SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grant Program SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grant Program is sponsored by MassVentures. Non-dilutive grants to commercialize technologies from federal SBIR/STTR Phase II awards, including AI sectors.
Official opportunity description and requirements excerpt:
SBIR START Grant Program by MassVentures SBIR Targeted Technologies "START" Grants The SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grants help Massachusetts-based startups convert research developed under SBIR and STTR contracts into businesses and jobs in Massachusetts. START offers MA-based, SBIR Phase II companies grants and business guidance to help them commercialize their technologies. The program awards: 16 "Round 1" grants of $100,000 each; 7 "Round 2" grants of $200,000 each to the most promising Round 1 winners from the previous year and; 3 "Round 3" opportunities: up to $500,000 each of seed capital in a commercial spinout from the most successful Round 2 companies. February 1, 2026 - Application period opens February 3, 2026 - Optional webinar 8:00AM ( View recording ) February 23, 2026 - Applications due by 11:59PM More than a Decade of Success Since 2012, MassVentures' START Program has granted $41.7 million to 141 companies that have gone on to raise more than $5.1 billion and employ more than 3,300 people in the Commonwealth. Read some of their stories below. Electrified Thermal Solutions (Medford) is commercializing the Joule Hive™ thermal battery that converts and stores intermittent renewable electricity into constant, high-temperature, industrial-grade heat. Electrified Thermal Solutions (Medford) is commercializing the Joule Hive™ thermal battery that converts and stores intermittent renewable electricity into constant, high-temperature, industrial-grade heat. Electrified Thermal Solutions (Medford) is commercializing the Joule Hive™ thermal battery that converts and stores intermittent renewable electricity into constant, high-temperature, industrial-grade heat. Bloomer Tech (Boston) is tailoring cardiovascular care for women using a wearable bra and generating novel digital biomarkers. Bloomer Tech (Boston) is tailoring cardiovascular care for women using a wearable bra and generating novel digital biomarkers. Bloomer Tech (Boston) is tailoring cardiovascular care for women using a wearable bra and generating novel digital biomarkers. Versatope (Lowell) uses a nano-vesicle technology for vaccines and targets therapeutics to specific cells. Versatope (Lowell) uses a nano-vesicle technology for vaccines and targets therapeutics to specific cells. Versatope (Lowell) uses a nano-vesicle technology for vaccines and targets therapeutics to specific cells. Transcend Air Corporation (Carlisle) is developing a family of optimized vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles, and the software to manufacture and fly them. Transcend Air Corporation (Carlisle) is developing a family of optimized vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles, and the software to manufacture and fly them. Transcend Air Corporation (Carlisle) is developing a family of optimized vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL) vehicles, and the software to manufacture and fly them. AutonomUS Medical Technologies (Cambridge) is developing “The Pocket Interventionalist™,” a handheld device
Application snapshot: target deadline February 23, 2026; published funding information $100,000 to $500,000; eligibility guidance Massachusetts-based small businesses that have received a federal SBIR or STTR Phase II award within the past 5 years.
Use the official notice and source links for final requirements, attachment checklists, allowable costs, and submission instructions before applying.
$100,000 to $500,000 Deadline: Feb 23, 2026