The Engine

The Engine is a non-profit incubator and accelerator dedicated to supporting early-stage Tough Tech companies—startups that leverage breakthrough science and engineering to address complex global challenges. Established by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2016, The Engine provides a comprehensive ecosystem designed to accelerate the commercialization of transformative technologies.

Mission and Services

The Engine's mission is to bridge the gap between research breakthroughs and market-ready solutions by offering a unique combination of investment, infrastructure, and community support.

Their services include:

• Infrastructure: Access to 227,000 square feet of fully managed wet lab, engineering, and office space equipped with specialized tools necessary for developing Tough Tech.
• Educational Programming: Tailored programs addressing the unique challenges of commercializing disruptive technologies, making Tough Tech entrepreneurship more accessible.
• Ecosystem Building: A thriving network that connects entrepreneurs, academia, government entities, corporate partners, and investors to foster collaboration and innovation.

Facilities and Locations

The Engine operates multiple facilities to support its resident companies, all strategically located in the Greater Boston area, positioning it at the heart of a vibrant innovation ecosystem.

• The Engine at 750 Main: Located in Cambridge, MA, this 155,000-square-foot facility includes biology and chemistry labs, industrial workshops, and office and event spaces. It accommodates 80-100 companies, fostering a dense community of innovators.
• Central Square, Cambridge: A 28,000-square-foot location offering office and lab spaces with access to specialized equipment, currently housing 25 resident companies.
• SOMERNOVA, Somerville: A 42,000-square-foot fabrication space at 10-12 Tyler Street, providing industrial research and development facilities, including a machine shop and electronics lab.
• Boston, MA, USA
• Cambridge, MA, USA

Resident Companies and Impact

Since its inception, The Engine has supported over 100 resident companies across 19 Tough Tech industries. Notable portfolio companies include Commonwealth Fusion Systems, which is developing a fusion-powered electricity generator, and Biobot Analytics, which tracks the presence of COVID-19 in communities through wastewater samples.

Through its comprehensive support system, The Engine plays a pivotal role in transforming groundbreaking scientific research into impactful, market-ready technologies that address some of the world's most pressing challenges.