The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) plays a crucial role in supporting early-stage startups in the life sciences sector. Through a range of innovative funding programs, MLSC provides financial support, access to resources, and networking opportunities to help emerging companies thrive. Below, we highlight several key programs offered by MLSC and provide contact information for each.
Massachusetts Next Generation (MassNextGen) Initiative
The MassNextGen Initiative is designed to support underrepresented entrepreneurs in the life sciences. This program offers non-dilutive grant funding and connects startups with seasoned professionals from the life sciences ecosystem. Participants receive guidance on refining their business strategies and effectively raising capital. At the end of the program year, awardees have the opportunity to showcase their companies to sponsors, other awardees, and venture capital representatives at a pitch event. Applications are currently open!
Contact: MassNextGen@masslifesciences.
Data Science Internship Program
This program aims to increase the availability of data science talent in the life sciences. It creates new internship opportunities for candidates at various educational levels (Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctorate) by enabling research institutions and companies to hire paid interns for up to six months.
Contact: internship@masslifesciences.
Internship Challenge Program
The Internship Challenge connects employers with prospective college interns through an online platform. This program allows eligible companies to subsidize intern wages at a $17-20/hr rate for up to $9,600, facilitating meaningful work experiences for interns and valuable support for companies.
Contact: internship@masslifesciences.
Tax Incentive Program
This program is open to companies involved in life sciences research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing in Massachusetts. It provides tax incentives to companies of all sizes looking to expand their efforts and create new, long-term jobs in the state.
Contact: taxprogram@masslifesciences.
Additional Resources for Startups
Research Equipment Database (R.E.D.)
The Research Equipment Database (R.E.D.) is a searchable resource for companies, research institutions, and other key stakeholders in Massachusetts. It allows users to find and engage with various MLSC-funded equipment across the Commonwealth. Stakeholders can utilize specific databases, codebases, and software through existing access policies by directly engaging with the host institutions.
Database, Algorithms, Tools, and Analyses (D.A.T.A.) Repository
The D.A.T.A. Repository is another valuable resource that allows companies and research institutions to find and leverage MLSC-funded digital assets. The repository is continually updated with new assets and includes sections such as Database/Codebase/Software, description, field of study, methods used, URL, publication details, Massachusetts-funded institute, and point of contact.
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center’s comprehensive support for early-stage startups through these programs and resources helps foster innovation, drive economic growth, and maintain the state’s leadership in the life sciences industry. For more information on these programs or to get involved, contact the respective program managers!
