Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC): The mission of the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), a quasi-economic development agency established in 2009, is to accelerate the growth of clean energy technologies, drive innovation, and strengthen the local economy. MassCEC supports the commercialization of clean energy technologies through several grant programs and the 2030 investment. The core pillars of MassCEC are:
1. De-risking technologies through climate-tech innovation and investment
2. De-risking markets in clean transportation and a net-zero electric grid
3. Supporting industry to develop large-scale Offshore Wind projects
4. Growing the state’s clean energy workforce through immersive internships and training
Eligible startups receive grants ranging from $15,000 to $350,000. Many of the funded startups are members of Greentown Labs or The Engine. Notably, Massachusetts exploits the innovation fostered locally to drive realization of its own clean energy transition, by being the first in the nation to launch an Office of Energy Transition for the state under the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs.
Regional Connectivity: Boston’s innovation ecosystem thrives on its interconnectedness with other prominent hubs, including New York City, ranked #2 in the 2023 Global Startup Ecosystem Report, and the Toronto-Waterloo Corridor, where the MaRS Innovation District hosts over 12,000 startups in AI, life sciences and transformative technologies. These cross-regional connections position Massachusetts to lead the way in decarbonizing industries and building a low-carbon future.
Where to find this article: www.asiafocus.biz/startups
About the Author
Steven Thomas is a senior sales executive with 25 years of in-field experience leading companies in enterprise software and energy across Japan and Asia-Pacific. He has served as Sales Director in Japan for venture-backed, high-growth software companies from startup to post-IPO, including Bladelogic (BMC Software), Object Design (Progress Software), Blackboard (BBBB) and Renewable Energy Group.
Currently, Steven leads Asia Focus G.K., a climate tech advisory company that helps energy-intensive companies decarbonize through cutting-edge technologies. He holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering & Computer Science from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and an Executive MBA from Boston University.
