CriticalMass

2. May entities submit more than one Application?

Applicants may submit up to two different projects per round, with different project partners.

3. 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 of 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."

4. 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).

5. 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.

6. 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.

7. 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.

8. 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 criticallmass@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.

9. 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.

10. 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.