Imagine a rechargeable battery that is activated with waterfinalistH2Only Batteryhas it. Or a video recruiting platform that helps employees find and interview better candidatesthatsHigherMe. And thats just two of the 128 finalists. The breadth and creativity of the finalists products is impressive! With companies spanning more than 17 states, 11 countries and diverse industries, this years class is sure to inspire, inform and energize all those who follow the early-stage entrepreneur space in Greater Boston.

In addition to enjoying all the benefits of the MassChallenge accelerator program, finalists will be eligible for over $1 million in cash prizes and sidecarprizes. We at Microsoft New England are happy to be sponsoring a new Sidecar prize focused on civic technology. (Special note to MassChallenge Startups: be sure to check out our info session on 7/14 at3pm)

We look forward to working with all of the finalists during their tenure in the accelerator program. Heres to a summer of hard work, fun, new friends and (of course), the Red Sox!