Massachusetts Next Generation Initiative
Awardees of the program will receive a year-long customized package of support, which includes non-dilutive grant funding, lab bench at a sponsoring incubator, and access to a network of seasoned professionals from the life sciences ecosystem helping them to refine their business strategies and effectively raise capital. In addition, awardees will highlight their company to sponsors, awardees, and representatives of venture capital firms at the end of the program year in a “showcase” event to promote relationship building.
The application period will run from March 17 - June 13, 2025 at 1 p.m. EST.
MassNextGen Expanded Applicant Pool
In addition to supporting female entrepreneurs, the MLSC welcomes applications from individuals identifying as:
- Arab American, Middle Eastern and North African American
- Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Native Hawaiian
- Black, African American, or Afro Caribbean
- Hispanic, Hispanic American, or Latinx/Latin
- Indigenous, Native American, or First Nation
- LGBTQIA+
- Living with apparent or non-apparent disability
- Neurodiverse
- Refugee, Immigrant, or Migrant
- Socially disadvantaged
- Veteran
This does not serve as an exhaustive list, as there are many others that would qualify for inclusion in MassNextGen.
Awardees & Coaches
Learn about the life science experts guiding the MassNextGen entrepreneurs.
Eligibility and Requirements
- The Company must be led by an underrepresented entrepreneur (“Applicant”) that identifies as: Arab American, Middle Eastern and North African American; Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Native Hawaiian; Black, African American, or Afro Caribbean; Female; Hispanic, Hispanic American, or Latinx/Latin; Indigenous, Native American, or First Nation; LGBTQIA+; Living with apparent or non-apparent disability; Neurodiverse; Refugee, Immigrant, or Migrant; Socially disadvantaged; Veteran or another underrepresented group in the CEO or equivalent position (e.g., President).
- The applicant Life Science company (“Company”) and Applicant must be located in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, registered to do business in Massachusetts, and have the majority of employees in the Commonwealth. A Certificate of Good Standing from the Massachusetts Secretary of State and Certificate of Good Standing from the Massachusetts Department of Revenue are required for the submission.
- The Applicant must be open to executive coaching, including receiving critique and feedback, and must commit to attending executive and business coaching sessions in MA throughout the year-long program.
How to Apply:
Applicants must first create an account in our application portal and submit an application.
Program Resources
Upcoming Info Sessions
Sponsors
Increasing the number of successful entrepreneurs is in the best interest of the entire life science industry, and as such, this initiative is a public-private partnership between the MLSC and our corporate sponsors.
In 2018, Takeda became MassNextGen’s Anchor Platinum Sponsor as the first private partner to invest in the program. Their leadership and unwavering support to foster a more inclusive and diverse ecosystem continues with their commitment for this next chapter of MassNextGen.
Change Sponsors
Learn more about the MassNextGen sponsors and how your company can join the movement.
Impact on the Ecosystem
In 2018, MassNextGen launched with one goal in mind, to shift the paradigm to build a diverse ecosystem with equal representation. With the support from sponsors like Takeda, King Street Properties, Sanofi, Johnson & Johnson Innovation, Mintz, Mission BioCapital, and LabCentral Ignite, MassNextGen launched as a five year commitment to ensure greater gender parity in the next generation of life science entrepreneurs.
In the first six years, the MLSC deployed more than $2.5 million in funding to women entrepreneurs and provided over 200 hours of coaching from the elite executive mentoring/coaching network.
Now with 35 companies in the MassNextGen portfolio, the MLSC funding combined with executive coaching and business mentorship have proven invaluable for these underrepresented entrepreneurs in building their teams and progressing forward with new opportunities. The program continues to see tremendous success from previous awardees, including:
have raised a seed or series A financing round
Companies employ
additional people
Companies raised nearly
in follow-on funding
from women led companies have been reviewed by sponsoring organizations
Over
coaching sessions
“MassNextGen is essential to this vision, providing up-and-coming entrepreneurs with the resources and mentorship needed to drive groundbreaking scientific advancements. By supporting these talented individuals today, we’re shaping a bright future for the life sciences industry for years to come.”
-Maura Healey
Governor of Massachusetts
“In our ongoing efforts to lengthen our lead in life sciences, we know that our greatest asset is our world-class talent. Initiatives such as MassNextGen showcase the collaborative nature of Team Massachusetts, driving equitable growth and groundbreaking advancements for our state and patients around the world.”
-Yvonne Hao
Secretary of Economic Development
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