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Nine entrepreneurial teams, working with cutting-edge climate technologies, pitched solutions aimed at advancing Massachusetts' climate innovation economy
BOSTON, MA – The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and FedTech are proud to announce the winners of the second annual Massachusetts Climatetech Studio Showcase, held last Thursday during Startup Boston Week at Suffolk University. The pitch competition and showcase marked the culmination of the second Massachusetts Climatetech Studio cohort, a groundbreaking initiative designed to foster climate innovation through entrepreneurship.
26 entrepreneurs, organized into nine teams, pitched their cutting-edge climate technologies to a distinguished panel of judges. These teams were selected from a highly competitive pool of over 214 applicants to participate in the Climatetech Studio program, which MassCEC launched last year in collaboration with FedTech. The cohort features a diverse group of innovators, with 16 participants from Massachusetts and additional entrepreneurs from out of the state.
“Massachusetts is home to some of the brightest minds in climatetech, and this program shows what happens when we give entrepreneurs the tools they need to succeed,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rebecca Tepper. “This cohort is advancing solutions that will transform industries, strengthen our economy, and open doors for new opportunities across the state.”
Over the past 16 weeks, participants worked closely with technology inventors, expert coaches, and industry advisors to assess commercialization pathways, validate business models, and form the foundations of new climatetech ventures. Each team was paired with game-changing climate-related intellectual property (IP), seven of which originated from Massachusetts-based research institutions. The winning teams were chosen based on their innovative solutions, market potential, and ability to help the state accelerate solutions to climate and energy challenges.
“The Massachusetts Climatetech Studio is more than a pitch competition. It’s a starting point for next-generation climatetech companies,” said MassCEC CEO Dr. Emily Reichert. “By pairing talented entrepreneurs with breakthrough research, we have created a powerful engine for innovation, commercialization, and job growth, right here in Massachusetts. I’m incredibly proud of the progress this year’s teams have made in just a few months, and I’m excited to see their impact.”
Winning Teams:
- Thalon Materials – Nuha Abousam, Travis Hampton, Stephen Buchanan
- Tech Source: Worcester Polytechnic Institute
- Thalon Materials supplies automotive and defense manufacturers with clean, domestic magnesium metal. Using a patented electrolysis process, we produce low-carbon, cost-competitive magnesium without toxic byproducts. Our process cuts the carbon footprint of today’s dominant production method by more than 10x and can uniquely repurpose idle aluminum smelters for production.
- Mirra – Kirthika Padmanabhan, Elizabeth Bridges, Christa Campbell
- Tech Source: Northeastern University
- Mirra is on a mission to replace artificial food dyes with plant-based, high-performing colorants that are UV-resistant and fully biodegradable. Starting with white, our colorants replace petroleum derived and mined pigments like titanium dioxide in food - a multi-billion-dollar global market under consumer and regulatory pressure. Starting with a patented technology developed at Northeastern University, Mirra is building colorants with drop-in compatibility, giving brands a safe, sustainable, and vibrant alternative.
- JUNTO – David Thompson, Tao Dai
- Tech Source: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
- JUNTO is developing next-generation batteries that are safer, more energy dense, and easier to manufacture, tailored for the electric vehicle market. By leveraging abundant and sustainable materials, we enable scalable, cost-effective solutions that accelerate the transition to clean mobility.
The first-place team received $50,000, while the second- and third-place teams received $30,000 and $20,000, respectively. All nine teams are eligible for MassCEC and FedTech's alumni services to help them continue their ventures. Alum services include access to a pool of grant money, an Entrepreneur-in-Residence (EIR), custom workshops, consulting services, and a tailored menu of services, opportunities, and programs for startups in Massachusetts.
“This cohort exemplifies what’s possible when innovators, researchers, and industry partners come together around bold ideas,” said FedTech Chief Delivery Officer, Robyn Brazzil. “We’re thrilled to see these teams take the next step in bringing their solutions to life, and we look forward to continuing our partnership with MassCEC to accelerate climatetech business growth.”
"The Clean Energy Center is fostering growth and innovation through the Massachusetts Climatetech Studio Showcase,” said State Senator Barry Finegold (D-Andover). “These technologies are a cornerstone of the Massachusetts economy, and the innovators at their helm should be recognized and encouraged.”
"I would like to congratulate the three teams who have been selected as winners for the second annual Massachusetts Climatetech Studio Showcase and the many other participants of this showcase," said State Representative Carole Fiola (D-Fall River). “The hard work, dedication, and innovation of these teams will continue to play a key role in the state addressing our problems related to climate change and in developing future technologies and ideas to spur sustainable, affordable and reliable energy sources."
The Massachusetts Climatetech Studio was created to drive innovation and investment in early-stage climate technologies—especially in sectors where it is challenging to reduce carbon emissions. This initiative is the first of its kind in the state, actively assembling talented teams, providing them with expert guidance and education, and facilitating the commercialization of climate-related IP. By offering this level of support, the Studio is addressing a critical gap in Massachusetts' efforts to accelerate the development of breakthrough solutions.
For more information on the Massachusetts Climatetech Studio and the Showcase, visit www.masscec.com/program/climatetech-studio.
About the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy and climatetech sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits, and secure long-term economic opportunities for the people of Massachusetts. Since 2010, MassCEC has awarded nearly $800 million in programs and investments and attracted more than $2.8 billion in private and public funds.
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