A Residency Grant for Early-Stage Tough Tech Startups
The Engine is proud to partner with Shell to launch a unique opportunity for early-stage Tough Tech startups: The Ignition Pass.
In collaboration with Shell, a leader in the future of energy, The Engine will jointly select a startup whose innovation aligns with strategic energy priorities, offering you a powerful platform to advance your technology. One selected startup will receive business support, expert mentorship, and funding for a full year of Residency at The Engine's headquarters.
If your startup is ready to shape the future of energy with world-class resources and tailored support, The Ignition Pass could be the catalyst for your next stage of growth.
The award is open to early-stageTough Tech
Tough Tech
Tough Tech is transformational technology that solves the world’s most important challenges through the convergence of breakthrough science, engineering, and entrepreneurship.
startups that are solving the world’s most urgent challenges.
Technology Areas of Interest
New forms of energy generation, storage, and transmission
Novel materials for energy system applications
Advanced Materials (including carbon materials)
Material recovery (excluding plastics)
Electrification
Carbon removal and capture
Low-carbon gases and fuels
Autonomous systems and robotics
Sustainable infrastructure including water systems & transportation networks
Natural resources
Eligibility Requirements include:
Startups must demonstrate innovative research and impact aligned with The Engine's Tough Tech mission and the convergence of breakthrough science and engineering.
Startups must show commitment to utilizing and leveraging The Engine’s facilities to accelerate their research and commercialization efforts.
While startups are not required to be founded in the Boston area, they must be registered in the United States.
Must not have raised more than $10 million of capital (excluding non-dilutive funding) or have trailing 12-month revenue of more than $3 million.
Early-stage Tough Tech companies developing physical technologies in the technology areas mentioned above.
Clear need for specialized lab/engineering facilities.
Commitment to developing breakthrough solutions for global challenges.
“This Shell-sponsored Ignition Pass is designed to surface high-potential energy technologies at the earliest stages of development. It showcases the power of open innovation and enables Shell to engage directly with visionary founders at The Engine working on solutions that could help shape the future of energy.”
Ajay MehtaVice President of Research and Innovation, Shell
Applications will be reviewed after the application deadline. Interested companies can submit their application here.
The Ignition Pass award value varies based on team size and is designed to cover the cost of access to BSL2 lab benches, engineering benches, high bay fabrication floor space, more than 1,000 pieces of shared lab equipment, and customized infrastructure support at The Engine.
The Ignition Pass is for early-stage startup teams with an immediate need to develop or commercialize their technology that require specialized facilities. Residency at The Engine must begin within the year the award is granted.
No. The Ignition Pass is specifically designed for companies requiring lab or engineering space for physical technology development.
The Ignition Pass covers the full cost of residency at The Engine for one year. This includes access to space, standard facilities, shared equipment, basic supplies, and the services provided as part of your residency. It is not awarded as cash, and it does not extend to external purchases of equipment or supplies outside of The Engine.
