Press Release: 10/27/2025
Governor Healey Launches Defense Sector Initiative to Strengthen Massachusetts’ National Security Leadership
At convening with defense sector leaders, Governor announces $47 million to support military innovation, grow microelectronics and chips manufacturing, create jobs
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
10/27/2025
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Karissa Hand, Press Secretary
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BOSTON — At a convening of defense sector leaders at the State House today, Governor Maura Healey announced the launch of the Massachusetts Strategic Hub for Innovation, Exchange and Leadership in Defense (SHIELD), a new initiative to strengthen the state's defense leadership and accelerate the development of cutting-edge national security solutions. As part of this effort, the Governor also announced nearly $47 million in funding to support military innovation, expand microelectronics and chips manufacturing in Massachusetts, create high-quality jobs and bolster U.S. supply chain resilience.
Massachusetts plays a pivotal role in the nation’s defense ecosystem as the home of leading research institutions, advanced manufacturers, and a highly skilled workforce. The industry supports more than 130,000 jobs, contributes $15.2 billion in annual labor income, and generates $48.6 billion in annual economic output, underscoring the state’s outsized impact on national security and innovation.
“Massachusetts is proud of our defense leadership – we are the birthplace of the National Guard, the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Coast Guard, and we’ve carried that legacy of innovation and service forward for generations. Our defense sector is a cornerstone of our economy, supporting thousands of jobs and generating billions in economic impact,” said Governor Healey. “Today, in partnership with defense sector leaders from across the state, I’m taking action to strengthen our national security leadership, expand advanced manufacturing, and create more high-quality jobs for Massachusetts workers.”
“Massachusetts is no stranger to innovation and manufacturing in support of national security. We're truly a defense state. Through this initiative and these investments, we’re leveraging the work that we already have underway in advanced manufacturing and innovation, and we’re investing in the future of our state,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “As someone who grew up in a military family, I know how important this sector is. Today, we’re proud to ensure that Massachusetts remains a leader in the defense industry.”
SHIELD Initiative
As part of SHIELD, Governor Healey signed an Executive Order directing state agencies to identify ways to increase support for defense sector initiatives across the administration. The Executive Order also establishes a SHIELD Working Group, led by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech), to advise the Governor and Lieutenant Governor on advancing the defense sector in Massachusetts.
Governor Healey also announced that the Executive Office for Economic Development (EOED) has created a defense industry sector focus within its Business Front Door Navigator team to better connect defense companies and organizations with state resources and growth opportunities.
“Massachusetts has always led where innovation meets impact. Our defense sector unites cutting-edge research and advanced manufacturing to solve the nation’s toughest challenges,” said Economic Development Secretary Eric Paley, Chair of the MassTech Board of Directors. “Through SHIELD, we’re connecting partners across industry and academia to grow jobs, strengthen national security, and keep Massachusetts at the forefront of America’s defense economy.”
The administration will also partner with Business Executives for National Security (BENS) and other defense sector organizations to convene future engagements in Massachusetts focused on national security and economic growth.
“This is a great time for states. The combination of shifting national security demands and new federal instruments makes this a pivotal moment for state-level leadership,” said General Tim Ray, U.S. Air Force (Ret.), President & CEO of Business Executives for National Security. States that can integrate defense funding, federal incentives, private capital, and academic expertise will be best positioned to drive meaningful results.”
SHIELD is informed by Governor Healey’s convening of the Massachusetts Military Asset and Security Strategy Task Force (MASS-TF) in January 2025. The MASS-TF’s mission is to partner with, support and expand military assets and installations within Massachusetts, including Barnes Air National Guard Base, Devens Reserve Forces Training Area, Hanscom Air Force Base, Joint Base Cape Cod, Natick Soldier Systems Center, and Westover Air Reserve Base. This includes coordination and partnerships with the defense sector in order to support the national security missions at each military installation and across the state. The Task Force is housed within the Office of the Governor and supported by the Executive Office of Economic Development and MassDevelopment.
