What is the required on-site duration for the system during deployment, not the full project timeline, but specifically the period when the system is physically present and operating at the project location?
We don't have a strict requirement on this, and this can be discussed during workplan creation of an awarded project.
The RFP suggests the "best fit" is companies that have raised at least $4mil, and have an employee count of 10-50, but based would we still be eligible for the program if we do not fit into these guidelines?
Applicants do not need to fit perfectly into these guidelines and can still apply and be awarded. This is a suggested guideline, not a strict eligibility requirement.
You mentioned that there has to be 10-50 employees to be eligible - do they all have to be in the US? If a company has around 40-50 employees in the US but has people working outside of the US as well, would that be ok?
Yes, this is okay.
Is the total funding for this program $3M?
For this round, the total funding is $3M. This may differ from round to round.
Is TRL a strict requirement?
Yes. Please fill out the TRL calculator at time of application. If you are not yet at a TRL 8 we would be happy to point you to programs that fit within your TRL range.
Can we have some examples from previous awardee
This is the first round of CriticalMass, so we do not have examples of previous awardees. There are examples of InnovateMass grantees in the RFP and in press releases that can be found on the MassCEC website.
If the awarded project should garnish carbon credits or other project credits, will they go to the Awardee? the Project Partner/Host or to MassCEC?
MassCEC will not be receiving the credits. It is up to the Awardee and Project Partner to decide who will receive the project credits.
We have pilots in various states, and our office is based in the United States, but we haven't deployed pilots to Massachusetts. If so, am I still eligible for this?
Yes, you would have to have this project in Massachusetts, but the required case studies on previous pilots would not have had to be in Massachusetts.
The RFP States "This project should be the first commercial deployment before launch; at least one (1) successful pilot project in an operational environment must have been completed prior to applying to this program." What is the difference between a first commercial deployment launch and a pilot project?
While a first commercial deployment and pilot project can look similar for some companies, there are key differentiators between the two.
A pilot project is generally done at a smaller scale than a commercial deployment and is designed to re-iterate on the technology throughout and after the project. Initial pilot projects are often the first time the technology is being tested in its intended use, with data being collected throughout to further advance the technology. Pilot projects can show potential problems and allow for solutions to be found for the technology before continuing to scale up the technology to a larger-scale operation.
Commercial deployment projects are generally at a larger scale and are deploying a technology that has already been tested during pilot projects. This project is built to be at full scale and to show that the technology will work in its intended commercial use case. Commercial deployment projects generally have less iteration of the actual technology throughout the project and focus more on the process of implementing the technology at a larger scale.
If we will be at TRL 8 by the time that the grant would be awarded, not at time of application, could we still apply?
CriticalMass has a strict TRL requirement at time of application and if you are not at a TRL 8 at that time you would not be eligible. However, we'll be re-opening a round next year with an estimated due date of mid-April, so if you are at a TRL 8 by then, you could apply to that round.
If we have an initial product that is going to market in the next few months that we will have some customers and revenue for, but we still want to add features to the product that align with the state's climates goals and program, would we still be eligible?
Yes, if you have an initial product that is on the market and is generating revenue but have plans to further develop your climatetech that is not yet fully commercialized, you would still be able to apply if you fit into the eligibility requirements of the program.
Do you have any recommended format for letter of commitment? Any elements you want to see in the letter (from someone not from the Appendix A partner list)?
We do not have a recommended format, but as written in the RFP, A signed Letter of Commitment shall indicate that, if awarded, the Applicant Team has agreed to work together to implement and manage the proposed project. One or more letters must be provided such that the letters include signatures from each participating organization, including the entity in control of the Project Site(s), and must lay out each team member's roles and responsibilities.
We have a small company that has been around for 20 years but is at a stage where we could scale-up new tech from one of the partners that is in the climate resiliency space. Would this be a fit for the program?
The Lead Applicant will need to own the proprietary technology and fit into all eligibility requirements listed in the RFP.
Is waste-to-energy power generation included in Climatetech definition?
MassCEC generally accepts waste-to-energy technologies but would need to review a full proposal to better understand the waste input being used. We encourage you to read through the full definition of Climatetech in the RFP and determine if your technology fits under the definition.
