Overview
The Sector Spark grant program provides funding to Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) to enhance their capacity to deliver specialized support to tech-based startups in Massachusetts.
Tech-based entrepreneurs and startups are at the forefront of developing new technologies that drive job creation and economic growth. However, they face significant challenges in accessing specialized resources, mentorship, and support networks necessary for success. ESOs are crucial in providing these essential services but it is challenging to find funding to offer tailored support programs. This funding opportunity addresses this gap by equipping ESOs with the resources needed to build or scale specialized mentorship, accelerator, and support programs for tech-based startups in targeted industry sectors.
Sector Spark provides an opportunity for ESOs to access operating funds to design and deliver high-quality entrepreneurial programming as well as an opportunity to access capital funds to build or procure new and novel infrastructure, equipment or resources that directly aid in the execution of proposed programming and acceleration of sector-specific startups.
Awardees
On March 18, 2025, $2,553,625 in grants were announced to four Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) focused on startup growth across key innovation sectors in Massachusetts.
LabCentral (Cambridge, MA)
LabCentral, a launchpad for high-potential life sciences startups, has been awarded a total of $1,953,625 ($200,000 for programming and $1,753,625 for capital improvements) to launch the first “Applied AI”-program targeting breakthroughs in biotech in Massachusetts. LabCentral will partner with C10 Labs, an AI Venture Studio, to run two cohorts of their new studio program with the goal of supporting at least 30 early-stage startups. The majority of LabCentral’s grant will be used to enhance LabCentral’s lab space with advanced research equipment and edge-computing capabilities to meet the needs of companies operating at the intersection of AI and biotech.
InnoVenture Labs (Beverly, MA)
InnoVenture Labs, a startup incubator specializing in cleantech and biotech, received $200,000 to establish the Connected Grid Alliance in partnership with the Massachusetts Light Commissioners Association. The Connected Grid Alliance aims to integrate advanced technologies such as AI and cybersecurity into the operations of municipal electric utilities. InnoVenture Labs will run at least two cohorts to prepare startups for municipal partnerships through tailored workshops, strategic mentorship and real-world pilot project opportunities to bridge the gap between innovation and adoption in the public utility sector.
SeaAhead (Cambridge, MA)
SeaAhead, an organization that supports bluetech startups, received $200,000 (in partnership with Legacy Global) to launch the In-Water Piloting Accelerator, a program designed to help bring marine technologies to market. Participating startups will receive technical support and mentorship while conducting pilot projects to validate their technologies at test sites along the Massachusetts coast in cities and towns such as Boston, Gloucester, Falmouth, New Bedford and Plymouth. The program strengthens the state’s bluetech innovation ecosystem by helping startups overcome commercialization barriers.
SundAI Club (Cambridge, MA)
SundAI Club, an AI-prototyping studio, received $200,000 to support its “Sundai Hacks,” 12-hour weekly prototyping sessions where teams rapidly brainstorm, validate and develop AI-powered applications. The Sector Spark grant will help SundAI Club enhance its hack sessions, provide extra support for aspiring startup founders looking to transition their AI product from “hack” to startup, and spread its educational content and rapid-prototyping framework to more communities throughout Massachusetts. Complementing these hacks are tailored workshops for founders and innovators, mentorship opportunities, and a focus on community building through open-source projects and active online platforms.