Research Infrastructure Program

Program Overview

The design of the Research Infrastructure program (formerly known as the Open or Competitive Capital Program) is to provide grants for capital projects that support the life sciences ecosystem in Massachusetts by enabling and supporting life sciences research and development in the Commonwealth.

Up to $10 million in capital dollars is available to support capital projects ranging from $1.5 – $5 million across the state for not-for-profit partners. Applicants will have to demonstrate how the requested infrastructure will benefit the entire life sciences ecosystem in Massachusetts.

The application period will run from Sept. 23 – Dec. 6, 2024 at 1 p.m. EST.

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Eligibility & Evaluation

Applicants must be a Massachusetts legally organized “not-for-profit” entity such as an academic/research institution, a hospital engaged in research, business incubator or accelerator, or other not-for-profit entity that would be eligible for capital funding from the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Institutions that are exclusively health care providers and/or requests for the purchase of equipment associated with standard healthcare would not be eligible for capital funding.

Eligible applicants must meet the following criteria:

      • Applicants must request funding for life sciences “infrastructure” defined as: “advanced and applied sciences that expand the understanding of human physiology and have the potential to lead to medical advances or therapeutic applications” according to the Massachusetts General Laws (MGL), chapter 23I, section 2.

      • The MLSC anticipates each award to provide $1.5 – $5 million in funds to the eligible applicant. The MLSC expects to invest up to $10 million through this Research Infrastructure Program.

      • The MLSC envisions recipients receiving a grant under this program identify and raise additional funds for the proposed project that leverages the MLSC funding. Applicants that have succeeded in attracting significant additional funds will benefit during the review process.

      • Applicants will have to demonstrate how the requested infrastructure will benefit the entire life sciences ecosystem in Massachusetts.

    Submission of applications must be via online. The MLSC staff will conduct an initial screening and then submit to experts for review. Applicants may receive invitations to present their proposals to address questions or provide clarification. The MLSC will provide final recommendations to its Board of Directors for approval.

    Please view the full list of eligibility requirements and evaluation process.

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    Resources

    Virtual Info Sessions

    Post-award deliverables, confidentiality, and general conditions

    Sample Application – Incubators or Accelerators

    Sample Application – Research Institutions or Academic Medical Centers

    • Please note that the submission system only allows one active application per grant program at a time for each user account. It is possible to have an active application across multiple programs, as well as submit applications for the same program sequentially.

    R.E.D.: Research Equipment Database

    D.A.T.A. (Databases, Algorithms, Tools, and Analyses) Repository

    Impact on the Ecosystem

    Massachusetts recognizes that investment in capital projects and infrastructure is required to create and sustain the attributes that make Massachusetts attractive to innovation clusters.  To date, the MLSC has awarded or committed more than $600 million to support capital research infrastructure projects across the state. 

    Learn more about the 2021, 2022, and 2023 Research Infrastructure awardees.

    Connect with Us to Learn More

    If you have any questions regarding the application process, e-mail: ResearchInfrastructure@masslifesciences.com.