- December 13, 2023
- Pegasus Park | 3000 Pegasus Park Drive, Dallas TX
United States
United States
Beyond Silicon Valley
The U.S. based ecosystems provide access to the tools, resources, and funding for cutting-edge founders working to solve massive challenges. From food to FinTech, from energy to aerospace, the U.S. locations host a variety of accelerators and programs that lean on the different strengths of the regions.
In addition to MassChallenge’s flagship industry-agnostic early-stage accelerators, there are more specialized accelerators for late-stage startups in FinTech and HealthTech, as well as programs for ClimateTech and Safety and Security, to just name a few.
Core U.S. Accelerators
Below are three of MassChallenge’s Core U.S. Accelerator programs. For more programs visit Additional Programs.
“If you had asked me before MassChallenge if I thought that NASA could be one of our bigger funders or partners, the answer would have been no.”
– Dr. Nicole Wagner, President and CEO of LambdaVision, U.S. Early Stage 2016
Boston, MA
Since it was founded in 2009, Boston has been MassChallenge’s global headquarters. Boston’s major industries include health technology, biotechnology, and financial services. A variety of programs including FinTech and HealthTech hub out of Boston.
Renowned for its vibrant academic and research institutions, cutting-edge industries, and a culture that embraces creativity and progress, Boston stands tall as a true innovation hub.
At its core lies a cluster of world-class universities, including Harvard and MIT, which attract brilliant minds from across the globe. This concentration of talent fosters a rich ecosystem of ideas, collaboration, and breakthroughs, propelling Boston to the forefront of research and development.
The city offers numerous resources and funding opportunities, empowering innovators to turn their visions into reality. Additionally, the strong network of mentors, investors, and industry experts nurtures budding talent and fuels the growth of groundbreaking ventures.
Boston’s strategic location on the East Coast grants easy access to international markets, making it an ideal gateway for global expansion and collaboration.
Boston Key Areas of Focus
- Industry Agnostic
- FinTech
- HealthTech
- Safety & Security
Austin, TX
Since 2016, MassChallenge accelerator programs in Austin offers a unique blend of creativity, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit becoming a hotbed for groundbreaking ideas and ventures.
MassChallenge has held accelerator programs in Austin since 2016. With its unique blend of creativity, technology, and entrepreneurial spirit, Austin has become a hotbed for groundbreaking ideas and ventures.
At the heart of Austin’s strength lies its vibrant and diverse community. The city fosters a culture that embraces innovation and encourages collaboration, bringing together talented individuals from various industries and backgrounds. One of the bedrocks of Austin is the annual South by Southwest (SXSW), a unique and influential convergence of various industries, including music, film, interactive media, technology, and more.
Austin is home to a thriving startup ecosystem, supported by perhaps the biggest tech hub in central United States, and the talent from University of Texas, Austin. There are a variety of co-working spaces and resources that provide a nurturing environment for startups to flourish and access mentorship and funding opportunities.
Austin’s quality of life and lower cost of living compared to other major tech hubs attract top talent from across the nation, contributing to the city’s ever-growing pool of innovative minds. Prominent industries include defense readiness, consumer packaged goods, consumer software, and health care innovation.
Austin Key Areas of Focus
- Industry Agnostic
- Dual Use
- + More
Dallas, TX
MassChallenge expanded its Texas locations to Dallas in 2022. North Texas has the ingredients to be the next major innovation region in the United States. North Texas is home to a robust network of industry leaders, mentors, and investors who actively engage with the startup community, providing invaluable guidance and opportunities for growth.
Dallas’s strategic location at the intersection of major transportation routes facilitates easy connectivity, enabling businesses to access national and international markets seamlessly.
Additionally, Dallas embraces innovation in key industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and biotechnology, fostering a collaborative environment for research and development. University of Texas Southwestern is a top university in biotech commercialization.
One of the city’s key strengths is its strong business-friendly environment. Dallas offers a low-tax structure, access to capital, and a supportive regulatory framework, making it an attractive destination for startups and established companies alike.
Dallas Key Areas of Focus
- Defense
- Healthcare
- Pharmaceuticals
- Human Potential
Houston, TX
Houston is home to the “Innovation Corridor,” a 4 mile-stretch that includes the world’s largest medical complex, the Texas Medical Center, and Rice University. Houston of the fastest growing tech ecosystems for early-stage companies in the country.
Also known for its importance to NASA and the energy industry, Houston has grown space commercialization and renewable energy sectors, attracting top talents and cutting-edge research.
The city also has one of the most diverse and international populations in the country, “one with no ethnic majority and where nearly one-in-four residents are foreign-born.” The young-adult population can offer promising fresh perspectives and talent to build a work force of the future.
Houston’s diverse economy and entrepreneurial spirit enable the cross-pollination of ideas across various industries, from aerospace to digital technology.
Houston Areas of Focus
- Industry Agnostic
- ClimateTech
- Medical Technology
- Space Commercialization
Providence, RI
With close proximity to both Boston and New York, Providence is uniquely positioned as an up-and-coming innovation Hub. Providence is specifically home to MassChallenge’s Blue Tech Sprint accelerator.
Nestled along the picturesque coastline, Providence boasts a unique set of strengths that make it an ideal destination for groundbreaking advancements in marine technology and sustainability. The location grants easy access to the ocean, providing a living laboratory for testing and refining Blue Tech solutions.
The city’s proximity to prestigious academic institutions like Brown University and Rhode Island School of Design further fuels its research and development potential.
Providence Areas of Focus
- BlueTech
“I learned so much in that four-month period. I was able to greatly build upon my business acumen, increase my confidence to sit at the bigger tables and have access to those nuanced cheat codes that are more available to the typical white cis-male entrepreneur. It was a game-changing experience.”
Janice Omadeke
Founder and CEO of The Mentor Method, MC 2018
"Our mentors really pushed us to take the next step with our company. As MassChallenge grows, they have a bigger and bigger network that we can leverage. Making that step and seeing the impact our product had was incredible."
Erin Keaney
COO of Nonspec, MC 2017
Upcoming events
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- December 7, 2023
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