Rhode Island manufacturers, and outlined projects tied to the blue economy and defense-related manufacturing. "Polaris is a nonprofit. We're a 501(c)(3). We are part of a national network," Cowan said.
Cowan highlighted CAATS (Center for Advanced Technology) supplier services, a Department of Defense-funded RI Made/RMA initiative that pairs URI students and Polaris staff with manufacturers for analysis and technical assistance, and a recent $3.9 million Economic Development Administration grant to build high-tech incubator lab space and community convening facilities near the Commerce RI building. He said Polaris will focus on connecting underserved communities to high-tech, high-paying jobs and on preparing firms for ISO 9000 updates in 2025.
Polaris stressed the role of employer-driven training and national MEP network connections for rapid problem-solving and product development, and encouraged manufacturers to contact Polaris staff for program participation and assistance.
