The Catalyst Program provides grants to researchers and early-stage companies looking to demonstrate initial prototypes of their climate technologies.
Donor Name: Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC)
State: Massachusetts
County: All Counties
Type of Grant: Grant
Deadline: 09/30/2025
Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000
Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned
Details:
Catalyst is jointly administered by MassCEC and MassVentures with a goal of stimulating the commercialization of climate technologies developed in the Commonwealth. Specifically, the program is designed to demonstrate the feasibility of transforming new ideas from the research stage to commercially viable technologies to increase industry and investor interest. All awardees gain access to a vast network of partners, expert local market and policy insights, and mentoring from MassCEC and MassVentures, while all finalists receive complimentary pitch coaching and business mentoring.
While Catalyst or DICES funding may be used to support prototype development of any technology or proposed business model that meets MassCEC’s definition of Climatetech particular emphasis will be placed on identifying projects in one or more 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.
Funding Information
The Catalyst Program provides grants of up to $75,000 to researchers and early-stage companies looking to demonstrate initial prototypes of their climate technologies.
Eligibility Criteria
- An eligible applicant must be one of the following:
- A Principal Investigator (“PI”) at a Massachusetts-based research institution;
- A Massachusetts-based early-stage Climatetech company that (i) has not received in excess of Two Million Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($2,500,000) in combined debt or equity financing, grant funding, and revenues over the past five (5) years, and (ii) has four (4) or fewer full-time equivalent employees; or
- A student (or group of students) led by a faculty member or researcher who will act as the PI and will be responsible for managing the grant and reporting requirements.
- Applicants may not submit Program Applications for the same idea or concept more than three (3) times, unless there has been a substantial change in the technology or market which advances the case for an award. MassCEC strongly encourages an applicant who is re-applying to either Program to highlight how the applicant has taken prior MassCEC and/or judge feedback into account in such applicant’s new proposals.
For more information, visit MassCEC.
