Key facts
- Type
- Competition
- Deadline
- 1/18/2027
In short
MassChallenge is a global network that accelerates high-impact, early-stage startups in various sectors, providing equity-free support, mentorship, and access to a vast network of partners, with programs offering cash prizes.
MassChallenge
CompetitionAccepting applications nowApply by 1/18/2027171 days left
5,000+
Startups Accelerated
$16B+
Follow-on Capital Raised
90,000
Direct Jobs Created
500+
Global Partners
No Equity Taken
Program Cost
Overview
MassChallenge is a global network for innovators that backs entrepreneurs with the grit to solve tough challenges across Healthcare & Life Sciences, Security & Resiliency, Sustainable Food Systems, Climate, and Global Financial Systems. Since 2009, MassChallenge has supported over 5,000 startups, helping them raise more than $16 billion in funding and create over 90,000 jobs worldwide. The organization provides startups with breakthrough access to corporates, customers, regulators, and funders. The accelerator programs are designed to provide founders with more than just capital; they offer access, insight, and relationships that unlock momentum. Through proven programs, MassChallenge connects founders with a formidable global network of experts, including founders, operators, researchers, and industry leaders, who offer real-world insight to sharpen roadmaps in technical, go-to-market, or team development. This high-impact access is delivered when it matters most to help startups move faster and go further. MassChallenge operates on a different-by-design model, focusing on equity-free support, meaning no equity is taken from participating startups. This model is sustained by philanthropic support and corporate collaborations, ensuring that opportunity remains open to founders from every background. The organization's blended funding model leverages philanthropic dollars to unlock pathways for systems-critical solutions to scale. Collaborators and partners play a crucial role in reshaping the systems founders rely on, from capital and policy to industry, especially where barriers are steepest. This collaborative ecosystem ensures founders have the necessary support to reach scale and bring their innovations to market, ultimately contributing to lasting social and economic value. MassChallenge is committed to building a connected global network that supports bold founders in solving humanity's toughest challenges.
Prizes
Diamond Winner
CHF 140,000
Platinum Winner
CHF 70,000
Gold Winner
CHF 20,000
Silver Winner
CHF 10,000
LDC Climate Resilience Prize
For innovative solutions to insulate farmers, agricultural businesses and wider supply chains from climate risks.
CHF 100,000
Fighting Malnutrition and Enhancing Food Security Prize
Part of the FAO World Food Forum Startup Innovation Awards 2025.
€10,000
One Young World Award
CHF 10,000
In-Kind Awards
12 hours of IP services from Reuteler & Cie; 12 hours of legal services from Kellerhals Carrard.
Varies
Grant
One-time grant funded by Zaffre, the investment arm of BCBSMA, for HEBA participants.
$50,000
Sustainable Food Challenge Travel Grant
To contribute towards travel to the MassChallenge Sustainable Food Challenge Day in Switzerland for selected startups.
CHF 1,000
Technology in Space Prize
Nondilutive funding for R&D on the ISS National Lab, with operational and science support, and use of ISS National Lab-allocated upmass, downmass, and crewtime (over $1M in-kind value).
Up to $500,000 annually
Key dates
- HEBA: Information Session #1November 3, 2025
- HEBA: Information Session #2November 6, 2025
- Sustainable Food Challenge: Applications for 2027 Challenge reopenSeptember 2026
- MassChallenge Switzerland & UK Accelerator 2026 Information Webinar 2February 25, 2026
- MassChallenge UK Accelerator 2026 – LaunchJune 23, 2026
- MassChallenge Sustainable Food Challenge DayJune 2026
- MassChallenge UK Awards 2026October 21, 2026
- MassChallenge Switzerland Awards 2026October 29, 2026
Eligibility
For the BCBS MA Health Equity Business Accelerator (HEBA): Startups must be incorporated and located in the US, and their business must aim to have a positive impact. Participation requires signing a participation and grant agreement with MassChallenge. For the Sustainable Food Challenge: Startups and scaleups are sought. They must have a product or idea at the prototype stage or with a working proof of concept backed by data (Technical Readiness Level 5). They should be a strategic fit with the corporate partners, be from seed to Series C+ funding stage, and have impactful, viable, and scalable ideas that benefit society, demonstrate traction, and can scale at various stages of food production. Startups from any geography are eligible, but partner corporations are headquartered in Europe, so physical collaboration would be mostly in Europe, and startups should be able to travel to Europe for discussions. The selection process will be carried out online. General MassChallenge programs accept any early-stage startup, in any industry, from anywhere in the world, with no equity taken.
