Make It Here: CT Product Development Grant Awards Presented by M&T Bank

Join FORGE and M&T Bank for a special in-person celebration of innovative manufacturing in Connecticut. Together, we will announce the newest recipients of the Connecticut Product Development Grants and highlight how these awards support emerging hardtech startups working with in-state manufacturers to scale production of innovative products.

The Product Development Grant program, supported by the Connecticut Department of Economic and Community Development’s Manufacturing Innovation Fund, strengthens the state’s manufacturing economy by helping innovators build relationships with local suppliers, accelerate their path to market, and become the next generation of CT manufacturers!

This event brings together manufacturers, startups, suppliers, investors, and ecosystem partners to recognize the companies driving growth and innovation across Connecticut.

Why Attend

• Celebrate the newest Product Development Grant awardees
• Build relationships with manufacturers and innovators
• Gain insights from experienced leaders during the keynote and panel
• Learn how CT is strengthening its hardtech and manufacturing ecosystem
• Tour Kubtec’s advanced manufacturing facility

Who Should Attend

• Connecticut manufacturers and suppliers
• Hardtech and hardware startup founders
• Operations, product development, and engineering leaders
• Economic development and innovation ecosystem partners
• Investors and supporters of CT’s manufacturing economy

Opening Remarks by:

Kirti Patel

Kirti Patel is Connecticut’s Chief Manufacturing Officer with more than 25 years of global leadership experience in life sciences, medical imaging, semiconductors, and advanced manufacturing. He previously led Eppendorf Manufacturing Corporation in Enfield, driving significant growth, new product launches, and a major Connecticut facility expansion. Patel has held leadership roles at Siemens Healthcare, co-founded a pioneering 3D ultrasound start-up, and began his career in semiconductor process development at Intel. He also serves on nonprofit and startup advisory boards and holds degrees from Wharton, Stanford, UC Davis, and Mangalore University.

Event Agenda

1:30 PM to 2:00 PM | Welcome and networking

• Registration and refreshments
• Connect with FORGE, M&T Bank, CT manufacturers, and innovators

2:00 PM to 3:30 PM | Event programming

• Opening welcome from FORGE
• Opening Remarks by Kirti Patel
• Welcome remarks from Kubtec Medical Imaging
• Panel DiscussionFueling Connecticut’s Emerging Manufacturers: Capital, Collaboration and the Future of Regional Manufacturing Panelists: To Be Announced
• Announcement of CT Product Development Grant winners

3:30 PM to 4:00 PM | Guided factory tour of Kubtec

• Explore cutting-edge imaging and manufacturing technology
• Learn how Kubtec supports innovation and production in Connecticut

4:00 PM | Event end

Venue

Kubtec Medical Imaging111 Research Dr.Stratford, CT 06615