We Build the Supply Chains You Need
- using AI and simulations to enable efficient low-volume, high-mix production
Entering a new industry niche or geography is challenging and requires reliable supply partners who understand your design intentions, deliver what is needed when it is needed, and even support you with knowledge management for further product development and innovation. This is difficult to accomplish in an established environment, and even more so when entering new markets.
​
Upgrade Manufacturing, Inc. addresses this challenge and propels your business to new heights with a platform of innovative engineering solutions. It empowers local manufacturers with cutting-edge, easy-to-use AI and simulation tools, ensuring the quality and on-time delivery of your orders. It also optimizes order distribution across your network of local suppliers, supporting them with a steady flow of orders and reinforcing your supply resiliency.
Founders
Suhin Kim Ph.D.
CEO
Eldar Shakirov Ph.D.
CPO
A. John Hart Ph.D.
Advisor & Board Member
This is an MIT-based team composed of experts in mechanical design, manufacturing optimization, and digital factory simulation. Suhin brings expertise in digital manufacturing, metal 3D printing, AI, and the automotive industry, while Eldar specializes in digital factory modeling and simulation. Prof. A. John Hart is the Head of Mechanical Engineering at MIT and a co-founder of both Desktop Metal and VulcanForms.
Journey with CarbonBlack
The collaboration between the Upgrade team and CarbonBlack began even before the company was officially launched.
​
In particular, the long-running discussions grounded in Terry and Sean’s startup experience — along with their deep insights into manufacturing ecosystems in both Korea and the U.S. — have played a crucial role in shaping Upgrade’s vision, especially in developing a cross-border manufacturing platform that transcends geographical boundaries.
​
For the Upgrade team, CarbonBlack has been a strong supporter — both operationally and strategically. The CarbonBlack team provided valuable guidance on building our initial team structure. Through ongoing strategic discussions around market entry, we’ve made steady progress in reducing trial and error and moving closer to product-market fit.
​
The two teams work together based on mutual trust, and the Upgrade team doesn’t view CarbonBlack merely as an accelerator or investor. Given CarbonBlack’s deep understanding of our business strategy and operations, we’re able to move forward meaningfully — together — one step at a time.
