At TechEn, we’ve been building NIRS and fNIRS systems since the early days of the technology. Over three decades of engineering work means a lot of equipment cycles through our facility in Milford, MA — test instruments, computers, displays, peripherals, and office furniture that served us well but have been replaced by newer gear.

Rather than let that equipment collect dust or end up in a landfill, we’re pleased to announce that we’ve partnered with GiveBetter to give these items a second life while supporting good causes.

What is GiveBetter?

GiveBetter is a charitable donation platform that turns unwanted items into financial support for vetted nonprofit organizations. Based in Burlington, Vermont, they handle the entire process: free pickup, sale or distribution of donated goods, and transparent impact reporting so donors know exactly where their contribution went.

What sets GiveBetter apart is donor choice. When you donate through their platform, you select which cause or organization receives the proceeds from your items. Their network includes over 25 local partner organizations and 100+ global partners supporting causes ranging from food security and refugee resettlement to youth crisis services and animal welfare.

Why This Matters to Us

The research community that uses our CW6 systems — universities, hospitals, and labs around the world — understands the value of putting resources to good use. Instruments and equipment that are no longer needed in one setting can still have real value. And when they don’t have a direct second use in a research context, platforms like GiveBetter ensure that value is captured and directed toward people and organizations that need it.

Over the years, TechEn has accumulated surplus electronics, testing equipment, office furniture, and computing hardware that still works perfectly well. Through GiveBetter, these items are sold and the proceeds go directly to nonprofits — with full transparency and a tax-deductible receipt.

A Call to the Research Community

We’d encourage our colleagues in the NIRS and broader neuroimaging community to consider similar programs when cycling out old equipment. Research labs are especially prone to accumulating outdated but functional hardware — monitors, laptops, signal generators, power supplies, cables, and peripherals that sit in storage indefinitely.

Donating through a platform like GiveBetter is straightforward:

1. Schedule a pickup through their website with photos of your items
2. They pick up for free from your location
3. Items are sold and proceeds go to the nonprofit you choose
4. You receive a tax-deductible receipt and an impact report

It’s a small effort that turns unused equipment into real support for communities in need.

For more information, visit GiveBetter or contact us if you’d like to learn more about our experience with the program.