Catalyst
Forecasted
Catalyst supports researchers and early-stage companies developing climate technology prototypes to demonstrate feasibility, attract industry and investor interest, and advance commercialization in Massachusetts.
Funder: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Fall application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $75,000 per project for up to 12 months; no matching contribution required
Summary: Catalyst supports researchers and early-stage companies developing climate technology prototypes to demonstrate feasibility and advance commercialization in Massachusetts.
Key Information: Technologies must be at TRL 2–4; companies must meet Massachusetts presence, employee, and financing limits.
Description
Catalyst is a Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) program jointly administered with MassVentures. It funds initial prototypes that demonstrate the feasibility of research-stage climate technologies in specific market applications, helping attract industry and investor interest. Projects may gather proof-of-concept data, test technologies, or develop full-scale prototypes or versions scaled for testing and data acquisition.
The Academic Activator spotlight provides dedicated support for Principal Investigators (PIs) and academic research teams advancing technologies toward new ventures, licensable intellectual property, or other commercialization pathways. Both programs emphasize strong climate impact and commercial potential, particularly technologies that could establish new companies or strengthen existing Massachusetts companies. Finalists receive complimentary pitch coaching and strategy mentoring, while awardees gain access to partners, local market and policy insights, and mentoring from MassCEC and MassVentures.
