MassRobotics Accelerator in the South Boston Waterfront
Tucked away in the dynamic South Boston Waterfront, MassRobotics has evolved beyond its role as a mere incubator and has set the stage for a groundbreaking accelerator initiative – the MassRobotics Accelerator.
Open for applications, this 13-week program is finely tuned to cultivate the growth of early-stage robotics startups, spotlighting those navigating the realms of hardware, components, and applications. The added allure? Successful applicants stand to gain not only access to a wealth of resources but also a non-dilutive funding injection of $100,000, courtesy of MassTech, an organization championing technological advancements in the state.
Distinguishing itself, MassRobotics proudly asserts its position as the “first equity-free robotics accelerator in the U.S.,” a distinction underscored by Marita McGinn, the accelerator’s director.
Carefully curated, the accelerator will feature ten companies, all granted entry into MassRobotics’ avant-garde facilities. From CNC machines to laser and waterjet cutters, and 3D printers for swift hardware prototyping, the array of tools is complemented by specialized labs for Industrial Automation and Human Robot Interaction (HRI). Human mentors, straddling both the technical and business spheres, add an extra layer of support.
Application Details and Program Timeline
Kicking off with a “soft launch” on October 16, the application window will gracefully close at the end of November. The immersive four-month program is slated to commence on February 5, culminating in an eagerly awaited demo day on May 2, seamlessly woven into the fabric of Boston’s esteemed Robotics Summit & Expo.
While a preference is expressed for Massachusetts-based companies, McGinn underscores that the accelerator remains open-minded, with no rigid quotas. The overarching criterion? The sheer merit and promise of the applying companies. Welcoming diversity, the program extends its arms to companies from across the country or the globe, provided they commit to a one-year association with Massachusetts post-accelerator.
In a conscious nod to industry inclusivity, McGinn emphasizes that diversity, often a missing piece in the puzzle, will be a pivotal factor in the evaluation process. The goal is to create a cohort that not only brims with innovation but is also a testament to diversity in all its dimensions.
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