The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center (MLSC) is launching the latest rounds of the Accelerating Research through Collaboration (ARC) Awards and Research Infrastructure program, two initiatives designed to accelerate scientific discovery, strengthen research capacity, and support the continued growth of Massachusetts’ life sciences ecosystem.
The ARC Awards support partnerships between Massachusetts nonprofit research institutions and life sciences companies to advance promising discoveries toward commercialization. Building upon the success of the MLSC’s Bits to Bytes, Novel Therapeutics Delivery, and Women’s Health Collaboration programs, ARC brings these initiatives together under a single funding opportunity supporting innovative research projects across all areas of the life sciences that address important scientific, technical, and product development challenges.
The program invests capital funding in equipment, datasets, software, research resources, and other capital assets at Massachusetts nonprofit institutions to support collaborative translational research projects. By pairing these investments with the hiring of a postdoctoral researcher who will gain experience across both academic and industry settings, ARC advances technologies, therapies, diagnostics, devices, and data-driven solutions while strengthening workforce development opportunities and helping address unmet patient needs throughout the Commonwealth. Learn more.
At the same time, Research Infrastructure will continue supporting the shared scientific resources that enable groundbreaking research across Massachusetts. Through investments in advanced research equipment and other shared infrastructure, the program expands access to cutting-edge technologies, fosters collaboration, and helps institutions build the capabilities needed to accelerate scientific discovery and drive economic growth. Learn more.
Research Infrastructure consists of three topic areas that applicants may apply for:
- Shared Core Facility Resource
- Incubator/Accelerator
- Clinical Trial Resource
The application period for both the ARC Awards and Research Infrastructure will run from Aug. 17 through Nov. 6, 2026, at 1 p.m. EST.
For potential applicants interested in learning more, the MLSC will host several information sessions in advance of the application deadline. Register today for an upcoming info session:
- Sept. 18, 2026, at 2 p.m. EST, virtual – register
- Sept. 28, 2026, at 10 a.m. EST, virtual – register
- Oct. 19, 2026, at 2 p.m. EST, virtual – register
For questions regarding the ARC Awards, please contact: mlscindustryprograms@masslifesciences.com.
For questions regarding Research Infrastructure, please contact: ResearchInfrastructure@masslifesciences.com.
Visit the MLSC’s ARC Awards and Research Infrastructure program pages to learn more.
