MassChallenge 🚀 Accelerator

What you get

MassChallenge is a nonprofit, global accelerator network operating since 2009, focused on Healthcare & Life Sciences, Security & Resiliency, Sustainable Food Systems, Climate, and Global Financial Systems. Its official site describes the model as giving founders 'breakthrough access to the people and power that move markets' — corporates, customers, regulators and funders — through founder-facing programs, access to experts (founders, operators, researchers and industry leaders), and collaborators working on capital, policy and industry barriers. Featured corporate partners listed on the site include BAE, Deloitte, Eli Lilly, MassMutual, SharkNinja, The Hartford and Verizon.

Who qualifies

Eligibility, funding and equity terms are set per individual program (MassChallenge has historically run programs across different regions and verticals), and none is currently open. The official site does not state a stage, funding ceiling, or equity term on its main page as of this listing's verification date.

Good to know

As of 13 October 2026, the official site's 'Apply to a Program' section states: 'Please check back for upcoming programming,' and offers an interest form to be notified when new programs are announced rather than any open call. MassChallenge has long been known in the startup world as a no-equity, no-fee accelerator funded by corporate sponsorships, government grants and philanthropy rather than by taking a stake in portfolio companies — but this listing could not confirm that specific term on the current official page, so verify it directly with MassChallenge before relying on it.

Verdict

A long-running, well-connected nonprofit accelerator brand with real corporate access, but there is no active program to apply to right now. Worth signing up for notifications if their focus verticals match your startup, and worth confirming current equity and funding terms directly once a program reopens.

1. Visit masschallenge.org and check the 'Apply to a Program' section for any currently open call for applications.
2. If no program is open, complete the interest form linked on the homepage to be notified when new programs are announced.
3. Contact [email protected] with questions about eligibility and timing for the next program.