The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (“MassCEC”) is issuing this Request for Proposals (the “RFP”) in order to seeks applications from Climatetech Growth-Stage startups who are interested in conducting a commercial deployment project with a Project Partner through the CriticalMass Program.
Donor Name: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center
State: Massachusetts
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 02/12/2026
Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
CriticalMass, MassCEC’s latest growth-stage Tech-to-Market program provides up to $1,000,000 in grant funding, specialized services, and partner matchmaking to startup applicants with strong track records of early-stage commercialization and successful demonstration projects.
CriticalMass funding may be used to support both the scaling and deployment of any technology that meets MassCEC’s definition of Climatetech. Particular emphasis will be placed on identifying projects in one or more of the following areas:
- Energy & Electricity – increasing renewable energy generation and modernizing the grid
- Transportation – transitioning to zero-emissions vehicles, enhancing public transit, and promoting alternative fuel options
- Manufacturing & Industry – Adopting carbon reducing technologies and processes, sustainable production practices through a circular economy, and carbon capture related technologies
- Agriculture & Water – adopting sustainable farming and forest management practices and leveraging nature-based solutions
- Buildings – improving energy and heating efficiency, transitioning to renewable sources, and implementing sustainable construction practices/materials
- Resilience and Adaptation – implementing climate-smart planning, strengthening infrastructure, and promoting nature-based solutions to reduce vulnerability to climate change
Eligibility Criteria
Startup companies interested in deploying their TRL 8+ climatetech Innovations in Massachusetts are invited to apply to CriticalMass.
The Lead Applicant
- Lead Applicants who will be the best fit will be those who have raised at least $4M but no more than $25M and have between 10-50 employees. Applicants that do not fit into those exact guidelines are still welcome to apply and will be considered if all other eligibility is met, however will be competing against Applicants that might be within this best fit guideline.
- Lead Applicants will contract directly with MassCEC, receive the grant funds (if awarded), and be responsible for completing deliverables under the grant agreement.
- Lead Applicants are expected to form teams comprised of at least two (2) entities (the “Applicant Team”) who will work together on the project
Applicant Teams
- Applicant Teams must include one (1) or more Project Partners who will provide a host site or sites for the proposed project.
- Project Partners should be potential clients, customers or organizations who are able to provide a site for the deployment project and are the intended customer/commercialization partner for the technology.
- Project Partners will not receive CriticalMass funds directly, and the funding will be provided solely to the Lead Applicant.
- Applicant Teams may also include additional technology providers; service providers or subcontractors; and other team members who are able to provide necessary funding and/or expertise.
Cost share
- Lead Applicants must be able to provide a cost share amount of at least 25% of the grant.
Technology Readiness Level (TRL)
- The Climatetech must be at a TRL 8+6 at time of application.
- If the Climatetech is a combination of different technologies, each component must be at least TRL 8+.
- Eligible applicants must have already completed at least one, if not multiple, successful prior pilot projects. Applicants will be expected to discuss the results of these prior pilots in the application form. This program is not intended for early pilots; it is intended for commercial scale-up activities.
For more information, visit MassCEC.
