The new Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center (M2D2) at UMASS Lowell recently held opening ceremonies to celebrate the $4 million renovation of an old textile mill.

The project was managed by the UMASS Building Authority and is an incubator for medical device start ups and entrepreneurs.

The M2D2 is now open for business and features state of the art wet labs, equipment and office space where entrepreneurs and start-up companies can license the space they need and focus on growing their medical devices from idea to fruition. Already, the M2D2 has helped 23 start-up companies bridge the gap between invention and production of new medical devices.

"The M2D2 is a first-class facility that adds to the school’s reputation as a top education and research center," said UMBA Executive Director David MacKenzie. "With a struggling national and local economy, UMASS is committed to keeping entrepreneurs and new businesses in the state by providing cost-effective, innovative workspace."

The M2D2 is one of several new venture development centers at UMASS constructed by the UMBA to help start-ups and ultimately improve the economy. The Venture Development Center (VDC) at UMASS Boston opened in 2009 to provide office space and laboratory facilities for emerging technology and life science companies. Plans are currently underway at UMASS Dartmouth for a 14,000 square foot bio-processing plant in Fall River to help biotech start-ups mass produce their laboratory findings.