Support

Together, we can launch transformative tech out of the lab and into the world

The Engine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built by MIT to support Tough Tech companies tackling the world’s greatest challenges in human health, climate, and infrastructure. We rely on the generosity of our supporters to provide the essential infrastructure, programming, and a powerful ecosystem that empowers Tough Tech companies to translate research into transformative real-world technologies.

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Opportunities to engage

Sponsor teams building scalable, high-impact solutions to global challenges

The Ignition Pass fills a critical gap for Tough Tech startups, providing access to critical infrastructure, advisory services, and network connections before they secure significant funding. Your support helps subsidize residency costs for selected teams, unlocking access to The Engine’s purpose-built facilities, mentorship programs, and Tough Tech community to de-risk and scale their technology.

GET INVOLVED

Benefits of supporting The Engine:

  • Bring world-changing ideas out of the lab

    Help build a healthier and more sustainable future by providing Tough Tech teams with essential resources and programming.

  • Leave a legacy of supporting Tough Tech

    Leave a lasting impact by catalyzing technologies with the potential to solve the world’s greatest challenges in climate, health, and infrastructure.

  • Join the Tough Tech ecosystem

    Join a network of philanthropists, investors, industry leaders, early-stage companies, policymakers, and institutions committed to Tough Tech.

  • Engage with Tough Tech companies

    Work directly with promising early-stage companies with opportunities to mentor Tough Tech teams and participate in our programming and events.

Support critical Tough Tech programming and ecosystem building

  • The Eppendorf booth at The Engine
  • Attendees congregate at a vendor booth during the Spring 2024 Tough Tech Resource Expo in The Engine's event space
  • The Engine partners eLab Next and Eppendorf host an Olympics Afterparty at The Engine
  • The Arrow Electronics team poses at their booth at The Engine's 2024 Spring Tough Tech Resource Expo.
  • A crowd listens to a fireside chat hosted by Jordan Stowe, of The Engine's partner CSC Leasing, along with with resident founder and CEO Jake Guglin, and founding investor of venx, John Ho.
  • A vendor speaks to two attendees at The Engine's 2024 Tough Tech Week.
  • The image shows ThermoFisher bioanalytical equipment in a wet lab at The Engine.
  • Jessica Uhl, President of GE Vernova, discusses Tough Tech financing with JPMorgan's Head of Climate Tech, Kelly Belcher, during The Engine's annual Tough Tech Week event.
  • Investors and founders shake hands at The Engine's annual Tough Tech Week event.
  • Attendees congregate at vendor booths in The Engine's event space during Tough Tech Week 2024.
  • A man shakes hands with a woman in front of a name tag booth at Tough Tech Week 2024.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Philanthropic gifts power the programs, resources, and community that enable Tough Tech founders to build and scale transformative companies. Funding directly supports:

    • Founder & Research Programs – Blueprint, Whiteboard, and Residency programs that help Tough Tech protofounders launch and grow

    • Experts & Fellows — Bringing in experts in residence and fellows who guide founders through technical, regulatory, and commercialization challenges.

    • Residency Grants — Providing access to The Engine’s infrastructure, labs, and network for early-stage founders.

    • Named Opportunities & Sponsorship — Supporting Tough Tech events and strategic initiatives that elevate innovation.

    • Prototyping & Equipment Resources — Covering the cost of specialized equipment and fabrication tools that startups couldn’t afford on their own.

    • Educational Programming — Offering workshops and learning opportunities on founding and scaling Tough Tech ventures.

    • Equipment and prototyping resources that are too costly for startups to own independently

    • Community-Building — Connecting investors, entrepreneurs, academics, and industry leaders to accelerate impact.

  • The Engine welcomes a variety of giving vehicles from individuals, corporations, and foundations. These include:

    • Direct gifts and grants — Cash contributions from individuals, corporations, or foundations.

    • Donor-Advised Fund (DAF) contributions — Gifts made through a donor’s advised fund.

    • Appreciated securities – Stocks, bonds, or mutual funds.

    • Planned gifts — Charitable gift annuities, bequests, trusts, or beneficiary designations on retirement accounts or life insurance.

    • In-kind contributions — Goods, equipment, or professional services.

    • Matching gifts — Corporate programs that match an employee’s charitable contribution.

    • Sponsorships — Support for events, fellowships, and specific programs.

    • Program-related investments (PRIs) from foundations

    • Corporate social responsibility (CSR) partnerships

  • Yes. A gift to The Engine is counted toward your annual contribution to MIT. Alumni can give directly, contact The Engine for more information, or speak with their gift officer to coordinate their contribution.

  • Yes. Donors can designate their gift to support specific programs, challenge areas (e.g., climate, health, advanced systems), or founder fellowships. Undesignated gifts are also deeply valuable because they give The Engine flexibility to respond to emerging needs and opportunities.

  • The Engine tracks and reports on measurable outcomes that reflect how philanthropic contributions accelerate Tough Tech innovation. This includes:

    • The number of founders and companies supported

    • Technologies advanced toward commercialization

    • Jobs created

    • Partnerships formed

    • Capital leveraged from other sources

    We share annual updates with donors that highlight progress, stories, and key outcomes.

  • Yes. The Engine’s philanthropic activities are managed in partnership with MIT, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All eligible donations receive appropriate tax documentation.

  • The Engine collaborates with corporate and foundation partners through:

    • Program sponsorships

    • Joint research and innovation initiatives

    • Talent pipeline development

    • Mentorship and employee engagement

    • Strategic convenings to address industry and societal challenges

  • As a supporter of The Engine, you will:

    • Belong to a community of practice alongside early‑stage Tough Tech companies, investors, philanthropists, scientists, and industry leaders

    • Gain access to Blueprint teams and Resident Tough Tech companies for targeted investment or funding opportunities

    • Match with The Engine’s internal lead to align goals and discover tailored ways to engage

    • Mentor and advise Tough Tech founders, sharing expertise and networks

    • Participate in exclusive in‑person and virtual events across the Tough Tech ecosystem, including flagship events: Tough Tech Summit and Week (October); Make It In MA (Spring); StartupDemo Days and Showcases (year-round)

    • Gain flexible badge access to The  Engine headquarters in Cambridge, MA, featuring state‑of‑the‑art meeting, event, engineering and lab facilities

    • Receive the latest Tough Tech news and insights delivered straight to your inbox

    • Be recognized as a Tough Tech Ecosystem Partner, with name/logo placement and visibility benefits corresponding with your level of support

  • You can contact Frances Robinson, Director of Philanthropy, here or by filling out this form to discuss partnership opportunities. We’ll work with you to align your philanthropic goals with our mission and programs.