Colin Angle to Receive Massachusetts Tech Leadership Council's Top Honor

iRobot co-founder and CEO to be awarded the Commonwealth Award for his contributions to the state's robotics ecosystem.

Published on Mar. 5, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council (MTLC) has announced that Colin Angle, the co-founder and longtime CEO of consumer robotics company iRobot, will receive the organization's highest honor, the Commonwealth Award. Angle is being recognized for his role in building iRobot into a global leader in home robotics as well as his efforts to strengthen Massachusetts' broader robotics ecosystem, including helping to advance National Robotics Week and serving as a founding board member of MassRobotics.

Why it matters

Angle's leadership at iRobot and his work to support the growth of the state's robotics industry have been instrumental in solidifying Massachusetts' reputation as a global hub for robotics innovation. The Commonwealth Award is the MTLC's highest honor, recognizing individuals who have made exceptional contributions to the local tech community.

The details

Under Angle's leadership, iRobot sold tens of millions of robots globally and helped cement Massachusetts as a leader in robotics innovation. The team he helped build has gone on to launch more than 15 Massachusetts-based robotics companies, further contributing to the region's deep and growing robotics ecosystem. Beyond company building, Angle has played a significant role in strengthening the broader ecosystem, including helping advance National Robotics Week and serving as a founding board member of MassRobotics.

  • The MTLC will present the Commonwealth Award to Angle on March 5, 2026.

The players

Colin Angle

The co-founder and longtime CEO of consumer robotics company iRobot, who is being honored with the Commonwealth Award for his contributions to Massachusetts' robotics ecosystem.

Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council (MTLC)

The region's leading tech association, dedicated to convening leaders to solve pressing global challenges and boost economic growth in Massachusetts.

iRobot

A consumer robotics company that helped define the home robotics category and brought advanced robotics into homes around the world under Angle's leadership.

MassRobotics

The largest independent robotics hub dedicated to accelerating innovation, commercialization, and adoption, of which Angle was a founding board member.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Colin Angle represents the very best of Massachusetts technology leadership. Beyond the enormous success of iRobot, Colin helped create an entire generation of robotics entrepreneurs and companies, laying the foundation that solidified Massachusetts as a global leader in robotics.”

— Sara Fraim, CEO, Massachusetts Technology Leadership Council (bakercityherald.com)

What’s next

The MTLC will also announce winners and finalists in 14 other award categories, including Technology Company of the Year, Startup Tech Company of the Year, and Product of the Year, at the upcoming Mass Tech Leadership Awards ceremony.

The takeaway

Angle's recognition with the Commonwealth Award underscores the pivotal role he has played in building Massachusetts into a global hub for robotics innovation. His leadership at iRobot and his efforts to support the broader ecosystem have helped foster the growth of a thriving robotics industry in the state, cementing its reputation as a premier destination for cutting-edge technology.