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Massachusetts SBIR Targeted Technologies Grants Open for Applications

Applications for grants totaling up to an impressive $500,000 for small businesses in Massachusetts are now open. The Boston-based venture capital firm, MassVentures, is officially accepting submissions for its SBIR Targeted Technologies Grants, a program that aims to bolster innovation and technological advancement in the state.

Grant Details

The START grants range from $100,000 to $500,000, specifically designed to support the commercialization efforts of small businesses throughout Massachusetts. These grants can be utilized for a variety of endeavors including market validation, business development, and the development of effective intellectual property strategies. This initiative, as highlighted in a press release from the state’s Executive Office of Economic Development, serves as a crucial financial lifeline for many innovative startups.

Eligibility Requirements

To qualify for these grants, businesses must have previously received either a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) Phase II award. These awards represent non-dilutive funding opportunities provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration, allowing companies to secure vital resources without giving up equity.

Grant Distribution Breakdown

MassVentures plans to award a total of 16 grants of $100,000, seven grants of $200,000, and three significant grants of $500,000. This distribution is designed to cater to companies of varying sizes and stages of development. Each grant level aims to support businesses in their unique commercialization journeys and enhance their market presence.

Submission Deadline

Applications are due by 11:59 p.m. on February 23. This deadline emphasizes the importance of timely submissions, providing eligible companies with a window of opportunity to access critical funding and expertise.

Vision and Impact

MassVentures President and CEO, Charlie Hipwood, expressed the critical nature of these grants, stating, “START grants address one of the most persistent challenges facing deep tech founders: proving commercial viability before traditional capital becomes available.” This sentiment underscores the ultimate goal of these grants: to assist Massachusetts businesses in validating their technologies, building effective teams, and achieving the necessary milestones to attract further investment. Such support is vital for retaining the commonwealth’s most promising innovations.

Additional Support Offered

In addition to financial backing, START grant recipients will benefit from business guidance across various sectors, including areas such as materials science, quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), cleantech, and biotechnology. This multifaceted approach ensures that businesses have not just the capital, but also the expertise to thrive and grow in a competitive landscape.

Past Success Stories

In 2025, two Central Massachusetts companies successfully received START grants, demonstrating the program’s impact: Eascra Biotech, a nanomedicine company based in Worcester, and Loop CO2, a bio-additives company located in Marlborough. These examples illustrate the tangible benefits such grants can provide, enabling innovative companies to harness new technologies for addressing pressing societal needs.

The Broader Economic Perspective

“Supporting entrepreneurs at the earliest stages is critical to building a strong innovation economy,” stated Eric Paley, Massachusetts Secretary of Economic Development and Chair of the MassVentures Board of Directors. He reinforced that START grants offer founders in high-impact sectors the resources essential for growth, hiring, and achieving success in Massachusetts, all while contributing solutions to some of the world’s most urgent challenges.

Impressive Funding Statistics

Since their inception in 2012, START grants have delivered an astounding $41.7 million in funding to a total of 141 companies, contributing to the creation of over 3,300 jobs within the Commonwealth.

How AI legalese decoder Can Assist

Navigating the application process for these grants can often involve complex legal language and requirements. This is where the AI legalese decoder can be an invaluable resource. It simplifies legal documents into plain language, helping small business owners and entrepreneurs understand eligibility criteria, application forms, and any contractual obligations involved in receiving a START grant. By using this tool, applicants can ensure that they fully comprehend the grant conditions and maximize their chances of success.

Conclusion

In summary, the SBIR Targeted Technologies Grants represent a significant opportunity for small businesses in Massachusetts to secure funding and support crucial to their growth. By taking advantage of this initiative, businesses can not only enhance their commercial viability but also contribute to the broader innovation ecosystem within the state.

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Mica Kanner-Mascolo is a staff writer at Worcester Business Journal, focusing primarily on the healthcare, manufacturing, and higher education sectors.

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