Catalyst
Forecasted
Catalyst supports Massachusetts researchers and early-stage companies with climate technology prototype development, testing, and feasibility demonstrations to advance commercially viable products.
Funder: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: $75,000 per project for up to 12 months; no matching contribution required
Summary: Catalyst supports Massachusetts researchers and early-stage companies developing climate technology prototypes toward commercialization.
Key Information: Technologies must be at TRL 2–4; company applicants face employee and five-year financing/revenue limits.
Description
Catalyst is jointly administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and MassVentures to help Massachusetts climate technologies move beyond research into commercially viable products. It funds initial prototype development, testing, and feasibility demonstrations intended to attract industry and investor interest. Projects may gather proof-of-concept data, assess competitive advantages, or develop hardware, software, or combined prototypes. Full-scale prototypes and scaled testing are both acceptable.
The Academic Activator spotlight provides dedicated support for Principal Investigators 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 can establish new companies or improve Massachusetts companies’ market competitiveness. Finalists receive pitch coaching and strategy mentoring; awardees also receive partner-network access, local market and policy insights, and mentoring.
