About this programme
The SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) program is a non-dilutive grant run by MassVentures, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' quasi-public venture firm, for companies that have already won a federal SBIR or STTR Phase II award. It exists to close the gap between finishing federally funded research and having a commercially viable product: the money supports market validation, business development and intellectual property strategy work that SBIR/STTR Phase II funding does not cover.
Since it launched in 2012, START has awarded $46.2 million to 157 Massachusetts companies. MassVentures reports those companies have gone on to raise more than $5 billion in private capital and employ more than 3,400 people across the Commonwealth.
Grants run in three escalating rounds within a given cycle: Round 1 issues a larger number of smaller grants, Round 2 re-funds the strongest Round 1 companies at a higher amount, and Round 3 offers a small number of the top-performing companies a further, larger seed-capital-style award. Beyond the cash, MassVentures pairs winners with business guidance aimed at accelerating market entry across sectors including advanced materials, quantum computing, AI, cleantech and biotechnology.
How it works
Round 1: a batch of grants at $100,000 each, open to eligible SBIR/STTR Phase II companies that apply in that year's window.
Round 2: a smaller batch of grants at $200,000 each, awarded to the strongest-performing companies from the prior year's Round 1.
Round 3: a handful of awards of up to $500,000 each in further seed-stage funding, offered to companies that have progressed through Round 2.
All rounds are non-dilutive grants, not equity investments — MassVentures takes no ownership stake in exchange for START funding.
Who can apply
Applicants must be Massachusetts-based companies.
The company must have received a federal Phase II SBIR or STTR award.
Per MassVentures' published eligibility guidance, companies that won their SBIR/STTR Phase II award within the past five years are encouraged to apply.
How to apply
- Watch for the annual application window: for the most recent cycle it opened February 1 and closed February 23; the next cycle's window is set to reopen February 1, 2027.
- Attend the information session MassVentures runs shortly after the window opens (most recently held February 3) to hear program details and ask questions before applying.
- Submit the application through MassVentures' process for the open round during the window; program specifics are published on the official START program page when the window is live.
Frequently asked
Who is eligible to apply for a START grant?
Massachusetts-based companies that have received a federal SBIR or STTR Phase II award, generally within the past five years.
How much money does a START grant provide?
Grants range from $100,000 (Round 1) up to $500,000 (Round 3), depending on which round a company qualifies for. Round 2 awards are $200,000.
Is the START grant equity or debt?
Neither — it is a non-dilutive grant. MassVentures does not take an equity stake or require repayment in exchange for START funding.
Can a company apply straight to Round 2 or Round 3?
No. Round 2 grants go to companies that already won a Round 1 award the prior year, and Round 3 goes to companies that have progressed through Round 2, so the rounds build on prior START participation.
My SBIR/STTR Phase II award was several years ago — can I still apply?
MassVentures' published guidance says companies that won their Phase II award within the past five years are encouraged to apply.
What can the grant money be used for?
START funds are meant for commercialization activities that federal research funding typically does not cover — things like market validation, business development and intellectual property strategy — rather than continued core R&D.
When is the next application window?
The application window is set to reopen February 1, 2027, based on the most recently published program schedule.
Reviewed 2026-08-16. Programmes change — confirm current eligibility, amounts and deadlines on the official page before you apply. CapEasy is a private consultancy and is not affiliated with any government authority.