What does it mean to apply under the InnovateMass Spotlight?
InnovateMass Spotlights are designed to surface innovative ideas that speak to specific energy related challenges. No funding is reserved specifically for Spotlight-relevant applications. MassCEC may, at its discretion, decide to fund any number of Spotlight-relevant applications and may decline to fund any such applications in a given round. Spotlight applications are evaluated competitively against all applications received in the same round of InnovateMass, using the same review criteria and process. Applications with a clean-energy focus not under the Spotlight are still welcome.
If I’ve applied in the past, but was not awarded, may I re-use the same letters of intent from my project partners?
Yes, if the letters are still applicable with any changes you’ve made in your application and if the relationship is still active. The letters should demonstrate an active relationship and cooperation with critical partners, which will last at least the duration of the proposed project. To this end current letters are preferred, as it indicates that the cooperating parties are still in the relevant positions and the relationship is ongoing.
How do I know if my technology qualifies as cleantech under this program?
For the purposes of this RFP, “Clean Energy Companies” are considered to be companies that have “...advanced and applied technologies that significantly reduce or eliminate the use of energy from non-renewable sources, including, but not limited to: energy efficiency; demand response; energy conservation and those technologies powered in whole or in part by the sun, wind, water, biomass, alcohol, wood, fuel cells, any renewable, non-depletable or recyclable fuel...” Definition based on enabling legislation for MassCEC, Chapter 23J, Section 1 of the General Laws of Massachusetts (https://malegislature.gov/Laws/GeneralLaws/PartI/TitleII/Chapter23J/Sect...).
Is salary factored into cost-share?
Yes – direct labor on the project is an eligible cost share expense. Please note that cost share may only be up to 80% in-kind.
Can a company that originated or has offices outside of Massachusetts apply to InnovateMass?
This is something that has recently changed for InnovateMass. Previously we allowed out-of-state companies with project partners or sites in MA. Now we are restricting the program only to MA-based companies. If you are out of state, that does not make you eligible. However, we would allow MA companies working with a host outside of the state.
How many letters of support does a typical applicant have?
On average, the typical applicant provides 1 to 3 letters of support. These are typically from partners directly related to the proposed InnovateMass project, such as a demonstration site or manufacturing partner.
What role does the 3rd party technical support from MassCEC play?
The InnovateMass Technical Assistant (TA) supports awardees through all phases of the project, from workplan development through the final report. They act as the day-to-day project managers representing MassCEC. MassCEC meets with the TA on a monthly basis to get a project status update on each awardee.
