MA MassTech

Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) is the state's leading economic development agency focused on strengthening the Commonwealth's technology and innovation economy. Established as a quasi-public entity, MassTech operates multiple divisions including the Innovation Institute, Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM), Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI), MassCyberCenter, Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI), and the Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC).

MassTech administers numerous grant programs supporting R&D, manufacturing, cybersecurity, digital health, broadband infrastructure, and ecosystem development. The organization provides non-dilutive funding ranging from $25K to several million dollars for capital projects, equipment, research collaborations, and innovation initiatives. Grants often require matching funds and are structured to support job creation, technology commercialization, and economic growth across Massachusetts.

For ZHC builders based in Massachusetts or willing to establish operations there, MassTech offers accessible non-dilutive funding with strong state support, industry connections, and ecosystem resources. The rolling application model for many programs allows flexible timing, and the variety of programs means most tech-focused startups can find an appropriate funding opportunity.

Primary Grant Programs

1. Collaborative Research Matching Grant Program

• Supports R&D partnerships between MA research institutions and technology firms
• Invests in critical infrastructure for collaborative research
• Rolling submissions accepted
• Typical awards: $50K-$500K (matching required)

2. Technology & Innovation Ecosystem Awards Program

• Capital projects supporting technology/innovation ecosystem
• Must demonstrably contribute to MA tech sector growth
• Supports new programs, initiatives, facilities
• Rolling submissions with concept paper pre-submission
• Awards vary by project scope

3. Massachusetts Manufacturing Accelerator Program (MMAP)

• Capital matching grants for advanced manufacturing
• Equipment, infrastructure, and process improvements
• Typical awards: $50K-$300K (1:1 match required)
• Annual/batch application cycles

4. Manufacturing Cybersecurity Program (MCP)

• Cybersecurity infrastructure for manufacturers
• Technology upgrades and security improvements
• Grants up to $50K
• Rolling applications

5. Cyber Resilient Massachusetts

• Managed Detection & Response (MDR) projects: Rolling
• Technology Upgrade projects: Quarterly deadlines
• Supports cybersecurity resilience for MA organizations

6. Digital Health Sandbox Program

• Testing environment for digital health innovations
• Access to healthcare data and testing infrastructure
• Rolling submissions accepted
• Focus on health equity and innovation

7. Regional Priority Grant Program

• Supports regional innovation priorities
• Infrastructure and ecosystem development
• Rolling submissions
• Regional collaboration required

8. CHIPS Capital Grant Program

• Supports semiconductor/microelectronics sector
• State grants to support federal CHIPS Act applications
• Significant awards for qualified projects

9. SCALE Capital: Lab-to-Fab Program

• Microelectronics commercialization support
• Concept papers and full proposals
• NEMC division program

10. Regional Robotics Ecosystem Grant Program

• Robotics industry development
• Regional ecosystem building
• Rolling submissions

General Eligibility Requirements

Geographic:

• Must have operations in Massachusetts OR commit to establishing presence
• Some programs require MA headquarters or significant MA presence
• Job creation commitments often required

Entity Types:

• For-profit technology companies
• Research institutions and universities
• Non-profit organizations (program-dependent)
• Manufacturing firms
• Industry consortia and collaboratives

Stage:

• Varies by program
• Generally supports established entities with traction
• Some programs accept early-stage with strong partnerships

Matching Requirements:

• Most programs require 1:1 or greater match
• Cash match typically required (in-kind may be acceptable for some)
• Match sources must be documented

ZHC-Specific Fit

✅ Excellent for:

• Massachusetts-based startups and scaleups
• Companies willing to create MA jobs
• Technology firms needing capital equipment
• R&D partnerships with MA universities
• Manufacturing and hardware companies
• Cybersecurity and digital health innovations
• Semiconductor/microelectronics ventures
• Robotics and advanced manufacturing
• Companies seeking non-dilutive capital
• Ventures with ecosystem impact potential

❌ Poor fit if:

• No Massachusetts presence or commitment
• Unable to provide matching funds
• Pure software without infrastructure needs
• Not technology/innovation focused
• Cannot demonstrate job creation potential
• Seeking operating capital without capital expenditures

Application Process (General Framework)

