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.

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🔍 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.

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🏆 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.

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📈 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.

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🗣️ 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.”

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📅 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.

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)