In two years, 20 robotics startups have received $2 million through this accelerator program.
MassRobotics, an independent robotics hub, has introduced the second cohort of the MassRobotics Accelerator, powered by the Massachusetts Technology Collaborative’s (MassTech) Innovation Institute. Following its inaugural program, the second cohort includes startups such as Haystack Ag, LiftLabs, Mito Robotics, Nexterity, p!ng, Redefine Surgery, ReviMo, Revolute Robotics, Tatum Robotics, and Variable Machines.
Over the past two years, $2,000,000 has been awarded to 20 robotics startups through this accelerator program. The program stands out for its equity-free funding model. Each participating startup receives a $100,000 non-dilutive grant from MassTech.
The three-month accelerator program has begun, and the cohort will introduce their startups at MassRobotics’ annual sponsor event. During the program, startups will participate in a curriculum covering topics such as customer discovery, value proposition discovery, manufacturing for excellence, fundraising tactics, and team management.
Since graduating, the 10 companies from the first program engaged with multiple customers, with 80% beginning to generate revenue.
“Imagine if overnight your company grew 10X and is now full of experts ready to help you gracefully navigate any issue or make decisions small or large. Imagine if that continued for 13 weeks and your company got paid for it! That’s what the MassRobotics Accelerator is and it’s been an invaluable asset to our startup,” said Demitri Balabanov, CEO and co-founder of Apparel Robotics, a MassRobotics Accelerator portfolio company.
“The MassRobotics Accelerator provided me with top-tier mentors, introductions to industry collaborators and venture capitalists, and strategies to help grow SIMPL. There’s no place like the Boston robotics community and supporting ecosystem,” said Ayman Labib, CEO and co-founder of SIMPL Automation, a MassRobotics Accelerator portfolio company.
Diverse Second Cohort Selected from Global Applicants
Similar to last year, competition for the Accelerator was highly competitive, with an 8% acceptance rate. More than 130 startups applied from over 25 countries. The selection process was thorough, guided by a selection committee of experienced roboticists, entrepreneurs, and academics.
The cohort includes companies from industries such as health care, manufacturing, consumer, assistive technology, and oceantech. The female founders make up 40% of the cohort.
“MassRobotics’ Accelerator demonstrates the strength of robotics in Massachusetts,” said Peter Haas, MassTech’s director of robotics. “Our state has a wealth of talent behind all of the innovative companies and academic institutions in the ecosystem. These awards will continue to spur competition, drive future breakthroughs, and grow market opportunities.”
Meet the Accelerator Cohort at the 2025 Robotics Summit & Expo
The MassRobotics Accelerator will conclude with an Accelerator Showcase at the Robotics Summit & Expo on Apr 30, 2025.
Seeking corporate partners to support future accelerator cohorts
The MassRobotics Accelerator has gained recognition internationally, receiving support from partners, sponsors, and academic institutions, attracting both startups and mentors worldwide to the program.
To fund future programs, the nonprofit is seeking corporations interested in supporting future cohorts. The MassRobotics Accelerator has a history of selecting successful companies, and new corporate partnerships will enable tailored corporate collaborations.
“The MassRobotics Accelerator has exposed us to more than 250 new startups developing amazing robots from across the globe. Our selected cohorts are truly best-in-class. We look forward to new partners and sponsors that will join us in finding the next group of robotics startups that will change the world,” said Tom Ryden, executive director of MassRobotics.
Edited by Puja Mitra, WTWH Media, for Control Engineering, from a MassRobotics news release.