“From the birthplace of the National Guard to the home of world-class research and innovation, Massachusetts has always answered the call to serve and lead. The SHIELD initiative continues that proud legacy by investing in our people, our communities, and our shared commitment to national defense,” said Major General Gary W. Keefe, The Adjutant General, Massachusetts National Guard.
IMPACT Center
At today’s convening, Governor Healey also announced up to $25 million in state and local funding in partnership with the City of Lowell to support the construction of the nonprofit Draper’s Integrated Microelectronics Production & Advanced Chip Technology (IMPACT) Center in Lowell. The IMPACT Center will support up to 200 new jobs and enable Draper to continue to execute hundreds of millions of dollars of contracts within Massachusetts. The new facility will also generate substantial state and local tax revenue, support education and workforce development, and nurture the innovation ecosystem.
“Today’s investment reflects Governor Healey's ongoing commitment to ensuring that Massachusetts’ technology and innovation ecosystem is aligned with the needs of the nation's defense sector. It also strengthens the Commonwealth's manufacturing base in the critical microelectronic sector," said Jerry Wohletz, Ph.D., President and CEO of Draper. "In addition to the IMPACT Center, our partnership with UMass Lowell and LINC will create new jobs for a highly skilled workforce, educated and trained in our local universities, colleges, and trade schools. And all of this will be done in service to our nation's security needs. We are grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration, the Commonwealth, and our partners in state and federal government for supporting our vision of what can be accomplished by this investment.”
This state and local funding builds on the Lowell Innovation Network Corridor (LINC), a transformative public-private partnership made possible by the leadership of the University of Massachusetts Lowell (UML), the UMass Building Authority and the City of Lowell, with significant support from the Healey-Driscoll administration. The project is expected to generate over $3.7 billion in economic activity, create 2,000 permanent jobs, and result in nearly 500 units of new housing in Lowell over the next decade.
In March 2023, Governor Healey joined state and local leaders to announce that Draper would serve as LINC’s anchor tenant. Draper intends to provide up to $10 million in program, research, and educational resources to UML over the next decade.
“This investment by the Healey-Driscoll Administration is a game-changer for the City of Lowell. The IMPACT Center will not only bring hundreds of high-quality jobs to our community, but it will also solidify Lowell’s role as a hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing, and national security,” said Lowell City Manager Thomas A. Golden, Jr. “We are proud to partner with Draper, UMass Lowell, and the Commonwealth to bring this vision to life. This is more than a building – it’s a catalyst for economic growth, workforce development, and opportunity for generations to come. The IMPACT Center and the broader LINC initiative represent the future of Lowell, and we’re grateful for the state’s commitment to making it a reality."
“The defense industrial base and national security cluster here in New England are essential to both our economic strength and our collective security. At UMass Lowell, we’re proud to play a leading role in that effort, working side by side with military installations, defense industry partners and other universities to strengthen the ecosystem that protects our nation and drives innovation,” said Dr. Julie Chen, Chancellor, UMass Lowell; and MASS-TF Member.“Draper’s expansion in Lowell is a great example of what’s possible when state leadership, industry and higher education come together with a shared purpose. We’re deeply grateful to the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their support and vision, and we look forward to continued collaboration through the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition Hub, the U.S. Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center, and Hanscom Air Force Base. Together, these partnerships are positioning Massachusetts, and the city of Lowell, as a national leader in defense innovation, workforce development and economic opportunity.”
Protecting Servicemembers
Governor Healey also announced $11.4 million of federal and state funding to support the development of cutting-edge solutions to protect military servicemen and women, in partnership with the U.S. Army’s Natick Soldier Systems Center and Hanscom Air Force Base. This initiative will both support the work of the Army at the Natick Soldier Systems Center called BioNexus, as well as scale up funding support to Massachusetts small businesses working on Air Force innovation at Hanscom Air Force Base. The state's share of the funds will be distributed as innovation grants through a competitive incubator-like structure, administered by the Military Asset & Security Strategy Task Force through EOED. This funding was secured due to Governor Healey’s federal funding law.
