MassChallenge

MassChallenge is a global nonprofit startup accelerator headquartered in Boston, Massachusetts, founded in 2009. It supports early-stage entrepreneurs from various industries, including technology, healthcare, and finance, by providing mentorship, resources, and networking opportunities. With locations in countries such as Israel, Mexico, Switzerland, and Texas, MassChallenge operates a non-equity model, allowing startups to retain full ownership while benefiting from expert guidance and connections. The accelerator conducts various programs tailored to specific sectors, such as MassChallenge HealthTech and MassChallenge FinTech, which facilitate partnerships between startups and established enterprises to drive innovation and market growth. Through its extensive global network, MassChallenge aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem and empower high-potential startups to create meaningful impact.

Cait Brumme

Acting CEO

Siobhan Dullea

CEO

Kiki Mills Johnston

Managing Director, Boston

Matt Lashmar

Managing Director

Camila Lecaros

Managing Director

Yonit Serkin

Managing Director

Devon Sherman

Founding Director, Head of MassChallenge FinTech

Michelle Williams

Vice President and Head of Texas Strategy

Past deals in Utilities

Solumar

Non Equity Assistance in 2024
Solumar specializes in advanced air and gas filtration technologies aimed at reducing emissions from heavy industries, including city councils, maritime operations, and oil and gas companies. The company’s innovative approach incorporates seawater and principles from aviation to effectively capture black carbon and greenhouse gas emissions. By focusing on efficiency and sustainability, Solumar assists its clients in complying with the Agenda 2050 goals for emission reduction while offering cost-effective solutions for managing air pollution.

Climatenza

Grant in 2023
CLIMATENZA is a solar thermal company that applies innovative technology solutions for sustainability in energy. Its technology provides high-value energy to utilities and heat for Industrial applications. The company develops and applies technologies to generate electricity from the sun, operating to limit climate change and to develop local communities using concentrating solar thermal technologies. CLIMATENZA was founded on 2018 and is headquartered in Santiago, Chile.

GO TO-U

Non Equity Assistance in 2021
To-U is a software platform focused on managing and monetizing electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure. It offers a user-friendly experience that allows EV drivers to reserve charging stations in advance, enhancing convenience and confidence in the charging process. The platform not only facilitates access to charging but also integrates additional services and amenities for users while they charge their vehicles. By increasing foot traffic to charging locations, To-U helps environmentally responsible businesses reduce customer acquisition costs while simultaneously improving customer satisfaction and loyalty. This innovative approach positions To-U as a leader in the EV charging management sector, promoting a seamless and efficient charging experience.

Posh

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Posh is a conversational AI and NLP technology development company that enables developers to deliver a new way to interact with users. With Posh, website actions that takes minutes to complete can be sped up to just seconds with a simple message from bots. Companies in finanical services, healthcare, utilities, and beyond are using the Posh platform to re-create call centers and automate routine requests for both customers and staff while saving time and money. The company wants to make the internet experience easier and more enjoyable. Posh was launched on 2015 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Quempin SpA

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
We break down barriers faced when changing from polluting fuel sources to cleaner alternatives by providing innovative combustion technology for heat transfer in ovens. QUEMPIN offers an efficient and low emissions gas burner for the heat sector that can reduce gas fuel consumption by at least 20%. For companies that use coal or firewood, we can offer our heat solution without investment costs. As a result, we help with the switching cost from dirty fuels to clean energy and economically viable.

Spacept

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
Spacept uses artificial intelligence to analyze satellite images to protect infrastructure and prevent power outages and fires sparked by falling trees and storms. Their solution saves lives and reduce carbon dioxide emissions. The company was founded in 2019 and is headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden with offices in New York and Oslo.

ALP Technologies

Non Equity Assistance in 2020
ALP Technologies is a renewable energy engineering start-up from London. It focuses on developing renewable energy technologies for the developing world. Since founding in 2015, it has won multiple awards and funded research and development projects such as advanced battery systems on recycled cells, novel biogas generation, and power electronic and control systems. Its small-scale power plant for developing regions uses solar, bio-ethanol, and agricultural waste to generate uninterrupted electricity. It aims to displace diesel generation and fossil fuel based power plants and leapfrog grid infrastructure in the developing world.

