Flexcon and Auxilium to open materials science lab

Flexcon has partnered with Auxilium Worcester to open a 3,000 sqm materials science lab in downtown Worcester, addressing a gap in accessible lab space for early-stage technology companies in the state.

The Flexcon Lab at Auxilium will provide startups with testing equipment, laboratory technicians and process engineers with experience across medical diagnostics, functional structures, aerospace, clean technology and electronics. The facility is expected to open in summer 2026 and will also serve as the home of the Tech Solutions Group, a division of 44 Maple Group, of which Flexcon is a part.

Auxilium, founded in 2025 and backed by Rucker Investments, supports early-stage companies with capital, mentorship, workspace and operational support. Participants in its programs will gain direct access to the lab's equipment and expertise, alongside a joint accelerator cohort focused on materials science.

'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,' said Zachary Dutton, executive director of Auxilium.

'This lab is more than a space; it's a commitment to the future of our community,' noted Neil McDonough, executive chair of 44 Maple Group. 'By investing in local innovation and entrepreneurship, we're creating opportunities that will ripple across generations.'