MassVentures, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ strategic venture capital agency, has announced the allocation of $4.5 million in non-dilutive grant funding to 26 deep tech startups through its SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) program. This initiative aims to transform cutting-edge research developed under federal SBIR and STTR contracts into viable businesses and job opportunities within the state.
???? About the START Program
Launched in 2012, the START program offers a tiered funding structure to support Massachusetts-based companies that have received SBIR or STTR Phase II awards:
- Stage I: 16 grants of $100,000 each
- Stage II: 7 grants of $200,000 each
- Stage III: 3 grants of up to $500,000 each
Beyond financial support, START provides business guidance, including introductions to potential customers, partners, and investors, as well as assistance with go-to-market strategies and pitch coaching.
???? 2025 START Awardees
Stage III ($500,000) Recipients:
- ActivSignal (Natick): Developing a multiplex-protein platform for early-stage pancreatic cancer detection.
- EnVision Endoscopy (Waltham): Creating novel endoscopic suturing platforms for gastrointestinal procedures.
Stage II ($200,000) Recipients:
- Advanced Silicon Group (Lowell): Working on silicon photodetector-based biosensors for protein detection.
- Electrified Thermal Solutions (Medford): Commercializing the Joule Hiveโข thermal battery to store renewable electricity as industrial-grade heat.
- Gel4Med (Lowell): Developing antimicrobial, self-assembling biomimetic matrices for wound healing.
- Notch (Cambridge): Designing novel antennas using radio-frequency metamaterials.
- Osmoses (Cambridge): Creating molecular filters for efficient chemical separation processes.
Stage I ($100,000) Recipients:
- BioSens8 (Cambridge): Engineering wearable devices to prevent chronic diseases.
- Bloomer Tech (Boston): Tailoring cardiovascular care for women through wearable technology.
- Emvolon (Woburn): Converting greenhouse gas emissions into carbon-negative fuels.
- Eyebot (Boston): Developing rapid vision exam technologies.
- Guardion (Burlington): Creating 2D material-based sensors for portable diagnostics.
- Ortholevo (Boston & Lynnfield): Developing joint injection therapeutics for mobility restoration.
- PhagePro, P.B.C. (Mansfield): Addressing antibiotic resistance in emerging markets.
- Theromics (West Bridgewater): Developing injectable nanogels for targeted drug delivery.
- Transcend Air Corporation (Carlisle): Demonstrating rapid-response aircraft for pilot rescue missions.
- Versatope (Lowell): Utilizing nano-vesicle technology for targeted therapeutics.
???? Program Impact
Since its inception, the START program has awarded over $41.7 million to 141 companies, which have collectively raised more than $5.1 billion in private capital and created over 3,300 jobs in Massachusetts.
START companies generate $82 million in annual revenue and employ more than 1,000 people.
????๏ธ Leadership Perspective
Charlie Hipwood, President and CEO of MassVentures, emphasized the program’s impact:
โSTART continues to deliver on its promise to the Commonwealth. The 115 companies we have selected over the past 13 years have gone on to raise more than $2.5 billion in private capital and employ more than 2,500 people.โ
???? Application Information
Applications for the next cohort of the START program will open on February 1, 2026. Massachusetts-based companies with SBIR Phase II awards are encouraged to apply to continue driving innovation and economic growth within the state.
โ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the START program?
The SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) program provides non-dilutive grant funding and business support to Massachusetts-based companies that have received SBIR or STTR Phase II awards, helping them commercialize their technologies.
Who is eligible to apply for START grants?
Massachusetts-based companies that have won an SBIR Phase II award within the past five years are eligible to apply.
What are the funding stages in the START program?
The program offers three stages of funding: Stage I ($100,000), Stage II ($200,000), and Stage III (up to $500,000).
When is the next application window?
The next application window will open on February 1, 2026.
