MassChallenge

MassChallenge breaks the accelerator mold by taking zero equity from participating startups. Instead, the organization is funded by a network of corporate sponsors, government partners, and foundations. This non-dilutive model is particularly attractive for founders who are not yet ready to give up equity or who are building businesses in sectors where venture capital is not the default funding path, such as life sciences, social enterprise, and hardware.

The program culminates in a competition where the top-performing startups receive cash awards, sometimes totaling over $2 million per cohort. These awards are grants, not investments, and come with no strings attached. Winners are selected by panels of judges who evaluate startups on their progress during the program, their potential for impact, and their business viability.

MassChallenge has expanded beyond Boston to operate programs in Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, Saudi Arabia, and Rhode Island. Each location serves a regional ecosystem while maintaining the same zero-equity, competition-based model. The Boston program remains the flagship and is particularly strong in healthcare, life sciences, cleantech, and social impact.

The MassChallenge accelerator is a 4-month program that provides mentorship, office space, and access to corporate partners. The program accepts 100-150 startups per cohort, making it one of the largest batch sizes of any accelerator. Startups are matched with mentors and corporate partners based on their industry and needs.

The program concludes with a judging process where startups are evaluated on their progress, and top performers receive cash awards ranging from $50K to $100K or more. The judging panels include industry experts, investors, and corporate partners. In addition to the awards, MassChallenge hosts a Demo Day and networking events to connect startups with the broader investor community.

Duration: 4 months Batch size: 100-150 startups per cohort

Zero equity, zero cost. MassChallenge is completely non-dilutive. Top startups receive cash awards (grants) ranging from $50K to $100K+, with no equity or repayment required.

• Ginkgo Bioworks
• Whoop
• Ministry of Supply
• Resilinc
• Via
• Vestigo Aerospace
• Embr Labs
• Tive

1. MassChallenge values impact alongside business viability. Articulate how your startup creates positive social, environmental, or economic impact.
2. The zero-equity model attracts many applicants. Differentiate yourself with clear traction and measurable progress.
3. Life sciences, healthcare, and cleantech startups have historically done well. These sectors are well-represented among judges and mentors.
4. Leverage the corporate partners. Research which sponsors are relevant to your startup and mention them in your application.
5. Prepare for the judging process. Your pitch and progress during the program directly determine whether you win an award.