Posh

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Posh is a conversational AI and NLP technology development company that enables developers to deliver a new way to interact with users. With Posh, website actions that takes minutes to complete can be sped up to just seconds with a simple message from bots. Companies in finanical services, healthcare, utilities, and beyond are using the Posh platform to re-create call centers and automate routine requests for both customers and staff while saving time and money. The company wants to make the internet experience easier and more enjoyable. Posh was launched on 2015 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.

Liquid Logical

Grant in 2019
Liquid Logical specializes in a patented heating technology that instantly brings water to its boiling point without the need for storage tanks. This innovative device provides a continuous supply of boiling water on demand, making it suitable for integration into various everyday applications, including kitchens, fridge doors, kitchen worktops, and commercial coffee machines. The technology presents scalable opportunities for consumers and businesses alike while contributing positively to global water-saving initiatives.

Posh

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Posh is a conversational AI and NLP technology development company that enables developers to deliver a new way to interact with users. With Posh, website actions that takes minutes to complete can be sped up to just seconds with a simple message from bots. Companies in finanical services, healthcare, utilities, and beyond are using the Posh platform to re-create call centers and automate routine requests for both customers and staff while saving time and money. The company wants to make the internet experience easier and more enjoyable. Posh was launched on 2015 and is based in Boston, Massachusetts.

CPLANTAE

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
CPlantae is a water solution company. They provide services that include vermifiltration, domestic wastewater systems, ecotechnologies, and consulting. Their customers' inquiries are addressed through phone, email, and online applications.

Camberline Technologies

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
Camberline Technologies is a company that specializes in a sensor-driven platform designed to monitor electricity usage and promote energy conservation. The platform provides billing-ready data that integrates with existing billing systems, facilitating efficient energy management. By delivering actionable insights, Camberline encourages consumers to adopt more sustainable electricity usage habits, often through attractive incentives. This approach not only supports individual energy conservation efforts but also contributes to broader community sustainability goals.

DrizzleX

Non Equity Assistance in 2019
DrizzleX Ltd develops an innovative water metering solution aimed at promoting water conservation in residential buildings lacking individual apartment meters. The company offers a platform that combines IoT micrometers with a software-as-a-service dashboard, providing real-time data on water usage. This system allows property managers and tenants to monitor consumption patterns, identify leaks, and encourage responsible water usage, ultimately leading to reductions in water bills by 20-40% or more. By empowering tenants to take control of their water consumption and offering property owners tools to manage expenses effectively, DrizzleX supports both economic and environmental sustainability. Founded in 2017 and based in Jerusalem, Israel, the company has expanded its installations across several states, including California, Nevada, Arizona, and New York.

Infinite Cooling

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Infinite Cooling Inc. specializes in water recovery systems designed for power plants and other industrial facilities. Founded in 2017 and based in Massachusetts, the company focuses on mitigating water scarcity by employing innovative technology that utilizes high-voltage electric fields to capture and recycle water evaporating from cooling towers. This approach allows power plants, data centers, and factories to significantly reduce water consumption and treatment costs, thereby promoting more sustainable operations. Through its efforts in wastewater management and recycling, Infinite Cooling aims to address environmental challenges related to water waste in industrial processes.

Watchtower Robotics

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Developer of a leakage detecting technology designed to reduce water break and infrastructure damage loss. The company's technology is used to detect leaks early and accurately in water distribution pipes without interrupting the water service, enabling users to take precautionary steps before water leakage.

GLOBAL WATER LABS

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Global Water Labs provides technical assistance to current water providers looking for possibilities for community-scale defluoridation. Their assistance assists water providers in setting up a supply chain and distribution system to handle nearby bauxite, assess the quality of the groundwater, and make sure fluoride levels in treated water stay below the desired WHO-MCL.

