The SBIR Targeted Technologies (START) Grants, administered by MassVentures, are designed to support the growth and commercialization of innovations developed under the federal SBIR (Small Business Innovation Research) and STTR (Small Business Technology Transfer) programs. These grants specifically target Massachusetts-based startups that have advanced to Phase II of SBIR/STTR and aim to help them transition their federally funded research into viable businesses and employment opportunities within the state.
The START program operates through a three-tiered funding structure. In the most recent 2025 cycle, MassVentures awarded 16 Round 1 grants of $100,000 to eligible SBIR Phase II companies. From the pool of previous Round 1 recipients, 7 were selected for Round 2 and received $200,000 each to further their commercialization efforts. Finally, 3 exceptional Round 2 companies received Round 3 grants of up to $500,000 in seed capital to support commercial spinouts. This phased approach allows MassVentures to nurture startups over multiple years, providing sustained support and business guidance.
Since its inception in 2012, the START program has distributed $41.7 million across 141 companies, which collectively have raised over $5.1 billion in follow-on funding and created more than 3,300 jobs in Massachusetts. This strong track record underscores the program’s effectiveness in bolstering the state’s innovation economy.
Eligibility for START is limited to Massachusetts-based startups that have secured SBIR Phase II awards. The selection process is competitive, with a focus on the company's potential to commercialize its technology and generate economic impact in the state. Applicants are expected to demonstrate technical feasibility, commercial viability, and the potential for scalable impact. While the application specifics are not detailed in the summary, the process appears to involve evaluations across multiple funding tiers and is based on demonstrated progress and outcomes.
The START program is cyclical and opens annually. The application window for the next cycle is set to reopen in February 2026. MassVentures provides guidance and milestones for each stage of the program. While no specific contact email or application documentation link is provided, interested applicants can learn more through the MassVentures website and are encouraged to engage early to prepare for the upcoming round.
In addition to financial support, START provides grantees with strategic guidance and access to business development resources. Many companies supported by START have gone on to innovate in fields ranging from clean energy and health technologies to aerospace and quantum computing. This makes START not only a funding mechanism but also a launchpad for high-impact technology ventures across Massachusetts.
