CTNext, a resource for entrepreneurial support, recently announced the addition of two new partners, Design Technologies and Nerac, to its partner program.

Design Technologies advises entrepreneurs in the life science industries, and Nerac is a global research and advisory firm that supports the development of technology-based startups in northeastern Connecticut.

“We are delighted to welcome two new partners into the burgeoning CTNext family,” Glendowlyn Thames, executive director of CTNext, said in a statement. “The CTNext partner program continues to be a vital part of Connecticut’s innovation ecosystem, offering immeasurable resources and guidance to local entrepreneurs. The addition of Design Technologies and Nerac strengthens our network, and we look forward to working with them to further support life science and technology entrepreneurs.”

Design Technologies plans to launch a customized entrepreneurship curriculum for life science entrepreneurs in Connecticut called ABCT. The ABCT program will help expand the entrepreneurs’ business network in order to accelerate venture investment, partnerships and the recruitment of management to the ventures. Design Technologies will receive up to $720,000 for a period of three years from CTNext to build and execute the program.

CTNext’s engagement with Nerac will focus on the Nerac Incubator and XcellR8 program, which supports the identification, assessment, mentoring and development of technology-based startups in northeastern Connecticut, particularly those out of UConn. The incubator will build upon the existing network and community of entrepreneurs associated with the XcellR8 program. CTNext has allocated up to $110,000 for the first year.