Accelerator FAQs

Anyone can enter MassChallenge, with any startup idea, from anywhere around the world. Startups do not need to originate or headquarter in Massachusetts.
 

Please see How to Apply to MassChallenge for full details. 
 
You can apply though our website entry form. 2013 applications opened on February 13 and close April 3. See here for the full MassChallenge 2012 timeline. 
 

The first round of judging occurs online and can be completed remotely from anywhere in the world. The second round of judging involves an in-person pitch to a panel of judges, made up by top entrepreneurs and investors. Entrants should be prepared to fly to Boston if selected for that opportunity. The final round will require the applicant to be physically present in Massachusetts. Acceleration of finalists requires close integration with experts from the Massachusetts ecosystem. Winners are not required to remain in Massachusetts after the competition.

Yes, we run many networking events throughout the year. You can visit our calendar for a full list of MassChallenge and partner events, and you can follow us on Twitter and Facebook for event updates.

Join our mailing list to receive our weekly newsletter and find us on Twitter, Facebook, or our LinkedIn Group.
 

The office space is on the 14th floor of a beautiful new building, ONE Marina Park Drive at FanPier (http://www.fanpierboston.com/). 

Each team will receive 24 hour access to:

It is up to the entrant to define what it means to be high impact. Entrant’s definitions should be compelling (e.g. revenue, profit, job creation, helping a population, curing a disease)

MassChallenge is an opportunity to dramatically accelerate your business. You will receive access to key resources, mentorship, and excellent office space during the accelerator program and have an opportunity to win part of $1M. 
 
The 361 MassChallenge startups have raised over $362M in capital and created 2,900+ new jobs.
 
MassChallenge alumni are more satisfied with MassChallenge than Apple customers are with Apple, Inc.

MassChallenge judges and mentors are all innovators and entrepreneurs from the Massachusetts ecosystem.

No, anyone can enter, with any startup idea from anywhere in the world. We are focused on helping all startups with high growth potential, regardless of the sector.

Anyone can enter MassChallenge with any startup idea, even if your startup is still in the idea phase.
 
To qualify, your company must be a seed- or early-stage startup. As we define it, this means you probably haven’t raised over $500K of investment, and probably don’t have more than $1M in annual revenue. You can still apply if you exceed these guidelines – a special judging panel will review your application to determine if you are 'early stage.' There is no lower limit in terms of funding or development to apply to MassChallenge.

MassChallenge is the largest-ever startup accelerator, and the first to support high-impact, early-stage entrepreneurs with no strings attached. Benefits for startups include:

MassChallenge is a 501c3 non-profit. We are designed to help startups win. Our sponsorships and donations cover prize money and operating expenses. MassChallenge does not make money.