On April 16, Governor Maura Healey filed the Mass Wins Act, a $305 million economic development bill aimed at strengthening Massachusetts’ competitiveness in key industries including defense, applied AI, quantum, climatetech, and robotics.

A centerpiece of the legislation is the Strategic Hub for Innovation, Exchange and Leadership in Defense (SHIELD) Capital Fund, which includes $100 million to support defense sector innovation, strengthen domestic supply chains, and help small and mid-sized manufacturers compete for federal contracts. MassChallenge CEO Cait Brumme, a member of the SHIELD Working Group, expressed her support in the Governor’s announcement:

“Massachusetts has always been a launchpad for ideas and technologies that drive progress, prosperity, and impact. The SHIELD Capital Fund reflects exactly the kind of bold, strategic investment that keeps the Commonwealth ahead — strengthening domestic value chains, accelerating defense technology transition, and helping small and mid-sized manufacturers compete and win. … We’re proud to partner with the Governor to ensure the solutions built here help safeguard the future everywhere.”

Read the full press release on Mass.gov.