Yotta Energy

Non Equity Assistance in 2018
Yotta Energy Inc. specializes in manufacturing innovative solar storage solutions, primarily through its flagship product, the SolarLEAF. This modular battery storage device integrates seamlessly with photovoltaic (PV) panels, offering passive thermal regulation to enhance efficiency. The SolarLEAF is designed to minimize the soft costs associated with the design, installation, and maintenance of energy storage systems, making it a cost-effective alternative to traditional centralized solutions. Additionally, Yotta Energy provides SolarPLEXUS, a gateway that enables the automated management and optimization of individual SolarLEAF units. The company also offers a software platform that aggregates energy potential from various systems, aiding utilities in grid management and helping system owners optimize their power usage and reduce costs. Founded in 2016 and based in Austin, Texas, Yotta Energy aims to enhance energy control and resilience through its innovative technologies.

Ilumexico

Grant in 2017
ILUMÉXICO is a B-Corporation whose mission is to catalyze grow through solar energy in the most remote communities of Mexico.It is a social enterprise that promotes development through rural electrification to communities with high and very high marginalization in Mexico. They uspromote access to energy through microfinance schemes, long-term service and training in the use and maintenance of technology. Also believe that energy is a platform to foster development, promote building programs and workshops on various topics such as community organization, gender equity and financial inclusion.

OffGridBox

Grant in 2017
OffGridBox is a modular and compact unit that provides renewable energy and clean water in remote areas and developing countries. Their OffGridBox™, an all-in-one system, fits entirely inside a 6x6x6 feet shipping container and is equipped with all the hardware needed to produce electricity and clean water. This innovative technology is a solution for more than 2 billion people worldwide that need energy and clean water on a daily basis. One unit potentially managed by a local women co-op in a Rwandese village can impact up to 300 families (circa 1500 people) providing Tier 1 electricity and sterilized water. They deployed 38 units in 9 Countries (Italy, South Africa, Rwanda, Nigeria, Philippines, Madagascar, US and Colombia) for different segments: humanitarian, household retail, service to industry. These units have operated more than 400,000 working hours.

The Energy Audit

Grant in 2017
The Energy Audit is a reference point and provides practical support for all professionals dealing with energy efficiency: energy managers, energy consultants, ESCOs, utility providers and government institutions.

Gaszen

Non Equity Assistance in 2016
Gaszen is a company focused on enhancing energy consumption experiences by providing an Internet of Things (IoT) gas management platform specifically for propane users. Serving a global market of approximately 3 billion people who rely on propane for cooking, heating, and hot water, Gaszen targets Mexico, the largest per capita consumer of propane in the Americas. The propane industry in Mexico represents a market worth around 8 billion. The company offers a device that connects stationary propane tanks to the internet, allowing for real-time monitoring of gas levels and consumption patterns. This platform facilitates connections between residential users, small and medium-sized businesses, gas suppliers, and dispatchers. It includes a user application for consumers, a control dashboard for businesses, and a management dashboard for gas suppliers. By replacing traditional analog meters with wireless sensors, Gaszen aims to provide transparency in propane consumption, helping users manage their energy use effectively and economically.

Gaszen

Seed Round in 2016
Gaszen is a company focused on enhancing energy consumption experiences by providing an Internet of Things (IoT) gas management platform specifically for propane users. Serving a global market of approximately 3 billion people who rely on propane for cooking, heating, and hot water, Gaszen targets Mexico, the largest per capita consumer of propane in the Americas. The propane industry in Mexico represents a market worth around 8 billion. The company offers a device that connects stationary propane tanks to the internet, allowing for real-time monitoring of gas levels and consumption patterns. This platform facilitates connections between residential users, small and medium-sized businesses, gas suppliers, and dispatchers. It includes a user application for consumers, a control dashboard for businesses, and a management dashboard for gas suppliers. By replacing traditional analog meters with wireless sensors, Gaszen aims to provide transparency in propane consumption, helping users manage their energy use effectively and economically.

