Independent robotics hub MassRobotics announced that its resident startups have raised over $1 billion in VC funding since opening its doors in 2017. This achievement emphasizes the vital role MassRobotics plays in accelerating robotics innovation, commercialization, and adoption of advanced technologies. The one billion dollar total represents funding from nearly 300 institutional investors.
At the center of MassRobotics’s success is its unwavering commitment to creating and scaling the next generation of robotics and AI technology companies. MassRobotics currently hosts over 85 robotics startups as residents worldwide. It provides entrepreneurs and startups with the resources and support to develop, prototype, test, and commercialize their technologies by offering essential workspace, programming, and connections.
MassRobotics provides a unique, custom-built physical space in Boston, offering access to critical resources such as robotic platforms, sensors, components, prototyping equipment, and testing facilities. These physical assets are complemented by a wealth of domain experts across all robotics and IoT systems aspects. And residents also benefit from vetted experts who mentor in navigating legal and business challenges.
One of MassRobotics’ unique advantages is the flexible monthly agreements. And startups can grow without the burden of long-term contracts, beginning with an open seat in the shared space and expanding to dedicated lab benches or private offices as they scale. This adaptability ensures that startups can manage their growth efficiently and sustainably. Often, MassRobotics residents remain connected to the organization and its resources even after graduating from the MassRobotics workspace.
Second Robotics Accelerator
MassRobotics also announced the launch of its MassRobotics Accelerator in partnership with the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech). Following the success of the inaugural program, this accelerator will continue to support and advance robotics entrepreneurs with bespoke programming, individual mentorship, and immersion in the MassRobotics ecosystem. Applications are open now, and the deadline is October 25.
The second MassRobotics Accelerator will once again be based at MassRobotics headquarters in Boston’s Seaport Innovation District. And this 13-week program offers access to resources, including state-of-the-art prototyping labs and expert guidance, built for startups ready to scale.
The MassRobotics Accelerator remains a zero-equity program in line with its nonprofit mission. And selected companies will receive $100,000 in non-dilutive funding to fuel their progress.
Ten robotics startups will be selected for the accelerator, which is set to start on February 3, 2025. And these companies will benefit from a curriculum that has been further refined to address the unique challenges faced by robotics startups. This comprehensive program will cover essential areas such as value proposition, customer discovery, pitch delivery, team building, and fundraising.
These are the key highlights of the program
- Non-dilutive Funding – Selected startups will receive $100,000 in non-dilutive funding, enabling them to focus on growth without sacrificing equity.
- Guidance – Participants will have access to a network of seasoned mentors and industry experts, offering invaluable insights into refining business strategies, navigating technical challenges, scaling operations, and preparing for fundraising.
- Resourceful facilities—The accelerator will provide access to MassRobotics’ collaborative workspace, cutting-edge prototyping labs, and specialized equipment, including CNC machines, 3D printers, laser cutters, waterjet cutters, and more.
- Industry connections – Startups will gain introductions and opportunities for partnerships with leading robotics and AI companies, academic institutions, and government agencies in Massachusetts, fostering potential collaborations and investor relationships.
- Startup Showcase – This program will culminate in a showcase at the Robotics Summit & Expo on May 1, 2025, where participating startups will pitch to investors, industry leaders, and the tech community.
KEY QUOTES:
“The mission of MassRobotics has always been about supporting our resident startups with the resources they need to grow and to work with academia and industry partners to provide deep, relevant industry insights that help new startups with their product focus. This formula leads to successful outcomes, and this funding milestone is another proof point of this.”
- Tom Ryden, Executive Director of MassRobotics
“MassRobotics has been a huge support for ORI along every step of our journey. Our need for prototyping space, office space and a flexible term lease at competitive rates steered us toward MassRobotics in the first place, but they have been so much more than a good landlord. The sense of community, the anticipation of our needs, particularly during the pandemic, and the ability to accommodate ORI’s growth over the years all demonstrate the commitment of the MassRobotics team to do everything possible to help ORI be successful. MassRobotics is a true asset to the Boston startup community.”
Ivan Casadevante Etxezarreta, Co-Founder and VP of Product at ORI, which raised their Series B from Alphabet, Battery Ventures and Khosla Ventures
“Choosing to set up at MassRobotics may be the best decision of our seven-year life. Its open resources allowed our $50k initial funding to take us to seed stage and is where we connected with early customers, investors, and partners, including Mitsubishi Electric , which just led our Series B.”
- Peter Howard, President, CEO and Co-Founder atRealtime Robotics
“Our inaugural program saw tremendous success, and this year we are ready to build upon that foundation. With an expanded curriculum and deeper industry connections, the 2025 accelerator will empower another cohort of robotics founders to push themselves and expand their businesses.”
- Marita McGinn, Director of the MassRobotics Accelerator program
“Being part of the MassRobotics Startup Accelerator has been crucial for our growth at Robotics 88. We have met an incredible cast of mentors who have become formal advisors in our company. The mentorship, resources, and connections we gained and the supportive network of founders this program created has helped us move forward faster and with more confidence. It was a key step in getting our company where it is today.”
- Erin Linebarger, CEO, Robotics88
“The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative is excited to be powering the MassRobotics Accelerator for the second year with $100,000 per company in non-dilutive funding. We are happy to see robotics startups setting up roots in Massachusetts to drive the growth of our vibrant robotics ecosystem and advance innovation in this sector.”
- Peter Haas, Director, Department of Robotics at the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech)