SCALE Program
Additionally, Governor Healey announced $10.2 million in grants to nine organizations to strengthen Massachusetts’ microelectronics ecosystem through the Supporting Chip Advancement from Lab to Enterprise (SCALE) Capital Program. The SCALE program leverages state match funding through the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC) Hub, a division of MassTech, that supports cutting-edge projects in the state’s microelectronics ecosystem that bridge innovation and capability gaps, enhance workforce development and drive technology from the lab to the fab. Massachusetts is first state in the federal Microelectronics Commons program to deploy state matching funds.
“For the past two years through the Northeast Microelectronics Commons (NEMC) Hub, Massachusetts has been leading a collective, regional effort to advance technologies critical to national security, create jobs and invest in transformative projects across the microelectronics industry,” said MassTech CEO Carolyn Kirk. “The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s SHIELD initiative and strategic investment bolsters partnerships within the defense sector which will lead to future breakthroughs in these critical technologies.”
Statements of Support
Senator Elizabeth Warren:
“Massachusetts leads the way with cutting-edge innovations that strengthen our national security. Thanks to Governor Healey and state leaders, Massachusetts is continuing to make investments that create good jobs, boost our local economy, and support manufacturing here at home.”
Jay Ash, President & CEO, Massachusetts Competitive Partnership:
“Governor Healey’s focus on strengthening and prioritizing Massachusetts’ military installations underscores their vital role in both our national security and our state’s economic strength. These facilities support thousands of jobs, drive innovation, and connect directly to our world-class education and technology sectors. Massachusetts needs a plan to remain a critical partner in advancing our country’s defense that brings additional benefit to our own economic competitiveness. The Governor's initiative provides the promise of achieving those goals.”
James T. Brett, President & CEO, The New England Council:
“The defense sector has always been integral to the New England economy, and we are proud of the innovative work undertaken in our region to safeguard our national security and protect our troops. I am grateful to Governor Healey for her leadership in bringing stakeholders throughout the region together to support continued growth and innovation in the defense sector.”
Cait Brumme, CEO, MassChallenge:
“Massachusetts has always been a launchpad for ideas and technologies that drive progress, prosperity, and impact. Programs homed here such as U.S. Air Force Labs and NATO DIANA, and the density of world-class institutions like MIT Lincoln Laboratory, MITRE, Draper, and UMass Lowell substantiate the case that this ecosystem is unmatched in its capacity to innovate for public purpose. With this convening, the Commonwealth is accelerating what’s possible when government, industry, and entrepreneurs work together at the speed of innovation. We’re proud to partner with the Governor and our colleagues across the ecosystem to make national security and resiliency a defining innovation strength for Massachusetts — unlocking new pathways for startups to commercialize critical technologies and ensuring the solutions built here help safeguard the future everywhere.”
J.D. Chesloff, President & CEO, Massachusetts Business Roundtable:
“When we think about economic development strategies for Massachusetts, it’s often framed as searching for areas where the state has the opportunity to lead. Much like biotech, cleantech and AI, the defense sector is another industry where Massachusetts has all the components in place to be a global leader. The Healey-Driscoll Administration’s intentional focus on building this cluster is both an economic development and workforce development initiative that will have long term benefits for the state’s economy and for national security. The Roundtable is committed to working in partnership with government and other key stakeholders to ensure its success.”
Abbey Keith Fabian, Board President, Women in Defense, Greater Boston Chapter:
“Women in Defense Greater Boston Chapter is proud to be part of the thriving Massachusetts defense sector. Supporting future national security leaders with scholarship opportunities and empowering defense professionals through impactful development events are central to our mission. We’re grateful for the continued engagement and collaboration of the Massachusetts defense community, which helps us achieve this mission.”
M Roman Hachkowski, PhD, President, National Defense Industrial Association, New England Chapter:
“The NDIA New England Chapter strongly supports this initiative as a critical investment in Massachusetts’ innovation ecosystem. Strengthening collaboration between industry, academia, and government will enhance economic growth, bolster national security, and sustain the Commonwealth’s leadership in defense innovation.”