UnDosTres

Non Equity Assistance in 2016
UnDosTres is transforming the consumer payments landscape in Mexico with its innovative online payment platform that provides secure and reliable payment alternatives. The platform enables users to make payments for a wide range of services, including mobile and DTH recharges, electricity and water bills, movie tickets, and other utility expenses. By allowing payments through credit and debit cards, bank transfers, and digital wallets, UnDosTres streamlines online transactions, making it easier for Mexicans to manage their financial obligations. As one of the fastest-growing startups in the country, UnDosTres has garnered recognition as the Best Fintech Startup in Emerging Markets, underscoring its significant impact on the payments sector.

Ubuntu Power

Grant in 2016
Ubuntu Power focuses on enhancing the quality of life for millions of Sub-Saharan Africans who lack access to electricity, internet, and water. The company provides solar power and mobile services specifically designed for off-grid communities. By offering free solar energy and unrestricted internet access, Ubuntu Power aims to deliver clean and affordable electricity while increasing access to information for underserved populations.

Oorja Development Solutions

Grant in 2016
Oorja Development Solutions aims to provide clean energy access to 450 million un/underelectrified people in rural Indian communities. It deploy smart micro-grids powered by biomass gasification and solar PV systems to generate, store and transmit reliable and affordable electricity to SMEs as anchor load and low-income households. It uses a scalable community-owned business model to leverage energy provision as a catalyst for socio-economic development to alleviate poverty, empower women and tackle climate change.

Empowerment Solar

Grant in 2016
Empowerment Solar fosters energy independence and economic prosperity across the Middle East by supplying affordable and easy access to reliable and clean solar electricity. They design and install distributed solar electricity systems for Palestinian businesses in the West Bank, eventually expanding across the region. They save Palestinian firms (who pay 70% more than Americans for electricity) 1,000s of dollars annually and eliminate electricity-shortage constraints plaguing West Bank companies.

Surge Hydro

Grant in 2016
Surge Hydro is dedicated to modernizing hydroelectric facilities and enhancing their energy production capabilities. The company specializes in designing and manufacturing modular hydroelectric systems aimed at electrifying non-electricity-generating dams, of which there are over 80,000 in the United States. By implementing innovative technologies, Surge Hydro seeks to create independent sustainable grid networks that minimize transmission losses and empower communities to manage their own energy consumption and production. Their commitment to clean energy aligns with the growing demand for renewable energy infrastructure, positioning hydropower as a key component of future energy solutions. Surge Hydro aims to reduce operational costs through efficient and safe practices, ensuring reliable, sustainable, and renewable energy for the evolving needs of society.

Catalyst for World Water

Grant in 2016
CWW is committed to catalyzing clean energy solutions to one of the world’s most critical water challenges: the global water crisis. CWW technology involves a photocatalytic composite that harnesses solar energy. When sunlight strikes the photocatalyst, reactive oxygen species are created. These reactive oxygen species degrade organics, and inactivate bacteria, viruses and protozoa. By harnessing solar energy, the cleanest and most abundant renewable energy source, and utilizing an inexpensive catalyst that can be reused, CWW technology helps accelerate progress towards a sustainable water future. CWW has the potential to revolutionize the water industry, and save millions of lives across the world.

Open Energy Market

Grant in 2015
Open Energy Market employs technology and expertise to create a commercial marketplace with a focus on energy buying and management. It helps energy buyers navigate a rapidly evolving industry, giving them greater control, insight, and power to build and shape lasting energy strategies. The company was founded in 2012 and is headquartered in Guildford, Surrey.

CityTaps

Grant in 2015
CityTaps has created an innovative solution to improve access to water for urban populations in developing countries. The company offers a prepayment service that includes a smart and prepaid water meter alongside billing software, designed to empower water utilities to achieve financial independence. This enables them to invest in infrastructure that provides at-home water service, particularly for the poorest residents who lack access to running water. Beneficiaries can conveniently use mobile money to prepay for water, allowing them to manage their household budgets more effectively. The availability of running water in homes is not only more affordable but also enhances health and quality of life. CityTaps' approach has the potential to significantly uplift the lives of millions who currently do not have access to essential water services.

