MassCEC Catalyst & DICES Grants

The application window will reopen Fall 2025

About

MassVentures co-manages this grant program with the MassCEC.

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.

Diversity in Cleantech Early Stage (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 and DICES Request For Proposals (RFP).

Key Dates

January 15 - Applications Open for Spring 2025 Cohort

January 28 - Optional Webinar 12-1PM

February 24 - Deadline to submit questions

February 27 - Responses to Questions Posted

March 14 - Applications Due by 11:59PM

Mid-April - Applicants Notified of Finalist Status

Week of May 19 - Finalists' Presentations

Late June - Finalists Notified of Award Status

Testimonials

What people are saying…

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, River Otter Renewables

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, River Otter Renewables

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, 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

Cofounder & CEO, Fourier

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

Cofounder & CEO, Fourier

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

Cofounder & CEO, 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

Cofounder & CEO, Loop CO2

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

Cofounder & CEO, Loop CO2

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

Cofounder & CEO, 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.

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.

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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Fuel your innovation journey! Stay connected.

Join the MassVentures newsletter to receive insights, funding opportunities, portfolio news and founder resources in your inbox monthly.

Join our mailing List

Fuel your innovation journey! Stay connected.

Join the MassVentures newsletter to receive insights, funding opportunities, portfolio news and founder resources in your inbox monthly.