MassVentures START (SBIR TARgeted Technologies) Program Round 1 Grants

Below is a brief summary. Please check the full solicitation before applying (link in resources section).

Executive Summary:

MassVentures’ START program provides non-dilutive grants to help Massachusetts companies that have already won a federal Phase II SBIR or STTR award (or equivalent) move toward commercialization. The program’s stated goals include commercialization, job growth, manufacturing expansion, and statewide innovation.

Who should apply?

1. You are a Massachusetts company that conducts R&D, manufacturing, and commercialization primarily in MA, and is committed to continuing to do so.

2. You have received a federal Phase II SBIR or STTR award (or equivalent).

3. You expect to spend START funds primarily in Massachusetts.

Timing note: There is no strict requirement on when your qualifying Phase II was received. If it was more than five years ago, you’re expected to explain why it’s still commercially relevant today.

Funding snapshot:

16 winners will receive $100k in Round 1 in 2026 (paid in two installments). Round 1 winners will be eligible to compete for 7 Round 2 awards in 2027 for $200k. Round 3 is finally for $500k for 3 awardees.

Key dates:

• Application deadline: Monday, February 23, 2026 — 11:59 PM ET

• Top 16 selected - March 23, 2026

• Winners Notified - April 30th, 2026

• Winner’s breakfast - May/June

What you must submit:

1. 2026 Application Cover Sheet (contact information)

2. 1000-word summary covering: the technology, its commercial potential, and the team

3. 3-minute video

4. Cover page of your SBIR Phase II award contract (proof of award)

How applications are evaluated:

This RFP references learning “what makes a successful application” and “what judges look for” during the info session, but it does not list formal scoring criteria in the text provided.
What is explicitly required in the application suggests emphasis on:

• Clear explanation of the technology

• Credible commercial potential

• Strength of the team

Practical guidance for CEOs

1. Treat the 1000-word summary as your “investment memo”: what it is, why it wins, how it becomes a business.

2. Use the 3-minute video to make the story memorable and concrete: problem → solution → proof → market → plan.

3. If your Phase II is older than 5 years, be direct about why it still matters commercially now.

How can BW&CO help?

BW&CO helps founders and CEOs decide quickly whether this opportunity is worth pursuing and how to win it. We translate the START RFP into plain-English strategy, pressure-test fit and competitiveness, shape a clear commercialization narrative for the 1,000-word summary and 3-minute video, and manage the application end-to-end so your team stays focused on building the business. Our goal is to reduce time burden, avoid preventable mistakes, and submit a credible, CEO-ready application aligned with what MassVentures is explicitly asking for.

How much would BW&CO Charge?

With a flat rate of $2500, you’d work with our grant writing team to put the application together and submit before the February 23rd deadline.

Additional Resources

Review the solicitation here.