Catalyst & DICES Programs Spring 2025

Donor: MassCEC, MassVentures

About:

The Catalyst and DICES Programs, jointly administered by MassCEC and MassVentures, aim to stimulate the commercialization of early-stage clean energy and climate technologies developed in Massachusetts. The Catalyst Program provides grants of up to $75,000 to researchers and early-stage companies working on clean energy technologies. These technologies include energy & electricity, transportation, manufacturing & industry, agriculture & water, buildings, and resilience and adaptation. The program seeks to advance innovation in clean energy technologies, helping to transform new discoveries from the research stage into commercially viable solutions. It supports projects that demonstrate the feasibility of technologies in specific industry applications, with a particular emphasis on selecting technologies that can form the foundation for new companies or support market entry and competitiveness of existing Massachusetts companies.

In parallel, the DICES Program awards additional grants of up to $75,000 each, specifically targeting projects led by eligible women-owned or minority-owned early-stage companies. The goal is to support projects that demonstrate strong potential for climate impact and commercialization, with the added focus on promoting diversity and inclusion in the cleantech industry. The DICES Program aims to provide funding opportunities to applicants who are underrepresented in the cleantech industry or have faced economic barriers entering the environmental or entrepreneurial landscape.

The programs are open to applicants who are principal investigators at Massachusetts-based research institutions or early-stage companies with specific eligibility criteria. The application process involves a two-part system: first, applicants submit an online application, and if selected, they are invited to pitch their proposal to a panel of program judges. Successful applicants will demonstrate a proposed project that addresses a critical energy/climate challenge, has strong commercialization potential, advances the technology’s commercial readiness, and enables an emerging cleantech company to showcase its technology’s value to potential customers and investors.

Both programs offer access to a vast network of partners, expert local market and policy insights, and mentoring from MassCEC and MassVentures. Finalists receive complimentary pitch coaching and business mentoring, ensuring they are well-prepared to present their projects and secure funding. The ultimate goal is to advance the clean energy and climate solution innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals while advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader. Get expert assistance from Grantaura to revolutionize your cleantech journey with our grant research, document preparation, application submission, and crowdfunding services.

Focus: Energy & Electricity, Transportation, Manufacturing & Industry, Agriculture & Water, Buildings, Resilience and Adaptation

Region: Massachusetts

Eligibility:
– Must be a Principal Investigator at a Massachusetts-based research institution or an early-stage company in Massachusetts.
– For DICES, applicants must be women-owned or minority-owned early-stage companies.
– The technology must be at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 2-4.
– Companies must have received less than $2,500,000 in combined debt or equity financing, grant funding, and revenues over the past five years.
– Must have four or fewer full-time equivalent employees.

Benefits:
– Up to $75,000 in grant funding per project.
– Access to a vast network of partners and expert insights.
– Mentoring from MassCEC and MassVentures.
– Complimentary pitch coaching and business mentoring for finalists.