Is vehicle infrastructure (i.e. chargers) eligible for funding?
For technologies eligible for funding, if the technology defined under the definition of "Clean Energy Technologies" or "Climatetech" on Page 2 of the RFP, it would be eligible. Please note that Lead Applicants must apply with its proprietary climatetech. Funding can be used for opex or capex, as long as it is not overhead costs.
Can you please clarify whether zero-emission vehicles are eligible? Can you please specify which vehicle types (i.e. light-duty, medium-duty, heavy-duty) are eligible for funding?
Yes, this would count. On page 4 of the RFP it states "Transportation -- transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles, enhancing public transit, and promoting alternative fuel options" as a topic area. Any vehicle type or charging infrastructure is eligible, as long as it fits under the climatetech definition and fits all other eligibility requirements.
If you have a grant with another MassCEC Tech-to-Market Program, does that make a company ineligible? We're interested in the Project Partners this round and would like a chance to work with them.
The Tech-to-Market team does not allow for two open grants at a time. Depending on project durations, startups can generally apply to another program if they are at least halfway through their other project and plan on being done by the time of the other award. We'll be having mostly the same project partners for at least the first two rounds and hope to keep them on and add others for future rounds beyond that.
Should we have completed InnovateMass before CriticaMass or can there be overlap, for example to transition the demo project with an InnovateMA partner to the larger scale deployment within Critical MA with the same partner?
You are welcome to apply right after InnovateMas sot when you are almost done with your InnovateMass project. We see it as a transition from one program to the next, but a startup would not be able to do both at the same time. You may have the same partner in each if that makes sense to you.
If we were awarded the MassTech / CAM M2I2 grant or other state/quasi agency grants, does this preclude us or otherwise hurt our potential to receive a CriticalMass grant? Does our CriticalMass application need to be related to a completely different topic / facility, or can there be overlap between the scope / location / use of the other state/quasi agency grant and CriticalMass funds?
Receiving grants from other state/quasi agencies does not preclude or hurt your chances of receiving a CriticalMass grant. There can be overlap between a CriticalMass project and a project you are doing under another agency's program. However, CriticalMass funds are not intended to be a 1:1 cost-share on match on other state funds, and it is expected that there would be funding contributions from entities other than MA-state agencies.
Can a project partner be a company that is not on the appendix A list?
Yes.
Can you confirm that if we bring our own project partner, we do not need to submit a concept paper?
Correct, you would not need to submit a concept paper if you bring your own project partner.
I noticed you can apply with two separate project partners: Is that for two separate proposals and/or projects?
You can submit two applications with two different projects/partners. You could also submit one application with multiple project partners.
Can you win two separate projects or only one?
You would only be able to win one award.
In one single project, could we propose to work with two or more project partners to provide more geographic, site, and application diversity? If so, do we need LOIs from all project partners?
Yes, applicants may have multiple project partners on one application. You may have as many as you want if it's helpful for you. You may also submit up to two separate applications with different project partner, but would only be awarded one project. You will need Letters of Commitment from all Project Partners.
Are we allowed to submit concept papers to multiple Project Partners to improve our chances of being selected? Can we switch Project Partners between concept and full proposal?
Yes, you can submit multiple concept papers to Project Partners. However, applicants should think about who they are targeting and be strategic and intentional about who they want to work with. Please note that MassCEC doesn't take into account concept paper. You can apply with a different partner if you find someone you'd like to work with during the concept paper phase that is not listed in Appendix A, but by the final application deadline you should know who you will be working with during the project.
We are considering applying with a Project Partner that is not included in the pre-defined list in Appendix A. Is it allowable for us to select the landlord of a potential manufacturing site as our Project Partner -- given that we would be using their space as a lessee for a deployment site?
Based on the RFP, "Project Partners should be potential clients, customers or organizations who are able to provide a site for the deployment project and are the intended customer/commercialization partner for the technology." Based on this, landlords of a manufacturing site do not fit the intended purpose of a project partner.
Can a project partner be a contract manufacturer (CMO) who would be producing our products?
