Fall Catalyst and DICES Climatetech Grant

The Catalyst and Diversity in Climatetech Early-Stage (DICES) programs, jointly administered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) and MassVentures, provide early-stage funding support for the development and demonstration of climate and clean energy technologies in Massachusetts. These initiatives are designed to advance prototype technologies developed by researchers and early-stage companies toward commercial viability, enabling broader market entry and investment readiness. Both programs target technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 2 through 4, which includes early validation of components and initial alpha prototypes in lab environments. Catalyst aims to support up to seven climatetech projects per funding round with grants of up to $75,000 per project. The focus is on technologies that offer measurable climate impact and commercialization potential. Selected applicants will demonstrate how their solution addresses critical climate or energy challenges, offers commercial viability, and meets industry needs. Project activities typically include building prototypes, conducting performance testing, validating concepts through independent evaluations, and performing market research. Applicants benefit not only from financial support but also from complimentary pitch coaching and business mentoring. DICES serves as a complementary pathway under the Catalyst umbrella, offering up to three additional grants of up to $75,000 each. These awards are specifically reserved for early-stage companies led by individuals from underrepresented backgrounds or those who have faced systemic or economic barriers to participation in the climatetech or entrepreneurial landscape. Applicants to DICES must meet all baseline Catalyst eligibility criteria and provide a compelling statement addressing their unique barriers or experiences. Eligible applicants for both Catalyst and DICES include Massachusetts-based early-stage climatetech companies with no more than four full-time equivalent employees and less than $2.5 million in total combined funding and revenues in the past five years. Principal investigators from Massachusetts-based nonprofit research institutions and academic institutions are also eligible under Catalyst, but not DICES. Research applicants must have principal investigator status and coordinate submissions through their grants and contracts office. Applications for the current cycle opened on August 19, 2025, and must be submitted by September 30, 2025, at 11:59 PM EDT. Key deadlines include a webinar on September 4, 2025, a question deadline on September 16, 2025, and public posting of FAQ responses by September 19, 2025. Finalist applicants will be notified in early November, with pitch presentations scheduled for the week of December 8, 2025. Final award notifications are expected by late January 2026. The program prioritizes technologies in six key impact areas: renewable energy and electricity, sustainable transportation, decarbonized manufacturing and industry, agriculture and water resilience, building efficiency, and climate adaptation. All awardees are required to submit mid-project and final reports, participate in emissions reduction potential analysis, and comply with Massachusetts residency and public reporting requirements. MassCEC and MassVentures reserve the right to adjust timelines, reject applications, or withdraw awards based on non-compliance or incomplete submissions.

Clearly demonstrate TRL/ARL fit, commercialization plan, and impact; avoid basic research proposals; prepare a focused, data-driven pitch.