Building a More Cyber-Resilient Berkshires—New Cybersecurity Facility Coming to the BIC!
A new cybersecurity initiative at the Berkshire Innovation Center is bringing attention to a growing challenge for manufacturers, and the importance of local expertise, collaboration, and practical solutions.
Cybersecurity is no longer just an IT concern. For today's manufacturers, it's an essential part of doing business, protecting intellectual property, meeting customer expectations, and remaining competitive in increasingly sophisticated supply chains.
That's why we're excited about the development of the Cybersecurity Learning and Testing Facility at the Berkshire Innovation Center (BIC) in Pittsfield, Massachusetts.
Supported by federal funding through the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), this new initiative aims to give manufacturers access to cybersecurity education, technology, demonstrations, and expert guidance—all designed to help businesses better understand their risks and strengthen their defenses. And for Synagex Modern IT, this initiative has a particularly meaningful connection.
A Local Partnership Helping Shape a Regional Initiative
As a longtime member of the Berkshire Innovation Center, Synagex has worked alongside the BIC and regional manufacturers to address the increasingly complex cybersecurity challenges facing modern businesses.
One example is our collaborative work with Sinicon Plastics, a Berkshire County manufacturer serving the medical, military, aerospace, and industrial sectors. As Sinicon expanded its capabilities and navigated increasingly demanding cybersecurity requirements, particularly those associated with the defense industrial base, Synagex brought cybersecurity and IT expertise to the effort.
That experience helped demonstrate what manufacturers need to strengthen their cybersecurity posture: trusted technical partners, practical guidance, the right tools, and a clear understanding of how security requirements translate into real-world business decisions.
In a September 2026 Berkshire Business Journal article, BIC Executive Director Ben Sosne explained that the experience working with Sinicon and Synagex helped inform the development of the new facility. Sosne also recognized Synagex as an established leader in cybersecurity and information technology, serving businesses throughout Massachusetts and beyond. We're proud to be part of that story.
Making Cybersecurity More Accessible for Manufacturers
Manufacturers face a unique set of cybersecurity challenges. Protecting sensitive information and intellectual property is critical, but so is meeting the requirements of customers, industry partners, and government contracts.
For companies operating within the defense supply chain, the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) adds another layer of responsibility. And for small and midsized manufacturers, navigating these requirements can be particularly challenging.
The BIC's new Cybersecurity Learning and Testing Facility is being developed to help address those challenges by creating a shared environment where manufacturers can:
Better understand cybersecurity requirements and risks.
Explore tools and technologies through demonstrations and workshops.
Connect with experienced cybersecurity professionals.
Evaluate their existing security practices.
Identify practical steps toward stronger cybersecurity readiness.
The goal isn't to duplicate the expertise already available throughout the region. It's to connect businesses with the right resources and professionals so they can make informed decisions and move forward with confidence.
Cybersecurity Is Part of Manufacturing's Future
Western Massachusetts has a strong manufacturing heritage, and its future increasingly depends on advanced technology, secure digital infrastructure, and the ability to compete in demanding industries. Cybersecurity plays a significant role in all three.
A manufacturer's ability to protect its systems, data, and intellectual property can influence everything from operational continuity to eligibility for new business opportunities.
The BIC initiative recognizes that cybersecurity readiness isn't simply about checking boxes. It's about helping manufacturers build the capabilities they need to grow.
We're encouraged to see that recognition translate into a regional resource, with support from U.S. Representative Richard Neal, who secured federal funding for the project, and state Representative Tricia Farley-Bouvier.
Keeping IT Cool While Taking Cybersecurity Seriously
At Synagex, we've always believed that good IT and cybersecurity should make businesses stronger, not more overwhelmed. That means meeting organizations where they are, understanding their challenges, and helping them make meaningful improvements without unnecessary complexity.
We're proud of our longstanding relationship with the Berkshire Innovation Center, and the opportunity to contribute expertise to a community that's investing in its technological future.
As the Cybersecurity Learning and Testing Facility continues to take shape, we're excited about what it represents for Berkshire County and Western Massachusetts: stronger businesses, better access to cybersecurity resources, and a more resilient manufacturing community. Because when our local businesses are better protected, our entire region is stronger.
In the News
WWLP-22News: New cybersecurity facility coming to Berkshire Innovation Center
Berkshire Business Journal, September 2026: “Cybersecurity crucial to manufacturing,” by Ben Sosne, Executive Director of the Berkshire Innovation Center.
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