The intention of the Project Partners is to be an entity that would be the end customer/user. If a CMO is your end customer/user that would work, but if it is not they can't be the Project Partner.
Does the project partner have to be in Massachusetts? Such as, could the startup (us) be in Massachusetts, but then the project partner and project site be located elsewhere?
Per Section I. of the RFP, Proposed projects must include a Massachusetts-based project site, with the majority of the project being completed at this site.
Are municipalities that are participating in another MassCEC program able to participate as a Project Partner? I'm thinking specifically of the cities that have received funding for planning and/or deployment for on-street charging.
Yes, Project Partners may participate in multiple programs.
Do you have a template for the concept paper? Do you recommended to copy criticalmass@masscec.com in our engagement emails with the partners?
Please refer to Instructions and Details section in Appendix A of the RFP. In short, the paper should include an explanation of the type of deployment you envision with the Project Partner, and the proposed or expected role and responsibilities of the Project Partner.
It is required that you cc the CriticalMass inbox in the submission of the concept paper to Project Partners, which is stated in Appendix A.
Should startups be reaching out to project partners before the concept paper stage? Or is it expected the concept paper is the first time to reach out to them?
You can reach out to them before this stage, and this is recommended to do so to allow ample time for the Project Partner's review of the concept papers and discussions with startups. Project Partners are aware that startups might be reaching out before.
Will the CriticalMass team provide feedback on the concept paper submission? Is the concept paper being used for eligibility screening? In other words, will we be notified whether or not we're encouraged to submit a full proposal with rationale for why if discouraged?
The CriticalMass Team will not be providing feedback on concept paper submissions, and these will not be used toward eligibility screening or the total score of your application. You will not be notified on whether or not you should submit a full proposal based on the concept papers, and this is something you and the Project Partner will discuss.
What should we do if a Project Partner doesn't respond to our concept paper?
Reach out to the CriticalMass Team. Please note it may take some time for the Project Partners to respond.
How are funds dispersed in CriticalMass?
On a milestone/deliverable basis. MassCEC and the Awardee would work together to finalize these milestones and deliverables after time of award.
Are there restrictions on milestone funding timeline? For example, is it ok to have a front-loaded project where majority of work and cost is within first 6 months (technology installation), followed by low cost of 18 months of testing.
No, there are not strict requirements, but please note that Grantee's cumulative Cost-Share amount at the time Grantee submits any invoice to MassCEC shall constitute no less than forty percent (40%) of total of all invoiced Grant Installments. You would need to make sure you are able to contribute the appropriate cost-share relevant to the amount you have invoiced for. If awarded, MassCEC and Awardee will work together to ensure the workplan and invoice/cost-share amounts fit the guidelines.
Can we use the awarded money to serve as working capital for a capex project cost?
Yes.
Is the funding restricted to funding the specific deployment (i.e. labor and materials) or can it be applied to capital equipment to manufacture these components?
It can be applied to capital as well as labor and materials. Please note MassCEC will not fund overhead costs.
About the option warrant -- do you have examples of how MassCEC has executed/worked with the Warrants in the past?
This is the Tech-to-Market team's first time administering Warrants, so we do not have any examples we can share. We're working closely with our investments team who are supporting us and helping make things run smoothly.
The RFP states that: The Exercise Price will be determined by the Grantee's price per share in its most recent equity financing or 409A valuation. The number of shares will be determined by the following equation: (Grant amount*.10) / Exercise Price. Is the exercise price based upon the greater of the two (between equity financing or 409A)? Can we select which valuation is being used?
Our intention is to have an exercise price that fairly reflects the company's valuation today, so we will typically use the most recent, whether it's an equity financing or an issuance of employee stock options.
Is the 10% warrant coverage requirement based on the total grant size, inclusive of our cost share portion? E.g., if we applied for $1M, as I understand it we would be required to pay $250k as our cost share to receive $750k -- is the warrant coverage value equal to $75k ($750k x 10%) or $100k ($1M x 10%)?
Yes, this is based on the total grant size. The warrant will be 10% of whatever amount you are requesting/awarded.
What is the timing of the warrant coverage period? I.e., how long does MassCEC hold the right to purchase 10% of the grant value in our shares in the future?
