The Challenge: Bridging the Funding Gap
To support companies facing the so-called "commercialization valley of death,” a widely-recognized funding gap that exists between early-stage support offered by angel investors and later-stage support historically provided by venture capital and strategic investors.
About InnovateMass
The InnovateMass program provides up to $350,000 in grant funding and technical support to applicant teams deploying new clean energy technologies or innovative combinations of existing technologies with a strong potential for commercialization. Successful applicants will propose projects that address important energy challenges within our four focus areas, help to grow the state’s clean energy economy, and contribute to Massachusetts’ continued clean energy leadership.
Funding Schedule
InnovateMass is a rolling funding program that operates under a quarterly deadline schedule. The next upcoming deadline will be posted when decided. All applications are reviewed until program funding is exhausted.
Process Step | Approximate Timing |
---|---|
Next application deadline |
TBD |
Notification of finalist status | Within 8 weeks of quarterly deadline date |
Pitch coaching for finalists | 1.5 to 3 months from quarterly deadline date |
Finalists pitch | 2 to 4 months from quarterly deadline date |
Final award decisions | Approximately 6 months from quarterly deadline date |
Contracting concludes; projects begin | Approximately 2 months from award notification |
Who's Eligible
Eligible applicants include cleantech startup companies.
Projects must apply as an Applicant Team, which includes a “Lead Applicant” and one or more Demonstration Project Partner(s).
For full Program details, please refer to the InnovateMass Request For Proposals (RFP)
Apply
Application Process
This Program invites participation in a two-part application process:
- Submit an application
- If invited, pitch proposal to a panel of program judges
For full Program details, please refer to the InnovateMass RFP.
Application Materials
Send completed application to: innovate@masscec.com
FAQs
Additional Resources
The Massachusetts Founder Network aims give Massachusetts startup founders equitable access to resources that will help their companies grow.
Learn about Incubators and Accelerators in Massachusetts.
2023 InnovateMass Awardees
Adept Materials
Awarded $206,750 with $106,350 total cost share
Adept Materials will be demonstrating its combined primer and paint system that enhances the energy efficiency, durability, and comfort of buildings with unique climate-regulating capabilities.
Amply Energy
Awarded $250,000 with $250,000 total cost-share
Amply Energy will be demonstrating their streamlined process for evaluation, design, proposal and performance of HVAC systems with heat-pump installers.
Mantel Capture, Inc.
Awarded $250,000 with $4,990,000 total cost share
Mantel Capture, Inc. will be demonstrating its molten salt-based carbon capture technology to reduce emissions from the industry sector.
SeaDeep, Inc.
Awarded $159,500 with $80,250 total cost share
SeaDeep, Inc. will be demonstrating its AI-powered subsea vision technology for monitoring of offshore assets and ecosystems.
Additional Funding Opportunities
AmplifyMass
$300,000
Rolling
Clean Energy Internship Program for Employers
$4,320/intern for Fall or Spring session; $8,640/intern for Summer session