MassCEC Awards $1.4 Million to Strengthen Massachusetts’ Climatetech Sector
BOSTON — Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) announced $1.4 million in funding for 12 organizations through its Innovation Ecosystem Program, which provides critical funding to support Massachusetts’ growing network of climatetech entrepreneur support organizations (ESOs). These grants will empower ESOs to expand services, strengthen infrastructure, and increase support for early-stage climatetech startups.
“The world looks to Massachusetts for innovative solutions to our planet’s toughest challenges,” Gov. Maura Healey said. “That’s because we value the groundbreaking work and the significant economic impact of entrepreneurs and researchers. We’re going to continue to invest in the innovators and companies who are leading new discoveries in climatetech.”
Since 2016, MassCEC has awarded more than $6 million to 22 ESOs through this program, indirectly supporting more than 1,300 climatetech startups. The Innovation Ecosystem Program enables a wide range of ESO activities, including operations and management expenses, facility and infrastructure build-out, equipment purchases, and networking and workshop events.
“Massachusetts is home to a thriving climatetech startup ecosystem, thanks in part to a robust network of accelerators, incubators, and innovation hubs that help early-stage companies navigate commercialization and scale their impact,” said Emily Reichert, CEO of MassCEC. “Through the Innovation Ecosystem Program, we’re investing in the organizations that provide critical infrastructure and mentorship to growing businesses, ensuring that homegrown innovation translates into real-world climate solutions.”
This year’s awardees are: Activate Boston, Boston, $175,000; ACT’s Cleantech Open Northeast Program, Somerville, $120,000; Berkshire Innovation Center, Pittsfield, $139,800; the Engine, Cambridge, $50,000; FORGE, Somerville, $120,000; Greentown Labs, Somerville, $175,000; Harvard Innovation Labs, Cambridge, $50,000; InnoVenture Labs, Beverly, $120,000; Lever Inc., North Adams, $100,100; MassChallenge, Boston, $75,000; SeaAhead, Cambridge, $175,000; and UMass Lowell’s Innovation Hub, Lowell, $100,100.