Notice of Funding Opportunity 2025-JAII-04 for the Regional Robotics Ecosystem Grant Program

The Massachusetts Technology Collaborative's Robotics Department, through its Innovation Institute, is issuing a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO No. 2025-JAII-04) for the Regional Robotics Ecosystem Grant Program, specifically targeting Worcester County and the broader Massachusetts region. The procurement seeks innovative project proposals designed to increase geographic and programmatic diversity within the state's robotics ecosystem, with three primary focus areas: sector expansion into new fields like textile manufacturing and assistive technology, regional distribution to grow existing robotics clusters, and fostering collaborative partnerships between educational institutions, industry, government, and local organizations. Eligible projects must demonstrate strategies to make robotics more accessible in underserved regions and expand robotics applications across new industry sectors. Applicants must address at least one of these interest areas and provide comprehensive plans for implementation. The NOFO was issued on February 3, 2025, with rolling deadlines for questions and applications, and all funded projects must be fully completed by December 31, 2026.

The grant opportunity is restricted to not-for-profit organizations, including economic development agencies, industry associations, and educational institutions, with an understanding that for-profit businesses can be key collaborators in proposals. While for-profit businesses cannot be direct grant recipients, their participation and commitment will be critically evaluated as essential proposal elements. Funding will be provided through American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, with individual awards ranging up to $150,000, though larger amounts may be considered for unique opportunities with significant potential impact. The program aims to support Massachusetts' current position as a national robotics innovation leader, which currently includes over 400 robotics companies and 70 dedicated research and development laboratories. Applicants must provide detailed budget documentation using the accompanying budget template, which includes guidelines for tracking project costs across four milestones and requires comprehensive expense documentation. All proposed costs must be incurred within the grant period, cannot be reimbursed by other sources, and will require program manager approval for any significant budget variances.