Stage 2 Accelerator
Build What Matters. Where It Matters.
The Berkshire Innovation Center Accelerator supports early-stage, hard tech startups ready to move from prototype to product. Rooted in Western Massachusetts and designed for founders working at the intersection of engineering, manufacturing, and market readiness, the program is purpose-built for those building physical technologies—not just ideas.
We launched the Stage 2 Accelerator in 2022 to close a critical gap: helping technical teams with working prototypes gain the tools, expertise, and network needed to scale. Our goal isn’t to chase unicorns. It’s to support mission-driven startups solving real-world challenges.
This program is provided without cost to the selected startups and the BIC does not take any equity in the firms in exchange for the services provided.
Who It's For?
We work with startups that:
Have functional prototypes or proof-of-concept designs
Are developing physical or hybrid tech products (not just software)
Need access to advanced fabrication tools, design support, and manufacturing guidance
Value being part of a collaborative, engineering-forward community
What You Get
Equity-free support to reach key technical and business milestones
Design and prototyping assistance from our in-house team
Mentorship and advice from experienced founders, engineers, and operators
Connections to manufacturers, customers, and capital providers
A peer community of fellow founders, builders, and innovators
Complimentary seats in the upcoming cohorts of the Human Skills and STAT training programs
Dedicated working space at the BIC, if needed
Program Framework
Explore
Clarify value propositions, map the competitive landscape, and identify critical barriers to scale
Engage
Work hands-on with engineers, designers, and business advisors to refine your product and strategy
Execute
Pilot, test, and prepare for next-stage funding or manufacturing partnerships
Why Here?
Hard tech thrives on proximity—to machines, to mentors, and to manufacturing. The BIC offers all three, in a region where innovation isn't squeezed into a template. With support from Massachusetts’ broader innovation infrastructure, we’re making sure high-potential startups can launch and grow in places like Pittsfield—not just Boston.
The Stage 2 Accelerator is an immersive, in-person experience that connects you directly with the vibrant BIC community.
This hands-on program is designed to accelerate your startup’s growth by providing meaningful access to industry leaders, mentors, and fellow entrepreneurs who can support your journey. To ensure every participant gains the full benefit of these high-impact connections and collaborative opportunities, in-person engagement is not just encouraged—it’s expected. The tentative calendar of events is below.
Tuesday, September 16
Orientation. Meet the BIC team, get to know the other firms in your cohort, and learn more about the program.
Thursday, October 9
TEDx Berkshires
Tuesday, October 14
Catalyst Day #1
Tuesday, November 18
Catalyst Day #2
Thursday, December 11
BIC Holiday Party
Tuesday, January 20, 2026
Catalyst Day #3
Tuesday, March 17, 2026
Catalyst Day #4
Tuesday, May 19, 2026
S2A Showcase Day
Tuesday, June 16, 2026
After-Action Meeting
Press for Stage 2 Accelerator
Guidelines for Participation
Preference will be given to firms that meet the following:
01.
Hardware-Based
Sectors might include: Life Sciences, Medical Devices, Climate Technologies, Robotics & Automation, Aerospace and Defense, and Advanced Manufacturing, among others.
02.
Massachusetts-Based
03.
Committed Team
We are seeking ventures with more than one member that demonstrates a sustained commitment to the initiative.
04.
Prototyping Needs
We are seeking firms that can best leverage our prototyping capabilities.
05.
Incorporation
The company does not need to be legally established at the time of enrollment, but we are looking for the company to be on that path.
The Application
Those interested in participating in the program should submit a letter of interest and an accompanying slide deck. The deck should consist of no more than 10 slides, and include the following to the extent relevant:
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General details of the venture
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Problem definition
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Overview of the product and the market
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Summary of the innovation and the technology readiness level
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Funding track record and needs projections
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Applicable intellectual property
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Team description
The letter of interest should speak to the value you see in the program, the ways in which you see the Berkshire Innovation Center and the BIC network as able to help advance your venture, and your vision of where your firm will be at this time next year should you be selected to participate.
The letter of interest and slide deck must be submitted via email to ben@the-bic.org by August 1, 2025.
Selection Process & Application Criteria
We anticipate inviting five to six firms to participate in the 2025-2026 cohort. Applications are due on August 1, 2025. The selection committee will announce the startups invited to the Stage2 accelerator program on or before August 15, 2025.
The evaluation criteria used to select startups will include the following
Economic viability of the project and market opportunity
Technological advantage
Growth potential regionally and nationally
Potential positive impact on the local economy
Experience and engagement of the startup team
Presentation of the company plan
Applications will be kept confidential throughout the duration of the process.
The BIC Accelerator Program is made possible through the generous support of:
Foundation Partner
Presenting Sponsor
Community Sponsors
Meet the 2024-2025 Cohort
2023/2024 Cohort
MacFarlane Medical has developed a revolutionary wearable insulin delivery device that leverages proprietary technology to deliver insulin in a faster, more comfortable, and less resource dependent way than existing options.
Noble Carbon is seeking to revolutionize the way electricity grids are managed using their proprietary smart circuit breaker technology. Their solution allows them to provide a resolution of demand data that was previously unavailable to utilities and grid managers.
