WORCESTER, MA — A new materials science lab is planned for downtown Worcester through a partnership with Auxilium Worcester.
The Flexcon Lab at Auxilium, expected to debut this summer at 311 Main St., will add 3,000 square feet of lab space for startups in Massachusetts. The space is happening through a partnership between Auxilium Worcester and Spencer-based Flexcon, Auxilium announced earlier this month.
Auxilium, an accelerator and innovation studio founded in 2025, said the project aims to address a shortage of accessible materials-science lab space for early-stage companies. The Worcester-based company, backed by Rucker Investments, said it supports startups with capital, mentorship, workspace, and operational support.
The specialized lab will include testing equipment, laboratory technicians and process engineers. Auxilium said the facility is designed to provide innovators and researchers with a place to develop work focused on commercial feasibility and scalability.
The team working with the lab has experience in medical diagnostics, functional structures, aerospace, clean technology and electronics, according to Auxilium's announcement.
“The Flexcon Lab at Auxilium adds a new level of capability for founders,” said Zachary Dutton, Auxilium's Executive Director. “The combination of specialized equipment and direct access to industry experts allows us to attract startups from across the country that need real-world environments to develop and test their technology.”
Flexcon, a Spencer-based global materials manufacturer, is part of the 44 Maple Group. The lab will also serve as the home of the Tech Solutions Group, a division of 44 Maple Group.
Auxilium said the project is tied to Worcester's growing innovation economy.
That's after Worcester ranked in the top 25 nationally in three categories in the 2025 CBRE U.S. Life Sciences Talent and Trends report, and the city was named among the top 10 mid-sized metros for STEM jobs by CoworkingCafe.
The state also recently announced a $5.2 million investment to establish the Central Massachusetts BioHub, according to the announcement.
Auxilium said construction is expected to be completed and a grand opening is anticipated in summer 2026. The organization also said its most recent accelerator partnership with Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives is currently accepting applications, with enrollment expected to conclude in spring 2026.
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