MassChallenge Healthcare Challenge Program
Offers equity-free accelerator support for healthcare startups matched with corporate and academic collaborators across the United States.
The Healthcare Challenge Program is an annual 4-month equity-free cohort based in Boston, matching validated healthcare and life-sciences startups with corporate challenge-holders. Corporate partners (including Eli Lilly, MassMutual, MIT Lincoln Laboratory, and Altus Dental) define challenge statements; accepted startups are matched to a partner and co-develop solutions over the program period. Accepted companies attend four mandatory in-person Boston sessions (matchmaking, orientation, mid-programming, and the finale showcase) plus bi-weekly virtual check-ins. No equity is taken and there is no participation fee. The application window opens in late summer/early fall; the 2026 cycle deadline was November 5, 2025. FY2027 cycle expected late 2026.
Each grant below is a distinct funding opportunity with its own eligibility, scope, and deliverables.