The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative, a public agency focused on public-private collaboration, joined Boston-based General Electric in awarding a grant that will fund the development of a digital health-focused center at Worcester (Mass.) Polytechnic Institute.
The center, called PracticePoint at WPI, will provide a space that simulates healthcare settings so that companies can develop and test healthcare-focused technologies. The center will feature four settings: surgical, clinical, rehabilitative and home healthcare. Companies can use the facility's development and manufacturing infrastructure to create 'smart' devices as well as test their products for cybersecurity vulnerabilities.
Additionally, the center will also offer a variety of educational and training opportunities for workforce development.
The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative is providing $5 million, while GE Healthcare Life Science is giving $2.5 million in both capital investments and imaging equipment. Worcester Polytechnic Institute is providing $9.5 million to fund the center's development.