WALTHAM, Mass. — The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) announced the launch of the 17th round of its Tax Incentive program today.
The MLSC’s Tax Incentive program plays a critical role in supporting Massachusetts’ robust life sciences ecosystem by supporting job creation at companies of all sizes looking to expand efforts in research and development, commercialization and manufacturing. The Mass Leads Act, the 2024 economic development bill signed by Governor Maura Healey, increased the statutory cap for the Tax incentive Program to $40 million and made targeted reforms to strengthen the program.
“The Healey-Driscoll Administration is focused on building an economy that is innovative, globally competitive, and beneficial for everyone,” said Economic Development Secretary and MLSC Board Chair Eric Paley. “Companies have choices about where to invest, and this initiative helps ensure they choose Massachusetts and continue to grow here.”
In the most recent program year, the MLSC awarded $40M in tax incentives to 48 companies. Since the program’s inception in 2009, the MLSC has awarded $382 million in tax incentives to 273 life sciences companies across Massachusetts, helping attract, retain, and grow companies of all sizes while supporting commitments to create more than 20,700 jobs.
“Now in its 17th round, the MLSC’s Tax Incentive program continues to support our life sciences ecosystem by helping companies invest, grow, and create quality jobs right here in Massachusetts,” said MLSC President and CEO Kirk Taylor, MD. “These targeted incentives support companies at every stage as they expand their presence and strengthen the Commonwealth’s position as the global leader in life sciences.”
Key program details include:
- Minimum base award of $18,000 per new job created.
- Potential premium awards per job for manufacturing jobs, smaller companies, companies in outlying counties, and companies new to the State
- Minimum number of net new jobs created during calendar year 2026 of 10
- Five if company has fewer than 50 FTEs or if company is located in an outlying county
- Companies must retain net new jobs for three years
- Companies must have at least 10 FTEs in Massachusetts on December 31, 2025.
The deadline to apply for this program is March 31, 2026, at 2 p.m. EST.
For interested companies, the MLSC offers info sessions on eligibility requirements, various tax incentives available, compliance and reporting requirements, application process overview and timeline for awards. Please register today for one of our info sessions:
- Jan. 22, 2026, at 12 p.m., virtual – register now
- Feb. 6, 2026, at 10:30 a.m., virtual – register now
- March 2, 2026, at 2 p.m., virtual – register now
- March 5, 2026, at 12:30 p.m. at MassBioHub – register now
Visit the MLSC’s Tax Incentive program page to learn more about this year’s round. For questions, please reach out to: TaxProgram@masslifesciences.com
About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is a quasi-public economic development and investment agency dedicated to supporting the growth and development of the life sciences in Massachusetts, home to the most verdant and productive life sciences ecosystem in the world. Through public-private funding initiatives, the MLSC supports innovation, research and development, commercialization, and manufacturing activities in the fields of biopharma, medical device, diagnostics and digital health. Since 2008, the MLSC has strategically deployed more than $1.1 billion in Massachusetts, through a combination of grants, loans, capital infrastructure investments, tax incentives and workforce development programs. These investments have created thousands of jobs and propelled the development of new therapies, devices and scientific advancements that are improving patient health and well-being in Massachusetts and beyond.
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