2025 News 2025: UMass Dartmouth hosts state roadshow to highlight regional climatetech leadership

Massachusetts Clean Energy Center roadshow spotlights University and Southeastern Mass. as a hub for oceantech, renewable energy, and workforce innovation

On Wednesday, September 24, the UMass Dartmouth community welcomed economic development leaders, elected officials, entrepreneurs, and researchers to campus to highlight the Southeast region's leadership in climate technology.

The university was the latest stop on the state's Climatetech Corridor Roadshow, organized by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). The roadshow presents an opportunity for local economic stakeholders to come together and discuss the best ways to capitalize on the Healey-Driscoll Administration's efforts to make Massachusetts a global hub for climate technology.

"What's happening in Southeastern Massachusetts is a glimpse of the future we're building across the state. The ideas sparked in places like UMass Dartmouth and New Bedford demonstrate how local strengths can translate into global solutions," said MassCEC CEO Dr. Emily Reichert. "By cultivating these partnerships, we are tackling today's most pressing challenges while laying the foundation for the industries that will sustain our communities for generations to come."

Since hitting the road in February, MassCEC has held regional roundtable conversations at locations in Amherst, Holyoke, Worcester, and Woods Hole.

The agency published a 10-year strategy earlier this year to grow the state's climatetech industry, detailing that Southeastern Massachusetts and Cape Cod have unique opportunities to lead the nation in the development of ocean technology and the creation of oceantech jobs.

In his April 2025 State of the University speech, UMass President Marty Meehan promised a "whole of university" effort to support the state's climatetech push. "In concert with our state partners, and with both sustainability and global competitiveness in mind, UMass is helping to position Massachusetts in one of the largest industries in the coming decade – climate technology," Meehan remarked earlier this year.

"At UMass Dartmouth, we are deeply committed to advancing climate research and solutions that draw on the unique strengths of our region, from marine science to renewable energy innovation," said UMass Dartmouth Chancellor Mark A. Fuller. "I am grateful for MassCEC's partnership and the direction of the Healey-Driscoll Administration on these issues that are critically important to our students, region, and commonwealth."

After morning presentations from MassCEC program staff, attendees participated in a roundtable discussion covering topics including the area's climatetech assets and infrastructure, opportunities for startups and researchers, workforce development needs, and regional branding.

"By working alongside industry, government, and community partners, UMass Dartmouth aims to ensure that Southeastern Massachusetts not only responds to the challenges of climate change but also leads in creating sustainable technologies and opportunities," said UMass Dartmouth Chief Research Officer Dr. Yanlai Chen. "By advancing groundbreaking research and transforming discoveries into real-world impact, our students and faculty are leading the way in these critical fields."

Later in the day, MassCEC traveled to New Bedford Research and Robotics to announce over $11 million in funding from its new Ocean Innovation Network, a program designed to accelerate the development of oceantech businesses in Massachusetts.

"The Climatetech Economic Development Strategy and Implementation plan is a roadmap for how Massachusetts can remain a global leader in this industry, and the Southeast region is central to that vision," said Dr. Jennifer Le Blond, Managing Director of Emerging Climatetech at MassCEC. "Here, we see the convergence of ocean technology, offshore wind, and marine sciences. By aligning resources with the expertise of institutions, we are positioning the region to attract investment and create high-quality jobs that anchor the climatetech economy."

The agency is planning Climatetech Corridor Roadshow stops in the Berkshires, Greater Boston, and the Northeast in the months ahead.