Climatetech Testing and Demonstration Assets Program

The Climatetech Testing and Demonstration Assets (TDA) Program is a competitive capital grant initiative administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC). It is designed to support the development of shared-use infrastructure and equipment that enables innovation, testing, demonstration, and commercialization in the climatetech sector. Grants are awarded to eligible Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) located in Massachusetts, with awards ranging from $1.5 million to $5 million. This is MassCEC’s first capital grant program under the Mass Leads Act (2024) and contributes to the implementation of the Massachusetts Climatetech Economic Development Strategy and Implementation Plan (2025). The TDA Program funds projects that construct or upgrade climatetech testing facilities, pilot demonstration infrastructure, shared digital or physical labs, and other capital-intensive assets that offer a minimum 10-year useful life. Operating costs, such as salaries or rent, are ineligible. Applicants must provide at least a 25% cost share (match) of the total grant request. Only expenses incurred after grant execution are reimbursable. Projects must be completed within one to three years of contract execution. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts-based nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and public or nonprofit colleges and universities. All must have at least five years of operational history and provide services that support climatetech R&D, commercialization, or market entry. Examples of eligible ESOs include incubators, innovation centers, entrepreneur networks, and economic development organizations. The application process consists of two stages: (1) Concept Paper and (2) Full Application. Concept Papers are due by 5:00 PM ET on Friday, September 12, 2025. MassCEC will review submissions and invite selected finalists to submit a Full Application by Tuesday, October 14, 2025. Final applications must be received by 5:00 PM ET on Friday, November 14, 2025. Awards are expected to be announced in spring 2026, and projects are anticipated to begin by summer 2026. All applicants must use the designated forms and submit materials via email to innovationecosystem@masscec.com with the RFP number in the subject line. Applicants may contact innovationecosystem@masscec.com with questions. All inquiries must be submitted by August 12, 2025, and will be publicly addressed on MassCEC’s FAQ page by August 19. A webinar for interested applicants was held on August 5, 2025. Additional details and submission templates can be found in the RFP issued July 22, 2025.

Follow submission instructions exactly, including naming conventions. Concept Paper must use official template and include all attachments. Submit via email by deadline with proper subject line.