The SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grants help Massachusetts-based startups convert research developed under SBIR and STTR contracts into businesses and jobs in Massachusetts.
START offers MA-based, SBIR Phase II companies grants and business guidance to help them commercialize their technologies. This year, the program will award:
An info session will be held on February 4th at 8:00am ET. Register here.
Since 2012, MassVentures' START Program has granted $37.2 million to 125 companies that have gone on to raise more than $5.1 billion and employ more than 3,200 people in the Commonwealth.
Read some of their stories below.
ActivSignal (Natick) has a multiplex-protein platform for cancer detection that is patented, high-performing, and low-cost, and with which it is developing a screen for early-stage pancreatic cancer.
Advanced Silicon Group (Lowell) is developing a novel silicon photodetector based biosensor for the improved detection and measurement of proteins.
BioSens8 (Cambridge) is engineering novel wearables to prevent chronic disease and extend healthspan.
Bloomer Tech (Boston) is tailoring cardiovascular care for women using a wearable bra and generating novel digital biomarkers.
Electrified Thermal Solutions (Medford) is commercializing the Joule Hive™ thermal battery that converts and stores intermittent renewable electricity into constant, high-temperature, industrial-grade heat.
Emvolon (Woburn) is commercializing a platform technology that converts greenhouse gas emissions into carbon-negative fuels and chemicals today.
EnVision Endoscopy (Waltham) has developed a novel endoscopic suturing platform and endosurgical instrumentation for tissue approximation and management of large gastrointestinal defects.
Eyebot (Boston) is a deep-tech company operating at the forefront of innovation in the vision care industry, developing a comprehensive suite of self-serve, rapid vision exam technologies that deliver reliable results in a matter of seconds.
Gel4Med (Lowell) has developed antimicrobial, self-assembling biomimetic matrices to promote infection-free wound closure.
Guardion (Burlington) is making novel 2D material-based sensors which enable lightweight, field-deployable analytical tools like portable mass spectrometers, revolutionizing field diagnostics and monitoring.
Notch (Cambridge) develops novel antennas using radio-frequency metamaterials.
Ortholevo (Boston & Lynnfield) is developing first-in-class joint injection therapeutics for treating stiff, contracted joints, to restore full range of motion and mobility.
Osmoses (Cambridge) designs molecular filters with exceptional size selectivity for chemical separation to unlock a low-carbon future.
PhagePro, P.B.C. (Mansfield) is an early-stage biotech startup developing solutions for antibiotic resistance in emerging markets.
Theromics (West Bridgewater) has developed an injectable nanogel that moves energy more effectively in human tissue with wide-ranging applications in cancer ablation, women’s health conditions and targeted drug delivery.
Transcend Air Corporation (Carlisle) demonstrated that their aircraft can rescue downed Air Force pilots eight times faster than the helicopters now being used.
Versatope (Lowell) uses a nano-vesicle technology for vaccines and targets therapeutics to specific cells.
Aclarity has developed a proprietary electrochemical treatment system that cost-effectively destroys contaminants in water. It is the first company to commercialize a system for destroying "forever chemicals" or PFAS, ubiquitous water pollutants that have been linked to hormone disruption, cancer and other health issues. Aclarity's innovation addresses a $30 billion+ problem, eliminating PFAS wastewater management and disposal while improving human health. The company raised a Seed Round in 2022 for field deployment with Burnt Island Ventures, DCVC, and MassVentures.
Research on women’s health has historically been underfunded, with medical studies often prioritizing men. This has led to gaps in understanding how treatments, dosages, and diseases impact women differently or exclusively. Bloomer Tech’s novel technology includes a wearable electrocardiogram device that looks and feels like a bra and a patient-facing app that collects, analyzes, and shares data for real-time personalized healthcare, management, and early detection. Non-dilutive funding has been a key part of their strategy and the START grant has been incredibly helpful for advancing their regulatory strategy and partnerships.
A spinout from MIT, Emvolon is commercializing a platform technology that converts greenhouse gas emissions into valuable green chemicals and fuels like methanol and ammonia. Industries such as maritime, aviation, energy, waste management, and agriculture power the global economy and Emvolon is helping them power it without emissions. Leveraging their patented technology, Emvolon transforms car engines into cost-effective, modular and scalable chemical plants. The company is pushing the boundaries of clean energy innovation and accelerating the transition to a carbon-negative future. With the help of the START grant, Emvolon was able to reach technical and business milestones critical to commercialization.
EnVision Endoscopy is developing novel devices for gastrointestinal endoscopic surgery to improve patients’ lives and healthcare delivery with less invasive endoluminal endoscopic procedures. Currently, no good solutions exist for tissue approximation and closure of large gastrointestinal defects endoscopically. Endoscopic clips are only effective for mucosa closure and small size defects and the endoscopic suturing devices on the market are very cumbersome, difficult to use, and high cost often precludes usage. To solve this problem, EnVision is developing a simple and low cost Suturing System [SimpleStitch (TM)] for tissue approximation and endoluminal management of gastrointestinal defects. Their novel suturing device is single use, disposable and works with every endoscope. EnVision just received FDA approval for its first device [SimpleSnip (TM) Suture Cutter], a device to cut sutures during endoscopy procedures. EnVision is a START Stage III winner on track to revolutionize endoscopic surgery.
Eyebot’s mission is to make vision care accessible to everyone, equally. Eyebot uses advanced AI-driven algorithms and touch-free imaging technology to conduct 90-second vision tests, enabling tele-doctors to write accurate and well-tolerated eyeglass prescriptions remotely. The AI analyzes the collected test data from refraction, visual acuity, lensometry, and intake to suggest a well-tolerated Rx to the tele-doctor who will then make adjustments to the Rx or directly approve the Eyebot-generated Rx. The START grant has been instrumental in helping to advance their mission as it allowed them to hire an Engineering Technician and bring assembly of their vision testing kiosks in-house.
This startup is changing the world by rethinking metals production. Each year the mining industry discards over 200 billion tons of waste (tailings), producing more than 7% of the world’s carbon emissions. Phoenix Tailings is on a mission to be the world’s first clean mining and metals production company. The company is changing how these metals are produced by extracting valuable metals and rare earth elements from mining waste. Their process uses clean energy sources and produces zero waste, creating a cleaner supply chain.
Tumor ablation is a minimally invasive procedure that involves inserting an energy-emitting probe into tissue to destroy surrounding cells. While effective for many cancers, it has limitations, such as tumor targeting challenges and a recurrence rate of up to 30%. Theromics has developed HeatSYNC™, a biocompatible injectable nanopolymer that enhances ablation. Administered under imaging guidance before the procedure, HeatSYNC acts as a 'virtual' probe, radiating energy to create complete, spherical ablation zones. It dissolves within 30 days, improving outcomes by ensuring complete ablation, reducing the need for additional probes, and decreasing costs. Theromics has made significant advancements, and ongoing research is examining their gel's dielectric properties for a 2025 FDA submission. Additionally, they have filed new patents using their START Grant proceeds, allowing them to focus capital on further research and development.
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.
