URL: https://www.masslifesciences.com/funding-programs/

NOTE: MLSC has not yet announced all anticipated grant programs for 2026. The internal call for interest is announced in anticipation to allow prospective applicants sufficient time to prepare their materials. All information in this announcement is subject to change.

Description

MLSC is accepting applications for its 2027 funding programs to support innovation, research, and health equity in the life sciences ecosystem.

Currently Open

  • Accelerating Research through Collaboration (ARC) Awards: supports partnerships between MA research institutions and life sciences companies and provides funding to a newly hired postdoctoral researcher. Combines Bits to Bytes, Novel Therapeutics Delivery, and Women’s Health Collaboration programs into a single funding opportunity.
  • Research Infrastructure: Grants for capital projects that catalyze the life sciences ecosystem by accelerating life sciences research and development in the Commonwealth. The MLSC has the Research Equipment Database (R.E.D.), which catalogs infrastructure awards made since the program’s inception.

Yet To Be Announced/Renewed

  • Women’s Health Initiative: Supports projects in women’s health in the area of pregnancy-induced hypertension and perimenopause/menopause.

Funding Information

Currently Open

  • ARC Awards: ~$750,000
  • Research Infrastructure: $1.5 million –$5 million

Yet To Be Announced/Renewed

  • Women’s Health Initiative: $500,000

MLSC Information Sessions

Additional Support

The ARC Awards program requires an industry partner. Applicants interested in these programs will be connected with the Office of Corporate Research & Contracting for support identifying an industry partner.

All proposals must be submitted to Sponsored Programs per their proposal submission policy and well in advance of the submission deadline date.

Internal Selection Process

There are no limits on the number of applications BU can submit. However, MLSC discourages overlapping proposals. This internal call is to identify any areas of overlap and connect applicants with units who can support their submission.

Interested applicants should submit a short form via InfoReady Review by: 9/23/2026

  • Identify which grant program you intend to apply for
  • For the Research Infrastructure and Equipment Grant: provide an abstract (250 words max) describing their intended equipment purchase

Deadlines

Internal Expression of Interest Due: Wednesday, September 23, 2026 by 11:59 pm ET

Anticipated Notification Date: Monday, September 28, 2026

External Materials Due: Friday, November 6, 2026

Information For...