UMass-Lowell to build $80M tech center

The University of Massachusetts-Lowell announced Wednesday the construction of an $80 million technology center to house cutting-edge technology research.

The 97,000-square-foot Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center will be used for nano- and bio-manufacturing research. State and university officials say the building will help spawn development of new industries in the state as well as support the technology transfer from academia to the private sector.

"This emerging technologies center--like a rock dropped into the Merrimack River--will generate waves of new technologies, new industries and new jobs," said state Sen. Steven Panagiatakos (D-Lowell), chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee, in a statement.

The state has already pledged $35 million in funds to build the center, which will be the first academic building constructed on the campus in 30 years.