Grants for Small Businesses

This funding opportunity supports small businesses in developing innovative informatics tools that enhance the use and accessibility of the human pangenome reference for genomic research and clinical applications.

This funding opportunity supports research teams from various sectors to explore how sex differences influence the biological factors related to Alzheimer’s disease and its treatment, aiming to enhance understanding and improve precision medicine approaches.

This funding opportunity supports innovative early-stage bioengineering research projects aimed at improving cancer research, care delivery, and healthcare accessibility, encouraging collaboration between biomedical researchers and engineers.

InnovateMass is a grant initiative administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) that seeks to bridge the funding gap known as the “commercialization valley of death”—the critical stage between early angel investment and later-stage venture capital. The program is designed to accelerate the commercialization of clean energy technologies by supporting projects with strong potential for market deployment and climate impact. It offers both financial support and technical assistance to climatetech startups operating within Massachusetts. The program awards up to $350,000 per project to applicant teams that include a Lead Applicant and one or more Demonstration Project Partners. The focus is on technologies or combinations of technologies that address key energy challenges in the state while advancing Massachusetts' clean energy leadership. Applicants must propose solutions that align with one of four core focus areas defined in the full Request for Proposals (RFP). An optional "Gridtech Spotlight" opportunity is available for projects that partner with a Massachusetts electric utility for grid technology demonstrations. This specific track has additional requirements, including submission of a concept paper. InnovateMass is structured around a trimester-based application schedule. For the current cycle, the final application deadline is March 9, 2026. However, applicants pursuing the Gridtech Spotlight opportunity must submit their concept papers to utility project partners by January 12, 2026. Notifications for finalists will occur in mid-April 2026, followed by pitch coaching through late May. Final pitches are expected during the week of May 25, 2026, with awards announced in early July. Funded projects are scheduled to begin by September 2026. Eligible applicants include climatetech startup companies that form Applicant Teams with relevant project partners. Applicants may submit up to two different projects per cycle, and prior awardees may reapply with distinctly new technologies. A Public Benefit Site designation—applying to public facilities, affordable housing, or underserved geographic areas—may reduce the required cost share to 25%. Projects must be located in Massachusetts, and companies must meet a combination of operational presence requirements to qualify as Massachusetts-based. The two-part application process involves submitting a written application followed by an invitation-only pitch presentation to a panel of judges. Gridtech Spotlight participants follow a three-step process, beginning with a concept paper. All full applications must be submitted via a new application portal launching in January 2026. A sample application is provided in the RFP for reference but should not be submitted. Visual elements are permitted within application materials, and evaluation criteria include climate impact potential, project feasibility, and commercialization readiness. For questions, applicants may contact MassCEC at innovate@masscec.com or consult the Business Front Door resource for guidance on additional state support services. Full details, including technical assistance roles, project partner requirements, and Total Addressable Carbon analysis expectations, are available in the InnovateMass RFP.

This funding opportunity supports researchers conducting time-sensitive studies that enhance ongoing clinical projects related to arthritis, musculoskeletal, and skin diseases, aiming to improve understanding and treatment of these conditions.

This funding opportunity supports the establishment of research centers that focus on translating diabetes prevention and treatment innovations into real-world practices, particularly for underserved populations facing health disparities.

This grant provides funding for innovative researchers to develop new technologies that can precisely record and manipulate neural activity in the nervous system, with a focus on enhancing inclusivity and collaboration across diverse fields.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to early-career researchers who have received specific NIAMS awards, enabling them to conduct small-scale studies and gather data to advance their research and secure future funding.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to U.S. institutions focused on improving minority health and reducing health disparities by enhancing research capacity, fostering investigator development, and promoting community engagement.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for short-term clinical trials aimed at improving treatments for arthritis, musculoskeletal, and skin diseases, targeting researchers and institutions focused on innovative healthcare solutions.

This funding opportunity supports researchers at U.S. institutions in conducting clinical trials focused on improving treatments for arthritis, musculoskeletal, and skin diseases.

This funding opportunity supports innovative, time-sensitive research projects that enhance ongoing clinical studies related to arthritis, musculoskeletal, and skin diseases by leveraging existing patient data and samples.

This funding opportunity supports researchers conducting observational studies to improve understanding and treatment of musculoskeletal, rheumatic, and skin diseases, ultimately informing future clinical trials.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for U.S.-based organizations to conduct research aimed at improving workplace safety and health by identifying hazards and developing effective prevention strategies.

This funding opportunity supports organizations that partner with startups to advance and scale innovative clean energy technologies in Massachusetts, helping them navigate challenges to achieve commercial success.

This funding opportunity supports the development of innovative computational tools to enhance the use of the human pangenome in genomic research, particularly for applications in cancer, aging, and diverse populations.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for researchers and organizations to conduct preclinical studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of potential treatments for rare diseases, ultimately aiming to advance these therapies toward clinical trials.

This funding opportunity supports research projects that aim to improve treatment for drug, alcohol, and tobacco use disorders, particularly focusing on innovative service delivery models and strategies to enhance access and effectiveness for underserved populations.

This funding opportunity supports research projects that develop and test non-drug interventions to improve sleep health and reduce sleep-related health disparities among underserved populations in the U.S.

This program honors outstanding leaders of small businesses in the Denver metro area who have demonstrated innovation, resilience, and community impact, recognizing their achievements through awards and media exposure.