MV Capital supports the innovation economy and the economic growth initiatives of the Commonwealth by converting research and early-stage innovations into viable business and jobs. We seek to identify ideas at the very earliest prototype stage and provide much needed coaching, mentoring and funding to help convert those ideas into thriving companies to solve today’s biggest challenges for tomorrow’s generation.
About: Our venture fund invests in academic spinouts and early-stage deep tech companies with an emphasis on diverse founding teams.
Who's Eligible: Principal Investigators interested in spinning out and seed stage companies based in Massachusetts who are focused on making substantial innovations in science and engineering and advancing the Commonwealth’s innovation economy. The deep tech sector includes, but is not limited to, advanced manufacturing, advanced materials, artificial intelligence, robotics, photonics, electronics, quantum computing, cleantech, medical devices, biotechnology, IoT, health security, and cyber security.
Timing: Applications are reviewed on an ongoing basis.
About: MassVentures offers grants and guidance to startups wanting to convert their research into businesses and commercialize their technologies. 17 grants were awarded in 2024, ranging from $100,000-$500,000.
Who's Eligible: SBIR Phase II companies based in Massachusetts.
Timing: Applications open February 2025.
About: MassVentures co-manages the Catalyst and DICES grant programs with MassCEC to provide mentoring, networking and grants to researchers and early-stage companies looking to demonstrate initial prototypes of their clean energy technologies. We run two cohorts per year and award 10 grants per cohort. Each award is $75,000.
Who's Eligible: Principal investigators at all Massachusetts-based research institutions or Massachusetts-based early-stage clean energy companies. Technologies must be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2-4, according to the TRL Calculator developed by the New York State Energy Research & Development Authority. For DICES, applicants must also verify that they are eligible as a woman- or minority-owned startup.
Timing: We run two cohorts per year. Applications open in August and February.
About: MassVentures awards grants annually to principal investigators who seek to demonstrate the viability of their technology. Each award is $36,000.
Who's Eligible: Principal investigators at research institutions (universities and medical centers) based in Massachusetts who have disclosed the technology to their institution.
Timing: Applications open in September.
About: MassVentures awards grants to Massachusetts institutions of higher education or their nonprofit affiliates who provide part-time employment to entrepreneurs who commit to apply for H-1B visas and build their startups in the Commonwealth. Up to 19 awards of $10,000 each will be granted.
Who's Eligible: Massachusetts-based institutions of higher education or their nonprofit affiliates.
Timing: Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted.
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