The Term of the Warrant Agreement will be 7 years from the execution date.
Can Warrants be issued based on a SAFE?
The MassCEC team would need to look at the company's capitalization table and learn more about the company on a case by case basis.
Regarding the warrant agreement, we haven't done a priced round in a while. We are planning to begin our next raise soon. Therefore, the price of our shares based on the last round is not representative of the current value. Furthermore, we do not do 409A valuation. Are there other ways to determine the warrant value?
If you are awarded, at time of contracting, MassCEC and the awardee will be able to talk further on this. We will then look at the company's capitalization table to further evaluate.
Under which conditions would MassCEC execute the right to purchase startup's shares? is it regulated?
MassCEC would exercise the warrant if we thought there was an attractive financial opportunity. The conditions of the Warrant Agreement can be found in RFP under Attachment G.
Warrant price: is it last fundraise or 409A? (we've had both this year)
It would be whichever was most recent, and exact terms will be negotiated after the award notification during the contracting phase.
Can you speak to the timing of the second round if the September deadline is too early to apply?
We will be having another round in the Spring of 2026. Exact dates will be posted on the website once they are determined.
How do I know if my technology qualifies as climatetech under this program?
"...advanced and applied technologies that significantly reduce or eliminate the use of energy from non-renewable sources including, but not limited to: (i) energy efficiency; (ii) demand response; (iii) energy conservation; or (iv) technologies powered, in whole or in part, by the sun, wind, water, geothermal energy, including networked geothermal and deep geothermal energy, hydrogen produced by non-fossil fuel sources and methods, alcohol, fuel cells, fusion energy, nuclear fission or any other renewable, nondepletable or recyclable fuel..."
"...advanced and applied research in new clean energy technologies including: (i) solar photovoltaic; (ii) solar thermal; (iii) wind power; (iv) geothermal energy, including networked geothermal and deep geothermal energy; (v) wave and tidal energy; (vi) advanced hydropower; (vii) energy transmission and distribution; (viii) energy storage; (ix) renewable biofuels, including ethanol, biodiesel and advanced biofuels; (x) renewable, biodegradable chemicals; (xi) advanced thermal-to-energy conversion; (xii) fusion energy; (xiii) hydrogen produced by non-fossil fuel sources and methods; (xiv) carbon capture and sequestration; (xv) energy monitoring; (xvi) green building materials; (xvii) energy efficiency; (xviii) energy-efficient lighting; (xix) gasification and conversion of gas to liquid fuels; (xx) industrial energy efficiency; (xxi) demand-side management; and (xxii) fuel cells; and (xxiv) nuclear fission; provided, however, that 'clean energy research' shall not include advanced and applied research in coal, oil, natural gas..."
"...and any other advanced and applied technologies that contribute to the decarbonization of the economy, reduce and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions or mitigate the impact of climate change through adaptation, resiliency, and environmental sustainability"
Please note that technologies related to coal, oil, woody biomass, natural gas (except where used in fuel cells) will not be considered Climatetech for purposes of this RFP.
May entities submit more than one Application?
Applicants may submit up to two different projects per round, with different project partners.
What is a "Total Addressable Carbon" analysis?
The TAC is an estimate of the potential reduction in greenhouse gas emissions or the avoidance of future GHG emissions achievable given widespread use of the technology/innovation.
While addressing the greenhouse gas mitigation potential, it is recommended that applicants reference MassCEC's Total Addressable Carbon (TAC) analysis or other credible public data sources such as the United States Department of Energy's Energy Information Administration, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's National Emissions Inventory (especially for greenhouse gases other than carbon dioxide), the EPA's Greenhouse Gases Equivalencies Calculator, and others.
You may also use MassCEC's Emissions Reduction Analysis instructions and the corresponding template as tools, in order to quantify the GHG emissions that can be reduced, avoided, or remediated. Other quantification methods include but are not limited to potential megawatt-hours of clean energy generated, tons of carbon dioxide emissions avoided or captured, energy savings compared to existing or alternative technology(ies), efficiency improvement over existing technology(ies).