How to enter
- For BCBS MA HEBA: If you have a MassChallenge Startup Profile, login, select your company, then select the 2026 BCBS MA HEBA Program.
- For BCBS MA HEBA: If you are new to MassChallenge, create your startup profile and apply.
- For Sustainable Food Challenge: Complete the application form, noting which specific partner(s) are a strategic fit for your solution. (Applications for the 2027 Challenge will reopen in September 2026 for the 2026 challenge).
- Attend one of the Virtual Information Sessions for the HEBA program on November 3, 2025 @ 12:30 PM EST or November 6, 2025 @ 10 AM EST.
Sponsors & partners
BAE SystemsBlue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts (BCBSMA)CitizensDeloitteEli LillyLyda Hill PhilanthropiesMassMutualSharkNinjaThe HartfordVerizonBühler GroupGivaudanMarsOmyadsm-firmenichLouis Dreyfus Company (LDC)Tate and LyleSIGZaffre (BCBSMA's investment arm)Center for the Advancement of Science in Space, Inc. (CASIS)BoeingSwiss Economic ForumInartis FoundationSüdzuckerIBMMicrosoftFidelity InvestmentsRichard and Susan Smith Family FoundationCommonwealth of MassachusettsDeshpande FoundationBoston FoundationCombined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater BostonAmerican AirlinesBoehringer IngelheimBoseEMCHenkeliNNpulsa ColombiaMass Tech CollaborativeMassachusetts Life Sciences CenterPfizerSmith & NephewThomson ReutersTurnstoneWGBH BostonZapopanJabilMassDevelopmentLightspeed ManufacturingINADEMSecretar de Desarrollo Econico CDMXFONDESOAeromicoGenteraPromotora Social MicoGreenberg TraurigJP Morgan Chase FoundationBCG The Boston ConsultingProctor & GambleLiberty MutualJohn HancockKauffman FoundationSENAOCP Entrepreneurship NetworkBiscay GovernmentPTCSwiss ReNestlIn Extenso SuisseEasyBee AIs’more works
Frequently asked questions
Answers below are best-effort estimates from the most recent application cycle. Values marked ~ or (est.) may shift year-to-year — confirm specifics on the official scholarship page.
What are the eligibility criteria for the Sustainable Food Challenge?
+
To have a product or idea at the prototype stage and be ready to scale up. Check more criteria on the Challenge page, in the 'ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA' section.
Do I need to incorporate in Switzerland for the Sustainable Food Challenge?
+
No. Your company doesn’t even have to be incorporated.
Will I have to come to Switzerland to follow the acceleration program for the Sustainable Food Challenge?
+
Yes, you will need to come to Switzerland for one day for the Final in June. MassChallenge allocates $1,000 to startups outside of Europe to contribute towards travel.
Is the Sustainable Food Challenge program free?
+
Yes. It's no-fee, no equity taken.
How much time does the Sustainable Food Challenge program take?
+
The duration varies based on the connections established with the corporates. You may participate in multiple demo days, deck reviews, and eventually, engage in 1:1 calls/meetings. For a detailed timeline, refer to the 'TIMELINE' section on the Challenge page.
I think I'm too early-stage for the Sustainable Food Challenge.
+
Our Sustainable Food Track, part of the 4-month early-stage Acceleration Program, is ideal for you. Applications will open in January. Stay tuned on our Swiss page or contact switzerland@masschallenge.org to be part of the mailing list.
Resources
- Apply to an Accelerator
- Work With Founders
- MassChallenge 2030 Vision
- Interest Form for Future Programs
- Contact for Programs
- Information Session #1 Registration (BCBS MA HEBA)
- Information Session #2 Registration (BCBS MA HEBA)
- MassChallenge Startup Profile Login
- MassChallenge Startup Profile Register
- BCBS MA Health Equity Report
- Apply to BCBS MA HEBA Now
- MassChallenge Switzerland Programs
- Sustainable Materials Challenge
- NoPalm and Bühler Case Study
- Floré and dsm-firmenich Case Study
- MassChallenge Switzerland & UK Accelerator 2026 Information Webinar 2 Registration
- MassChallenge Switzerland Awards 2026 Event Page
- MassChallenge UK Awards 2026 Event Page
- MassChallenge UK Accelerator 2026 – Launch Registration
- Technology in Space Prize Contact (Natalie Bossart)
- Technology in Space Prize Contact (Phillip Irace)