Michael Harm, Colonel (Retired), President, Air & Space Forces Association, Paul Revere Chapter:
“Massachusetts’ defense sector has long been a cornerstone of our nation’s security and a catalyst for innovation. The Paul Revere Chapter of the Air & Space Forces Association is honored to work alongside the Commonwealth to strengthen ties with bases such as Hanscom Air Force Base and to support the people and technologies that keep our nation strong.”
Laura Hooks, Ph.D., Vice President and General Manager, General Dynamics Mission Systems and MASS-TF Member:
“We are excited to build on our partnership and lend our support for the commonwealth of Massachusetts’ defense sector initiatives. Massachusetts investment in the defense sector enables the expansion of the talent pipeline, advanced manufacturing and innovation resources from which all defense contractors and suppliers have built their foundations. We are looking forward to collaborating with the commonwealth in this next chapter of growth focused on the defense sector, supporting our nation and our dedicated warfighters.”
Jesse “JJ” Jaramillo, President, Hanscom Representatives Association (HRA):
“We applaud Governor Healey’s vision for Massachusetts as a national leader in defense, technology, innovation, and manufacturing. In our role of aiding the defense industrial base succeed at Hanscom, we’re excited to serve the strategic partnerships and initiatives ahead. United, we can ensure that the defense missions, workforce, economy, and community in and around Hanscom thrive.”
Molly Donohue Magee, CEO, SENEDIA: The Alliance for Defense Tech, Talent, and Innovation:
“The defense sector in Massachusetts is strong, representing more than 139,000 jobs and $48.6 billion in economic activity. With a highly skilled workforce and an innovative ecosystem of military, industry, and academia supporting our national security, the opportunities for growth are significant, and we are grateful to the Healey administration for their partnership in exploring ways to sustain and grow the sector.”
Jefferson Mitchell, President, Space Force Association, Boston Chapter:
“We at the Space Force Association New England – Boston Chapter applaud Governor Maura Healey and her administration for convening this defense-sector gathering in the Commonwealth. From pioneering space research at MIT and Draper to breakthrough satellite, robotics, and AI innovations emerging from our universities and labs, Massachusetts institutions continue to play an outsized role in advancing space technology and defense readiness for our nation and allies. Now more than ever, it is essential that the Commonwealth bolster the defense industrial base, promote dual-use innovation, protect critical supply chains, and ensure Massachusetts remains at the cutting edge of the emerging space and security economy. We are committed to working alongside the state, our universities, and our research institutions to elevate, engage, and empower the many stakeholders who make this possible.”
Tom Ryden, Executive Director, MassRobotics:
“Robotics and autonomous systems are playing an increasingly important role in strengthening our nation’s defense capabilities. We are pleased to see the Commonwealth and the Governor prioritizing efforts to ensure that the defense industry in Massachusetts remains a robust and competitive sector. By supporting innovation and collaboration between technology developers and defense partners, the state is helping to position Massachusetts as a leader in the next generation of defense technologies.”
Brooke Thomson, President & CEO, Associated Industries of Massachusetts:
“The defense industry in Massachusetts encompasses a varied swath of the state economy, from advanced manufacturing to research & development to military personnel. The sector in many ways epitomizes the bedrock strengths of the commonwealth – education, innovation, manufacturing know-how and hard work. Defense represents almost $17 billion annually to Massachusetts, or $2,527 per capita, so Associated Industries of Massachusetts (AIM) supports the Healey-Driscoll Administration’s effort to provide strategic support to the sector.”
Debra Zides, President, Armed Forces Communications & Electronics Association (AFCEA), Lexington-Concord Chapter:
“We’re excited to reignite this forum because it will accelerate how our region’s defense sector develops and delivers the best capabilities to the warfighter, especially in trusted microelectronics, mission-ready AI, and cybersecurity. AFCEA’s Lexington-Concord Chapter, with 65 years of experience serving our community, stands ready to convene the ecosystem and turn innovation into mission-ready solutions quickly.”