
The Challenge: Incubating Cleantech Start-Ups
Massachusetts is a hotbed of climate tech and water innovation start-ups, many of whom are eager to participate in business incubators. Incubators need resources to accommodate more startups and provide them with high-quality services and specialized facilities.
About IncubateMass
Since 2013, IncubateMass has provided funding to Massachusetts incubators with the goal of growing the clean energy innovation ecosystem and commercializing cleantech startups through incubator membership. This funding supports incubator activities such as
- build-out of facilities or infrastructure
- equipment purchases
- networking events and workshops
- growing strategic clusters
- professional development of incubator staff
Grants are up to $175,000 per year and award payments are typically tied to incubator management deliverables and startup member milestones.
Funding Schedule
IncubateMass offers funding once per year. The schedule for the next funding round has not yet been determined, but it will likely be announced during Fall 2023.
Process Step | Past Timing |
---|---|
RFP released | January 3, 2023 |
Proposals due | February 22, 2023 |
Notification of award | Mid-April, 2023 |
Complete contracting/ |
May-August, 2023 |
Who's Eligible
- Applicants must be Incubators (as defined in the RFP) capable of providing business incubation services to Cleantech Startups at a location within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Applicants must have startups that satisfy the definition of Cleantech Startups, as defined in the RFP.
- Applicants are not required to host exclusively Cleantech Startups in their Incubators, but the Incubator must have a partial clean energy focus to its operations and clientele.
For full Program details, please refer to the IncubateMass RFP
Apply
Application Process
The current round is now closed. The following information is provided for reference only.
- Review the IncubateMass Request for Proposals
- Complete the appropriate application form
- Return Applicant Form - for returning applicants who have received more than three IncubateMass grants within the last five years and have maintained strong performance
- New Applicant Form - for all other applicants
Application Materials
The current round is now closed. The following materials are provided for reference only.
FAQs
Resources for Clean Energy Incubators
Looking for Massachusetts Clean Tech Incubators?
Check out this handout that describes MassCEC's incubator partners and their offerings!