MassCEC / Tech 2 Market / Funding / Innovation Ecosystem
Program Overview
IEP provides grants to Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) in Massachusetts — incubators, accelerators, and innovation hubs — that deliver targeted support to early-stage climatetech entrepreneurs and accelerate their path to market. Applicants may apply for one of the following tracks:
Track 1: Programming Support
- Amount: Up to $120,000 per award.
- Purpose: Operating funds to enhance existing or develop a new startup program(s) that provides targeted support to Climatetech entrepreneurs. Funds are flexible to support staffing, programming, or facility management.
Track 2: Programming Support + Entrepreneur Fellowship Grant
- Amount: Up to $120,000 for operating support plus access to a competitive fellowship funding pool totaling up to $900,000.
- Purpose:
- Operating funds as described in Track 1; and
- Stipend funding for Entrepreneur Fellowship programs that advance the translation of research into Climatetech businesses, products, and jobs in the energy, transportation, and buildings sectors. Funds must go directly to fellows (e.g., living stipends, R&D grants) and cannot be used for ESO operating expenses.
Capital expenses are not eligible under this Program.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must be legally organized in Massachusetts—and/or demonstrate that a significant portion of their cohorts or membership base consists of Massachusetts-based Climatetech startups—have operated for at least one (1) year and provide services that support Climatetech development, commercialization, and entrepreneurship. Such services may include mentoring, training, funding, networking, and/or access to specialized facilities and resources. Eligible ESOs may include, but are not limited to:
- Accelerators
- Incubators
- Innovation Centers
- Educational Institutions
- Entrepreneur Networks and Associations
- Economic Development Organizations
Payment Terms
MassCEC will disburse funds upon completion of pre-determined milestones in accordance with the budget, payment terms, schedules, and other terms and conditions established in the Grant Agreement and Statement of Work (Attachment 4).
Track 1: Up to $120k Programming Support
Track 2: Up to $120k Programming Support + $900K Entrepreneur Fellowship Grant
Concept Paper Deadline: Tuesday January 13, 2026 by 5 PM ET
Full Application Deadline: Tuesday March 17, 2026 by 5 PM ET
Grant Schedule
The application process for IEP grants is administered in two competitive phases: a Concept Paper and a Full Application. The application process will proceed according to the following schedule. The target dates are subject to change. Therefore, Applicants are encouraged to check frequently for updates.
| Process Step | Timing |
|---|---|
RFP Release |
Wednesday November 19, 2025 |
Informational Webinar |
Thursday December 11, 2025 at 12 PM ET |
Questions Due |
Tuesday December 16, 2025 |
Questions and Answers posted to MassCEC’s Website |
Thursday December 18, 2025 |
Concept Papers Due |
Tuesday January 13, 2026 by 5 PM ET |
Invitation to Submit Full Application |
Wednesday February 11, 2026 |
Full Application Due |
Tuesday March 17, 2026 by 5 PM ET |
Notification of Awards |
Est. Mid-June 2026 |
Contracting Concludes/Projects Begin |
Est. early Summer 2026 |
Informational Webinar
An informational webinar will be held on Thursday December 11, 2025 at 12 PM ET. Please join to learn more about the program. MassCEC will post a recording of the webinar if you are unable to attend.
Submit Questions
Questions regarding the RFP and the application materials must be submitted by email to innovationecosystem@masscec.com, with the following Subject Line: “Questions – RFP IEP FY26.” All questions must be received by 5 PM ET on Tuesday December 18, 2025.
Responses to all questions received will be posted on this webpage in the FAQ by Thursday December 18, 2025.
Apply
Application Process
Read the RFP carefully and follow all requirements. Failure to comply may serve as grounds for rejection of an application.
- Review the RFP. Detailed eligibility and submission instructions are provided in Section IV and VI of the RFP respectively.
- Complete the Concept Paper Template. Fill out the pre-formatted template (Attachment 2).
- Gather Required Attachments. Combine the completed Concept Paper with the following required attachments as one PDF:
- Authorized Applicant’s Signature and Acceptance Form (Attachment 1)
- ESO’s 2024 Fiscal or Calendar Year Financial Statements
- Resumes/CVs from key personnel at the ESO
- Letters of Commitment or Support (optional)
- Submit. Email your completed application to innovationecosystem@masscec.com by Tuesday January 13, 2026 at 5 PM ET. Please include the RFP number “RFP FY2026 IEP” in the email’s subject line.
After submission, applicants will receive an email confirmation within three (3) business days. Following review of Concept Papers, MassCEC will invite selected finalists to submit a Full Application by Wednesday February 11, 2026.
Application Materials
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an Entrepreneur Support Organization (ESO)?
Eligible climatetech startups and innovators develop or apply technologies that contribute to the decarbonization of the economy, reduce and mitigate greenhouse gas emissions or mitigate the impact of climate change through adaptation, resilience, and environmental sustainability. For a complete definition, see Section I of the RFP.
While IEP will consider any project that meets MassCEC’s definition of “climatetech”, emphases will be given to ESOs whose projects that support the development of one or more of the following priority industries:
- Energy & Electricity: increasing renewable energy generation and modernizing the grid.
- Transportation: transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles, enhancing public transit, and promoting alternative fuel options.
- Manufacturing & Industry: adopting carbon reducing technologies and processes, sustainable production practices through a circular economy, and carbon capture related technologies.
- Agriculture & Water: adopting sustainable farming and forest management practices and leveraging nature-based solutions.
- Buildings: improving energy and heating efficiency, transitioning to renewable sources, and implementing sustainable construction practices/materials.
- Resilience and Adaptation: implementing climate-smart planning, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting nature-based solutions to reduce vulnerability to climate change.
3. Can my organization apply multiple times in the same funding round?
Yes, an organization may submit multiple applications; however, only one grant will be awarded per organization per funding round.
4. Can I apply to this grant for a project that has already received funding from another MassCEC program?
MassCEC will not provide funding for the same project through multiple programs. All project proposals must be distinct and must not have previously received MassCEC funding.
MassCEC / Tech 2 Market / Funding / Innovation Ecosystem