Applicants are encouraged to quantify and/or describe the potential to mitigate impacts of climate change through adaptation and resiliency (A&R), and consider environmental sustainability (for example, using indicators across social, economic, and environmental impacts). MassCEC acknowledges that quantifying A&R is an emerging field, and we recommend utilizing the 2023 ResilientMass Plan, as well as the World Economic Forum and FEMA's BCA Toolkit etc. for toolkits and guidance.
What is a Public Benefit Site (PBS) and what are the PBS requirements?
Public Benefit Site ("Public Benefit Site"): a Public Benefit Site is defined as a deployment project that is physically located in a MA-based Gateway City or Environmental Justice community, or is in an underserved geographic region (i.e., such as Western Massachusetts, the Berkshires, or Cape Cod).
Are visuals allowed in the application?
Yes, visuals are allowed in the application. Please note that if you add images, the page limit requirement still needs to be met.
Are hardware and software technologies evaluated differently?
No, hardware and software technologies are evaluated using the same criteria and InnovateMass funds both types of technologies. In the application, please make it clear the challenges you face in developing and commercializing either type of technology.
Is the funding amount and employee count guideline a strict eligibility requirement?
No, this is a suggested guideline for best fit for the program, but companies are welcome to apply if they do not fit into the suggested guidelines.
What is a Concept Paper?
A Concept Paper is a one-page memo sent from the startup company applicant to a prospective Project Partner (a list of curated Project Partners can be found in Appendix A of the CriticalMass RFP). The paper should include an explanation of the type of deployment the startup company applicant envisions with the Project Partner, and the proposed or expected role and responsibilities of the Project Partner. Startup company applicants should additionally consider including a 3-5 slide deck to introduce the company.
Startup company applicants should review the Project Partner problem statements in Appendix A of the CriticalMass RFP to see if the areas of interest align with their company's capabilities. If you are interested in pursuing a partnership, develop a short (up to 1 page) concept paper. Startup company applicants should submit their concept paper and optional deck to BOTH criticalmass@masscec.com and the relevant Project Parter contact listed in Appendix A of the CriticalMass RFP. Please submit concept papers as early as you are able, to allow for ample time to co-develop a project ahead of the application deadline. Be sure to review the Concept Paper Deadline on the CriticalMass webpage.
What is a Project Partner?
Project Partners will consist of corporates, universities, and/or municipalities, utilities, non-profits, or other entities that can provide a deployment site. These entities will be integral partners in the awarded startup-led projects and will provide deployment sites, and other resources that may include additional funding. A list of curated Project Partners can be found in Appendix A. Alternatively, Applicants can apply to the program with Project Partner entities that are not included in Appendix A.
What is Cost Share?
Cost Share is a percentage of the total grant amount that CriticalMass awardees must contribute to their CriticalMass project. For CriticalMass awardees must contribute 25% of the total grant amount to their CriticalMass projects. For more information, please review Section VI of the RFP.
Questions from Project Partners:
If we encounter a startup that is of interest to the agency, but their technology does not address a goal we explicitly laid out in our original RFI response, can we still offer to work with them on a CriticalMass application?
Yes, we are okay with a project partner submitting an application if it doesn't align with what was explicitly listed in your RFI response, as long as they are eligible for CriticalMass.
Can more than one application for different technologies be submitted, and potentially awarded?
We would only award one project per applicant. However, Project Partners can be on multiple awarded proposals.
We recently learned that startups are expected to cover 25% of the project cost. Could you confirm if there is any flexibility in this requirement, or if alternative funding mechanisms (such as corporate partner contributions) could be considered?
The 25% cost-share is a requirement of this program. However, 80% of the cost-share can be in-kind and 20% cash contributions. Startups may use contributions from project partners or investors as a form of cost-share. Page 14 of the RFP has more details on cost-share as well.
Are international startups are eligible to participate?
Startups must be US-based to apply. If they are a subsidiary of an international company with headquarters in the US they would be eligible.
Regarding the funding scope: how many awards are expected to be granted, and is the $1M cap per project accurate?
This round, we are expecting to make 3 awards, with a $1M cap per project. However, we anticipate startups having a larger total project budget with their cost-share contributions.
