The Challenge: Grow the Massachusetts Clean Energy Startup Ecosystem
Massachusetts is a hotbed of climatetech innovation startups, many of whom are eager to participate in business incubators, accelerators, and other ecosystem support organizations (“ESOs”). ESOs attract early-stage climatetech startups to Massachusetts, promote their growth, and improve their chances of success.
ESOs need resources to accommodate more startups and provide them with high-quality services and specialized facilities. Some ESOs depend on member fees to support their operations, while others depend on grants and sponsorship support to conduct their valuable programs.
About the Innovation Ecosystem Program
The Innovation Ecosystem Program provides grants to Massachusetts ESOs for specific activities with the goal of growing the climatetech innovation ecosystem and commercializing early stage climatetech startups. Grants fund ESO activities including, but not limited to
- operations and management expenses
- build-out of facilities or infrastructure
- equipment purchases
- networking and workshop events
- professional development of incubator staff
Grants range from $120,000 to $175,000, depending on the applicant, per year and award payments are typically tied to ESO deliverables and to startup scholarships and support.
MassCEC has partnered with accelerator programs since 2011. This Accelerator Funding Program was launched in October 2024 to better reflect the range of climatetech ESOs across Massachusetts and coordinate MassCEC’s various funding activities for ESOs in a consistent fashion.
Funding Schedule
The Innovation Ecosystem Program offers funding once per year. Please view the schedule for the FY2025 application process.
All dates indicated in the schedule are subject to change at MassCEC's discretion.
| Process Step | Timing |
|---|---|
RFP released |
October 21, 2024 |
Proposals due |
December 6, 2024 |
Notification of award |
Late February 2025 |
Complete contracting and eligibility for first payment |
Late May 2025 |
Who's Eligible
- Applicants must be Incubators, Accelerators, or other ESOs (as defined in the RFP) capable of providing services to climatetech startups within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Applicants must have startups that satisfy the definition of climatetech startups, as defined in the RFP.
- Applicants are not required to serve exclusively climatetech startups in their ESOs, but the ESO must have a partial clean energy or climate focus to its operations and clientele.
For full Program details, please refer to the Innovation Ecosystem Program Request for Proposals.
Apply
Application Process
- Review the Innovation Ecosystem Program Request for Proposals
- Complete the application form
- Email completed application to innovationecosystem@masscec.com by the due date