FuelDrop

Grant in 2015
FuelDrop, is an up and coming start-up that formed out of MIT in the greater Boston area. For anyone living in a major city, filling up your car with gasoline can be a real pain. Limited gas stations coupled with high gas prices results in an experience that is dreaded by all. At fueldrop they ask ourselves, why are they still using this archaic method of getting gas? Why do they have thousands of cars driving to one gas station... what if the gas just came straight to your car? The team at fueldrop is creating a fuel delivery service so you will never have to go to a gas station again.

Aquafresco

Grant in 2015
AquaFresco is transforming the cleaning industry with its innovative wastewater recycling system. Founded by a team that emerged from the MIT MADMEC competition in 2014, the company has advanced its technology from laboratory research to commercial application. Currently, AquaFresco's system is being tested in three pilot hotels and three commercial laundry facilities, with the potential to reduce water and detergent usage by up to 95%. The company holds full ownership of its intellectual property and has gained recognition in the community, winning the MassChallenge Gold Award in 2015 and receiving funding from MassCEC in 2016. AquaFresco is focused on completing product development and pilot testing in the near future.

Blackburn Energy

Non Equity Assistance in 2015
Blackburn Energy, Inc. specializes in renewable energy solutions for the commercial trucking industry through its innovative product, RelGen. This technology harnesses kinetic energy from a truck's drive shaft, converting it into electricity via a custom alternator. The generated power is stored in a battery array, enabling it to supply energy to various truck subsystems including liftgates, electric auxiliary power units (APUs), and sensors for driver-assist and autonomous features. Blackburn Energy's solutions aim to reduce reliance on engine idling, thus cutting fuel and maintenance costs while minimizing carbon emissions. The company's products are particularly beneficial for long-haul drivers, providing essential power for climate control and operational needs during rest periods. Blackburn Energy was founded in 2008 and is headquartered in Amesbury, Massachusetts.

Advizzo

Non Equity Assistance in 2015
We want to use behavioural science to enrich people’s lives, using insights from their own household data. This will change the way people think about water, gas and electricity across the world, preserving natural resources.

Loci Controls

Seed Round in 2014
Loci Controls, Inc. specializes in the development and commercialization of an automated landfill gas collection system. The company offers Loci WellWatcher, a system featuring wellhead-mounted hardware and cloud-based monitoring and analytics that optimize methane extraction from landfills. By providing real-time monitoring of gas composition, pressure, temperature, and flow, Loci Controls has demonstrated the capability to enhance gas collection efficiency by over 20%, while also improving safety and reducing operational costs for landfill operators and energy utility customers in the United States. The company combines innovative sensor technology, continuous monitoring, advanced algorithms, and field service support to increase profitability and mitigate environmental, health, and safety risks. Founded in 2012 and based in Fall River, Massachusetts, Loci Controls is committed to advancing technology for the effective management of landfill gas resources.

RainBank

Grant in 2012
RainBank’s uniquely qualified team has a long history of working with technologies and funding strategies in the water sector. This background has enabled to team to develop a revolutionary technology that will transform the stormwater management industry.

Electric Pipeline Corporation

Grant in 2011
Electric Pipeline Corporation has invented and is developing polymer insulated electric pipelines "elpipes" for transmission of 3-30 GW through a pair of underground HVDC lines. Elpipes fit inside a pipeline that is similar to a gas pipeline, or they may be installed at the surface on conventional or narrow gauge railroad tracks. The train like features of elpipes make them convenient to install and convenient to repair.

Emergent Energy

Grant in 2010
Emergent Energy provides renewable energy and energy efficient solutions and consulting services using state-of-the-art technologies and methodologies. Founded on the belief that our energy systems should be healthier, cleaner, more efficient and more reliable, this company strives to make a positive contribution to the development of South Africa’s energy sector in ways that will sustain the natural environment. The team at Emergent Energy has extensive local and international experience in the renewable energy and broader energy sectors, offering expertise in grid-tied and off-grid renewable energy systems, sustainable building design, industrial and commercial energy efficiency, and international and local renewable energy policy. Emergent Energy’s service offering includes tailored solar PV solutions for commercial and industrial clients, green building services, Energy Heat Pump installations, and resource assessment.
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