Step	Timeline	Details
Program identification	-	Review active grant opportunities
Pre-application contact	Recommended	Contact program lead to discuss fit
Concept paper	Some programs	Brief project overview (2-5 pages)
Concept feedback	2-4 weeks	MassTech provides preliminary guidance
Full application	Program-specific	Detailed proposal with budget
Review process	4-12 weeks	Technical and business evaluation
Due diligence	2-6 weeks	Site visits, reference checks
Award decision	2-4 weeks	Board or committee approval
Contract negotiation	2-4 weeks	Grant agreement finalization
Project execution	12-24 months typical	Milestone-based disbursements
Reporting	Ongoing	Quarterly/annual progress reports

Application Requirements (Typical)

Required Documents:

• Project narrative and objectives
• Detailed budget and budget justification
• Matching funds documentation
• Timeline and milestones
• Job creation projections
• Company financials (varies by program)
• Letters of support from partners
• Business plan or strategic plan
• Economic impact analysis
• Technical specifications (for equipment grants)

Key Evaluation Criteria:

• Economic impact (jobs, investment, growth)
• Technical merit and innovation
• Project feasibility and timeline
• Team qualifications and track record
• Matching funds commitment
• Regional/sector ecosystem impact
• Alignment with state priorities
• Sustainability and scalability

Rolling vs. Batch Applications

Rolling Programs (submit anytime):

• Collaborative Research Matching Grant
• Technology & Innovation Ecosystem Awards
• Regional Priority Grant Program
• Digital Health Sandbox
• Cyber Resilient Massachusetts
• Regional Robotics Ecosystem

Batch Programs (specific deadlines):

• MMAP (annual or bi-annual cycles)
• CHIPS programs (tied to federal deadlines)
• SCALE Capital (concept then full proposal)
• Manufacturing Cybersecurity (annual)

Funding Characteristics

Grant Sizes:

• Small projects: $25K-$100K
• Medium projects: $100K-$500K
• Large projects: $500K-$2M+
• Varies significantly by program

Match Requirements:

• Typically 1:1 (dollar-for-dollar)
• Some programs require greater match
• Cash match preferred
• In-kind contributions case-by-case

Disbursement:

• Reimbursement basis (most programs)
• Milestone-based payments
• Requires upfront capital access
• Final payment upon completion

Compliance:

• Subject to MA Public Records Law
• Regular reporting requirements
• Site visits and audits possible
• Job creation tracking mandatory
• Clawback provisions for non-performance

Tips for Success

1. Pre-application consultation strongly recommended
2. Demonstrate clear MA economic impact
3. Secure matching funds before applying
4. Build partnerships with MA institutions
5. Align project with state priority sectors
6. Provide detailed, realistic budgets and timelines
7. Show sustainability beyond grant period
8. Highlight job creation and workforce development

• Main website: https://masstech.org/
• Grant opportunities: https://masstech.org/procurements-and-grants
• General inquiries: proposals@masstech.org
• Phone: Main office contact via website
• Address: 75 North Drive, Westborough, MA 01581

Division-Specific Contacts

Innovation Institute:

• Pat Larkin (T&I Ecosystem Awards): proposals@masstech.org
• James Byrnes (Collaborative Research, Regional Priority): byrnes@masstech.org
• Peter Haas (Robotics): proposals@masstech.org

Center for Advanced Manufacturing (CAM):

• Austin Vella (MMAP): proposals@masstech.org
• Rich Cook (Manufacturing Cybersecurity): proposals@masstech.org

Massachusetts eHealth Institute (MeHI):

• Katherine Green (Digital Health Sandbox): green@masstech.org
• Ben Stevens (Health Equity): proposals@masstech.org

MassCyberCenter:

• Maxwell Fathy (Cyber Resilient MA): proposals@masstech.org

Northeast Microelectronics Coalition (NEMC):

• Ben Linville-Engler (CHIPS programs): proposals@masstech.org
• Marcelle Durrenberger (SCALE Capital): proposals@masstech.org

Massachusetts Broadband Institute (MBI):

• broadband@masstech.org
• Jessica Boulanger (Infrastructure programs): proposals@masstech.org

Additional Resources

• Division websites:

  • Innovation Institute: https://innovation.masstech.org/
  • CAM: https://cam.masstech.org/
  • MeHI: https://mehi.masstech.org/
  • MassCyberCenter: https://masscybercenter.org/
  • MBI: https://broadband.masstech.org/
  • NEMC: https://nemc.masstech.org/

• Newsletter signup: Available on main website

• Standard grant templates: Available on procurement page

• Past awardees: Search by program on website