The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center has launched a new Ocean Innovation Network Program (“Program”) that will provide competitive funding for assets and initiatives that will strengthen the route to commercialization for start-ups and early stage companies working in marine science and technology and promote and connect organizations and entities to further grow existing clusters of businesses, suppliers, and associated institutions fostering mutual growth, innovation, and competitiveness through collaboration.
Donor Name: Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC)
State: Massachusetts
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant | Reimbursement
Deadline: 06/30/2025
Size of the Grant: More than $1 million
Grant Duration: 2 Years
Details:
MassCEC’s mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climate solution innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader while growing the state’s clean energy economy. MassCEC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where everyone is welcomed, supported, respected, and valued. They are committed to incorporating principles of diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice in all aspects of the work in order to promote the equitable distribution of the health and economic benefits of clean energy and support a diverse and inclusive clean energy industry. MassCEC strives to lead and innovate in equitable clean energy and climate solutions.
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center seeks to accelerate the growth of Massachusetts’ ocean technology innovation ecosystem through targeted investments that leverage existing assets, programs, partnerships, and concentrations of maritime industry and infrastructure, and further establish marine science and technology clusters to advance the Commonwealth as a leader in ocean technology innovation. MassCEC will disburse funds on a reimbursement basis.
Types of Program
Through this Request for Proposals, MassCEC is seeking applicants to MassCEC’s Ocean Innovation Network Program for funding through grants and service agreements in two complimentary program tracks:
- Track 1: Development and Operation of OceanTech Testing Facilities and Sites
- In this track, MassCEC seeks to advance the development of ocean testing and product validation sites, covering a range of archetypes from dockside test sites to open-ocean test beds. Cost-shared funding will be made available for:
- Design, engineering, permitting, construction, deployment, and commissioning costs to create, improve, or expand access to facilities that enable testing and validation of ocean technology in representative ocean environments;
- Initial phase of operations and maintenance (18-24 months) for the funded sites/facilities.
- In this track, MassCEC seeks to advance the development of ocean testing and product validation sites, covering a range of archetypes from dockside test sites to open-ocean test beds. Cost-shared funding will be made available for:
- Track 2: Ocean Innovation Network Support
- In this track, MassCEC seeks to support and grow the ocean technology innovation ecosystem and smooth the path to commercialization. Cost-shared funding will be made available for:
- Track 2A: Capital and Operational Funds for Entrepreneur Support Organizations
- Improving and enhancing existing co-work, office and maker spaces for start-up and early-stage companies;
- Providing business coaching and supply-chain networking;
- Supporting industry engagement and initiatives through events, workshops, roundtables, and working groups;
- Coordinating access and vessel transportation, technical support, and deployment logistics to test sites/facilities;
- Conducting marketing, outreach, and promotional activities to support startup engagement and industry visibility;
- Track 2B: Startup Scholarships
- Scholarships that reimburse startup companies for expenses related to commercialization and in-water testing, including access and use of test sites.
Funding Information
Total Funding Available: $7,650,000:
- Track 1: Development and Operation of OceanTech Testing Facilities and Sites
- Up to Five Million Dollars ($5,000,000) for the development, improvement, or expanded access to ocean test sites/facilities, individual awards will be capped at Three Million Dollars ($3,000,000)
- Up to Two Hundred and Fifty Thousand Dollars ($250,000) for 18-24 months of ocean test facilities/sites operation and maintenance
- Track 2A: Capital and Operational Funds for Entrepreneur Support Organizations
- Up to Two Million Dollars ($2,000,000) for improvements and build-out of existing assets and operations, programs, and activities that will support and grow the ocean technology innovation ecosystem
- Track 2B: Startup Scholarships
- Up to Four Hundred Thousand Dollars ($400,000) for Startup Scholarships for eligible expenses.
Eligibility Criteria
Eligible applicants include nonprofits, universities, research institutions, and other organizations with the capacity to develop and operate ocean test sites and/or provide OceanTech entrepreneur support services. Applicants must demonstrate experience in ocean technology development, infrastructure management, business support services and/or, strategic partnerships and networking. Federal and state entities are ineligible to apply for this solicitation. Private OceanTech companies working to commercialize ocean technology themselves are not eligible to apply for this solicitation, but may be eligible for funding via Track 2B: Startup Scholarships, as administered by grantee service providers. All Applicants must meet the following criteria:
- Applicants must be based in and registered to do business in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
- Applicants should have experienced management team and leadership (Board of Directors) and a sustainable organizational model and/or strategic plan.
- Applicants must be established organizations with multiple sources of funding and at least three (3) years of operations.
For more information, visit MassCEC.
