Going Farther. Deeper. Faster.
MassCEC Funding Accelerates GMGI Innovation
The support of MassCEC is accelerating GMGI’s vision to build the Virtual Living Ocean — a first-of-its-kind platform that will transform how we understand, monitor, and protect our oceans. Strengthening our eDNA research capabilities and expanding the infrastructure — such as our public eDNA Service — are needed to process and interpret vast amounts of environmental data, and this investment lays the foundation for a living, digital model of ocean life.
The Virtual Living Ocean will transform these data into an interactive, dynamic view of marine ecosystems — revealing how life in our oceans changes over time and helping scientists, policymakers, industry, and coastal communities make more informed decisions. As this platform grows, it will accelerate innovation in climate resilience, sustainable fisheries, ocean conservation, and the Blue Economy, positioning Massachusetts as a global leader in ocean technology.
MassCEC Grant Awards
Ocean Innovation Network | $1.3M
The Ocean Innovation Network (OIN) grant award supports expansion of Gloucester Marine Genomics Institute’s eDNA Service Platform, aquatic research facilities, and innovation space to accelerate marine genomics, blue economy entrepreneurship, and applied ocean technology commercialization in Massachusetts.
What’s included in this grant:
- Building new eDNA suite
- Purchasing eDNA equipment
- Building new tank room
- Building new Maker’s Space
- Providing scholarships to outside startups
Climatetech Testing + Demonstration Assets | $2.25M
The Climatetech Testing & Demonstration Assets (TDA) grant award supports the enhancement of GMGI labs in ways that combine high-throughput eDNA analysis, controlled aquatic animal studies, real-time ocean sensing, and public-facing infrastructure to advance marine science, monitoring, and collaboration on the North Shore and beyond.
What’s included in this grant:
- Expanding eDNA suite and build new Harmful Algal Blooms lab space
- Purchasing eDNA high-throughput resources
- Enhancing tank room and build new wet lab space
- Building Harborside Demo Station and purchase ocean sensing equipment
- Building convening space to accommodate up to 50 people
- Enhancing Maker’s Space
Making Progress…and Impact
What is the Mass Clean Energy Center (MassCEC)?
The Mass Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy and climatetech sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits, increase affordability, and secure long-term economic opportunities for the people of Massachusetts.
What is ClimateTech?
ClimateTech focuses on developing technologies and solutions that help slow climate change and prepare for its impacts. This includes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, removing carbon from the atmosphere, and improving the resilience of communities, industries, and ecosystems in a changing climate.
What is BlueTech?
BlueTech refers to the technologies and innovations that help us better understand, protect, and sustainably use our oceans and waterways. By combining scientific discovery with practical solutions, BlueTech supports thriving marine ecosystems while advancing industries such as fisheries, aquaculture, renewable energy, and ocean conservation.