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Stage 2 Accelerator

Now Accepting Applications for the 2025 – 2026 Cohort.

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: 

  • General details of the venture

  • Problem definition

  • Overview of the product and the market

  • Summary of the innovation and the technology readiness level

  • Funding track record and needs projections

  • Applicable intellectual property

  • 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

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Presenting Sponsor

Community Sponsors

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Meet the 2024-2025 Cohort

2023/2024 Cohort 

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eSki is a Masschusetts based, blind-owned startup looking to revolutionize the personal watercraft market.  Their mission is simple - to bring the first electric powered personal watercraft to market with features you have been waiting for.

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Fibrocor Therapeutics is a biotech startup specializing in early-stage treatments for fibrotic diseases, bringing potentially life-changing therapies to patients with few existing options.

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.

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PathogenX develops, manufacturers, and distributes proprietary technology designed to transform the process of medical waste management.  The company's stand-alone onsite device transforms medical waste into a harmless, solid block, allowing for disposal in the common trash.

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.

SQE Holdings is the first quantum secure, decentralized blockchain-based platform for industrial, commercial, and general public consumption, powered by patent-pending Simulated Quantum Entanglement.

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