Residency

Frequently Asked Questions

• How much does The Engine's Residency program cost for Tough Tech companies?

  The Engine’s Residency program uses a monthly fee model that depends on the specific space, resources, and support a company requires. This fee covers access to shared labs, engineering and prototyping facilities, office space, specialized equipment, and operational support. Pricing is designed to remain accessible for early-stage Tough Tech companies while providing infrastructure that would otherwise be cost-prohibitive to build independently.

  Residency grants may be available to subsidize costs for teams with limited funding or between fundraising rounds. Material discounts are also offered to alumni of Blueprint by The Engine™, Whiteboard by The Engine™, and Activate. 

  Begin an application here to learn more about grant eligibility and pricing for your company.
  

• What are the eligibility requirements to qualify for The Engine’s Residency program?

  The Engine’s Residency program is open to early-stage Tough Tech companies developing breakthrough science and engineering innovations with strong market potential. Eligible applicants should be advancing solutions in sectors like climate tech, biotech, space tech, or advanced manufacturing. Selection is based on:

  • Potential for significant societal and environmental impact

  • Strength and expertise of the founding team

  • Novelty and feasibility of the technology

  • Alignment with The Engine’s facilities and mission

  If you are unsure whether your startup is the right fit, contact us to connect with our team.

  
  

• What are the different options for Residency at The Engine?

  The Engine offers flexible Residency options designed to support companies at different stages of growth. Startups can choose from tailored packages that include access to wet labs, prototyping labs, shared office space, and community resources. Residency agreements are structured to scale as teams expand and technical needs evolve.

  
  Explore the full list of Residency options here.

• Do I need to be funded by Engine Ventures to join The Engine's Residency program?

  No. Funding from Engine Ventures is not required to join The Engine’s Residency program. While some Resident companies are also Engine Ventures portfolio companies, many are not. Residency at The Engine is open to anyone in the Tough Tech community who needs wet lab, office, or fabrication space.

  Tough Tech is defined as transformational science and engineering that solves the world’s most important challenges. If you are unsure if this description fits your company, please fill out the Residency application form here, and we will reach out to you to discuss.
  

• Do I need to be affiliated with MIT to join The Engine’s Residency program?

  No, The Engine’s Residency program is open to Tough Tech companies from anywhere, with no MIT affiliation required. While The Engine was founded by MIT, it operates as an independent entity supporting startups from across the United States and internationally.

• What is the minimum Residency term for a company at The Engine?

  The Engine offers month-to-month contracts with no required minimum term. This gives the team the flexibility to scale on their own timeline. Many companies choose to remain in Residency for several years as they grow and expand their operations.
  

• What are The Engine’s hours of operation for Resident companies?

  The Engine’s facilities are open 24/7 for all Resident companies. Operational support staff, including the front desk, is staffed 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Monday through Friday to provide support, coordinate deliveries, and manage visitor access.

• Can Resident companies bring visitors into The Engine’s building?

  Yes. Resident companies can bring visitors to The Engine by following the visitor registration process. All visitors must check in at the front desk, comply with safety protocols, and be accompanied by their host while on site. Meeting space on the first floor is available to help minimize visitor traffic upstairs.

• Can I host an event at The Engine if I’m not a Resident?

  You do not need to be a Resident to rent the event space. If you are interested in hosting an event at The Engine, browse our available event spaces here
  

• Can international Tough Tech companies apply to The Engine’s Residency program?

  Yes. International Tough Tech companies are welcome to apply to The Engine’s Residency program. The Engine has supported teams from around the world, but participants are responsible for securing any necessary visas or work authorizations for their team members.

• Where is The Engine located and what transportation options are nearby?

  The Engine is located at 750 Main St. in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near MIT between Central Square and Kendall Square. The facility is accessible by public transit, including the MBTA Red Line, and is within walking distance of bus stops, bike-share stations, and parking options.

• What types of Tough Tech companies are best suited for The Engine’s Residency program?

  The Engine is best suited for early-stage Tough Tech companies developing breakthrough science and engineering solutions with high potential for social and environmental impact. Focus areas include energy, biotech, robotics, space, quantum computing, applied AI & ML, advanced manufacturing, food and agriculture, and advanced materials.

  
  For a full list of Tough Tech sectors and examples of Resident companies in each, see our Resident Companies page.

• Does The Engine offer mentorship or business support as part of Residency?

  Yes. The Engine provides Resident companies with access to a network of experts, mentors, investors, and partners across technical, business, and regulatory domains. Residents can also participate in programming such as monthly workshops, networking events, and courses like Management 101 and Government 101. Learn more about programming for Resident here.

• Can companies in The Engine’s Residency program access funding opportunities?

  Yes. While Residency itself does not include direct investment, Resident companies gain access to The Engine’s curated network of Tough Tech investors. The Engine also helps connect Resident companies to grant opportunities, corporate partnerships, and other capital sources to support their growth.
  

• Are there grants or financial assistance available to subsidize the costs of The Engine’s Residency program for companies with limited funding?

  Yes. The Engine offers Residency grants on an as-needed basis to help subsidize costs for teams with limited funding or those between fundraising rounds. Material discounts are also available to alumni of programs like Blueprint by The Engine™, Whiteboard by The Engine™, and partner initiatives such as Activate.

  Begin a residency application to see if your company qualifies for grant support.

• Does The Engine take equity in Resident companies?

  No, The Engine does not take an equity stake or form a business relationship with Residents.
  

• Does my company need to be based in Boston to join The Engine’s Residency program?

  No, companies do not need to be based in Boston to join The Engine’s Residency program. The Engine is headquartered in Cambridge MA, and Residents need to be on-site to use the specialized lab and fabrication facilities available there. However, many programs and networks extend beyond Boston, offering remote support and partnership opportunities.

  For companies that are not local to the Boston area or do not need physical lab access, The Engine offers a flexible Residency option that enables programming and ecosystem participation without being on-site.

  The Engine also supports the development of regional innovation ecosystems beyond Cambridge. The Builder Platform, powered by The Engine, is funded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) to support nine regional ecosystems across the U.S., expanding access to Tough Tech resources and networks nationwide.

  Learn more about The Builder Platform.

• Can I join The Engine’s Residency program if I’m still working out of a research lab?

  Yes. The Engine supports researchers who are ready to translate their scientific and engineering breakthroughs into a market-ready venture. Founders can access the resources available through The Engine’s Residency program while continuing to work in their research labs.

  To help early-stage teams move from the lab to the market, The Engine offers two programs:

  • Blueprint — an early-stage program designed to help graduate students, postdocs, researchers, and their teams explore the commercial potential for their breakthrough research and innovations.

  • Whiteboard — a program designed to help faculty members understand and navigate the process of translating academic research out of their labs into Tough Tech startups.

  Both programs provide mentorship, tailored resources, and access to infrastructure. To find the best fit, we encourage you to connect with our Residency Development Manager, Serena Dao.
  

• Can I join The Engine’s Residency program if I haven’t raised any funding?

  Yes. The Engine welcomes early-stage teams, including those that haven’t raised outside funding. While full Residency typically requires some financial backing (such as grants, venture capital, or personal funding), early teams can apply as flex residents to access programming, resources, and ecosystem connections without committing to full on-site Residency.

  Many Engine programs are designed to help founders secure grant opportunities and other non-dilutive capital, supporting teams as they begin their fundraising journey. The Engine also offers Residency grants on an as-needed basis to help subsidize costs for teams with limited funding or those between fundraising rounds

  Learn more about Residency options or begin a residency application to see if your company qualifies for grant support.