The programme currently has 90 start-ups from different industries, from across the world. At the conclusion of the programme, MassChallenge awards funds in no-equity, non-dilutive grants to those start-ups demonstrating the highest impact and highest potential.

MassChallenge UK does not take equity from the startups it supports. Teams within the accelerator are eligible to compete for shares in cash to be awarded at the end of the programme.

Start-ups are chosen in two rounds of judging. Round one takes place online and each start up that applies receives written feedback from three or more judges. The start-ups that are invited to Round two have the chance to pitch in person in front of a panel of judges. The best high-impact and high-potential start-ups are then invited to participate as finalists.

To compete for shares of the £500,000 in equity free cash, finalist start-ups participating in the programme apply and pitch again during pre-final and final judging. The field is narrowed down to the top 26 and then from those between 10 and 20 start-ups are awarded shares of the no-equity cash prizes of either £25,000 or £50,000.

MassChallenge UK specialises in helping early-stage companies in the UK. This is defined as those having raised less than £300,000 of investment, and having less than £600,000 in annual revenue. MassChallenge is an industry-agnostic accelerator. It has companies in its current cohort in everything from fintech to social impact to clean tech. Any start-up at any stage (even idea- stage) can apply to MassChallenge. To qualify, the company must be a seed- or early-stage start up.

The sponsor is looking for ‘high impact’ and ‘high potential’. Impact can be defined in terms of a profitable, social, creative, scientific or other nature, but they must also be high potential – eg they can actually effect those visions.

Applications for MassChallenge UK's 2016 programme open 19 May 2016. The application deadline will be 29 June 2016.


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