MassVentures Awards $4.5 Million to 26 Deep Tech Startups Through START Program
MassVentures, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ strategic venture capital agency, has announced the allocation of $4.5 million in non-dilutive grant funding to 26 deep tech startups through its SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) program. This initiative aims to transform cutting-edge research developed under federal SBIR and STTR contracts into viable businesses and job opportunities within the state.
🔍 About the START Program
Launched in 2012, the START program offers a tiered funding structure to support Massachusetts-based companies that have received SBIR or STTR Phase II awards:
- Stage I: 16 grants of $100,000 each
- Stage II: 7 grants of $200,000 each
- Stage III: 3 grants of up to $500,000 each
Beyond financial support, START provides business guidance, including introductions to potential customers, partners, and investors, as well as assistance with go-to-market strategies and pitch coaching.
🏆 2025 START Awardees
Stage III ($500,000) Recipients:
- ActivSignal (Natick): Developing a multiplex-protein platform for early-stage pancreatic cancer detection.
- EnVision Endoscopy (Waltham): Creating novel endoscopic suturing platforms for gastrointestinal procedures.
Stage II ($200,000) Recipients:
- Advanced Silicon Group (Lowell): Working on silicon photodetector-based biosensors for protein detection.
- Electrified Thermal Solutions (Medford): Commercializing the Joule Hive™ thermal battery to store renewable electricity as industrial-grade heat.
- Gel4Med (Lowell): Developing antimicrobial, self-assembling biomimetic matrices for wound healing.
- Notch (Cambridge): Designing novel antennas using radio-frequency metamaterials.
- Osmoses (Cambridge): Creating molecular filters for efficient chemical separation processes.
Stage I ($100,000) Recipients:
- BioSens8 (Cambridge): Engineering wearable devices to prevent chronic diseases.
- Bloomer Tech (Boston): Tailoring cardiovascular care for women through wearable technology.
- Emvolon (Woburn): Converting greenhouse gas emissions into carbon-negative fuels.
- Eyebot (Boston): Developing rapid vision exam technologies.
- Guardion (Burlington): Creating 2D material-based sensors for portable diagnostics.
- Ortholevo (Boston & Lynnfield): Developing joint injection therapeutics for mobility restoration.
- PhagePro, P.B.C. (Mansfield): Addressing antibiotic resistance in emerging markets.
- Theromics (West Bridgewater): Developing injectable nanogels for targeted drug delivery.
- Transcend Air Corporation (Carlisle): Demonstrating rapid-response aircraft for pilot rescue missions.
- Versatope (Lowell): Utilizing nano-vesicle technology for targeted therapeutics.
📈 Program Impact
Since its inception, the START program has awarded over $41.7 million to 141 companies, which have collectively raised more than $5.1 billion in private capital and created over 3,300 jobs in Massachusetts.
START companies generate $82 million in annual revenue and employ more than 1,000 people.
🗣️ Leadership Perspective
Charlie Hipwood, President and CEO of MassVentures, emphasized the program’s impact:
“START continues to deliver on its promise to the Commonwealth. The 115 companies we have selected over the past 13 years have gone on to raise more than $2.5 billion in private capital and employ more than 2,500 people.”
📅 Application Information
Applications for the next cohort of the START program will open on February 1, 2026. Massachusetts-based companies with SBIR Phase II awards are encouraged to apply to continue driving innovation and economic growth within the state.