The application window is currently closed and will reopen in January.
MassCEC Catalyst & Diversity in Cleantech Early Stage (DICES) Program
MassVentures co-manages this grant program with theMassCEC.
Catalyst provides up to seven (7) grants of up to $75,000 to researchers and early-stage companies looking to demonstrate initial prototypes of their clean energy technologies.
DICES, in parallel with Catalyst, awards three (3) additional grants of up to $75,000 each for projects led by eligible (certified or certifiable) women-owned or minority-owned early-stage companies.
The program is designed to demonstrate the feasibility of transforming new ideas from the research stage into commercially viable technologies that attract industry and investor interest. All awardees gain access to a vast network of partners, expert local market and policy insights, and mentoring from MassCEC and MassVentures, while all finalists receive complimentary pitch coaching and business mentoring.
Who's Eligible?
Catalyst and DICES are for technologies that are at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2-4, according to the TRL Calculator developed by the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority.
Eligible applicants include principal investigators at all Massachusetts-based research institutions or Massachusetts-based early-stage clean energy companies.
For DICES, applicants must also verify that they are eligible as a woman- or minority-owned startup. More information about this process can be found in Section V of the Catalyst Request For Proposals (RFP).
Key Dates:
August 19 - Applications Open for Fall 2024 Cohort
September 4 - Optional Webinar
September 16 - Deadline to Submit Questions
September 19 - MassCEC to Post Responses to Questions
September 30 - Applications Due by 11:59PM
Early November - Applicants Notified of Finalist Status
Week of December 9 - Finalists' Presentations
Late January 2025 - Finalists Notified of Award Status
We are profoundly grateful to MassVentures and their exceptional leadership team for their support. The funding provided through the MassCEC’s Catalyst and DICES programs is instrumental in advancing the scale-up prototyping of our cutting-edge technology, enabling us to bring our vision to fruition.
Amelia Thomas
CEO of River Otter Renewables
MassCEC Catalyst and DICES is an amazing opportunity and program! This funding opportunity launched Fourier LLC to the next level of commercial development.
Jason Hoffman-Bice
Co-Founder and CEO of Fourier
We really appreciate the support from MassVentures and MassCEC in our development. Not only has the DICES program been beneficial, but the MassVentures team also helped us engage with different programs like MassChallenge, which is very helpful for connecting with various startups to form a supportive group. We are deeply grateful for the support from both organizations. Priya and Vinit's insights have been invaluable. We cannot express our gratitude enough. Thank you all for offering these amazing programs.
Aone Wang
Co-Founder and CEO of Loop CO2
Team Massachusetts is excited to connect you with the latest and most relevant resources available for businesses. We’re here to support you every step of the way as your company grows. Through the Business Front Door, we can make your business journey in Massachusetts a successful one. Learn more at www.mass.gov/business-front-door.
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