Boston’s robotics innovation hub is launching what it calls the first equity-free robotics accelerator in the U.S.
The MassRobotics Accelerator launched on Wednesday with support from the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech). The accelerator will be based at MassRobotics’ headquarters in Boston’s Seaport District and support robotics entrepreneurs.
The accelerator will be a 13-week program that includes programming, individual mentorship and access to MassRobotics’ network and resources, including its prototyping labs. The program will kick off on Feb. 5, 2024, and startups interested in participating can submit applications by Nov. 30.
The nonprofit said this is a zero-equity program and startups in the accelerator will receive $100,000 in funding. MassRobotics will take no equity in the accelerator's startups.
“The robotics industry is unique and special, and needs a special type of accelerator to help advance robotics technologies,” Tom Ryden, executive director of MassRobotics, said in the announcement.
The ten startups accepted to the accelerator will go through a curriculum that includes product development, customer discovery, pitch delivery, team building and fundraising. Content tailored to robotics companies like design for manufacturing, manufacturer pitch techniques, and bill of materials (BOM) development will also be included.
"As we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of technology and innovation, it's imperative to recognize how important it is for founders to be a part of an active startup community. The MassRobotics Accelerator offers robotics founders with the business education and industry connections they need to find early success,” Daniel Theobald, founder of Vecna Robotics, said in a statement. “MassRobotics is the driving force behind the creation of cutting-edge technologies that shape our future."
Startups already based at MassRobotics include Tatum Robotics, which is making a communication tool for people with deafblindness, Cleo Robotics, which is building an indoor friendly drone for uses like surveying, security and warehousing.
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