Request for Proposals for MassVentures
START (SBIR TARgeted Technologies) Program Stage I Grants
March 4, 2014 – MassVentures hereby invites all Massachusetts companies that meet the eligibility criteria set forth below to submit applications to its START program for Stage I grants.
What is START?
START is a program funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts to assist Massachusetts companies that have received SBIR Phase II funding to commercialize their technologies. The program was created to assist high growth companies that will grow employment opportunities, promote manufacturing and commercialization, and stimulate innovation across the Commonwealth. The primary objective of the program is to provide funding to commercialization-ready technology companies that have received at least the equivalent of a Phase II Small Business Innovation Research (“SBIR”) or Small Business Technology Transfer (“STTR”) grant from federal agencies such as the Department of Defense or the National Science Foundation, to name two.
Who is eligible?
Any Massachusetts company whose application to the program is not based on a life sciences or energy/clean/green-tech technology and has received a Phase II SBIR within the last four years. It is expected that the qualifying Phase II SBIR would have been awarded by the Department of Defense or a federal agency other than the National Institutes of Health or the Department of Energy. A “Massachusetts company” is one that conducts its research, development, manufacturing and commercialization primarily in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, and for the purposes of this program commits to continuing to do so. It is expected that START funds will be spent primarily in Massachusetts.
How do I apply?
A detailed description of the application process is located at https://www.mass-ventures.com/start-program/program-application-process/.
When is the Deadline for Applications?
The deadline for submitting applications is Tuesday, April 1, 2014, at 12:00 pm EST.
How Do I Get More Information?
Many of your questions will be answered on our website, including specifically our Frequently Asked Questions page (https://www.mass-ventures.com/start/faqs.html). If you have further questions after reviewing these pages, please contact the START Program Manager, John Fitzpatrick, at jfitzpatrick@mass-ventures.com.
In addition, MassVentures will be conducting a conference call on Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 2:30 pm at which potential applicants can ask us questions about the START Program and the Stage I application and selection process. The dial in information for that call is below:
When:
Wednesday, March 19, 2014 at 2:30 pm
Call-in Info:
Dial in #862-902-0240; Pin #7551599
All the program details and eligibility requirements can be found here.