Region – On Aug. 2, the Baker-Polito Administration announced $280,000 in funding for seven researchers and companies developing innovative clean energy and water technologies across the commonwealth. The funding, which comes from the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s (MassCEC) Catalyst program, will support clean energy and water research in Amherst, Boston, Cambridge, Medford, North Grafton, Somerville and Waltham.
Battery Resourcers, LLC (Dr. Eric Gratz) of Grafton, which is developing a recycling process using materials from spent batteries in new lithium-ion batteries, was one of the companies to receive a $40,000 grant.
“The commonwealth’s entrepreneurs and researchers are developing groundbreaking solutions to address the energy and water resource challenges before us,” said Governor Charlie Baker. “Supporting these innovators creates jobs, strengthens our growing cleantech sector and will help the commonwealth meet our ambitious clean energy and environmental goals.”
“Massachusetts is the epicenter for clean energy and water innovation, turning promising ideas into growing businesses across the Commonwealth,” said Lieutenant Governor Karyn Polito. “Our administration is excited to support these promising entrepreneurs and researchers.”
“It is great to know that researchers and companies within our community are helping Massachusetts move towards a clean energy environment,” said state Rep. David Muradian, (R-Grafton). “I am proud of Battery Resourcers from Grafton and will continue to support their efforts toward a green initiative in our commonwealth.”
The Catalyst program, which is funded by MassCEC and managed by the Massachusetts Technology Transfer Center (MTTC), provides funding to early-stage researchers and companies as they work towards bringing promising products and technologies to market.
The Catalyst program will open for applications again this fall, with grants of up to $65,000 available for researchers and entrepreneurs looking to further advance their technologies.
Catalyst is funded through MassCEC’s Renewable Energy Trust, which was created by the Massachusetts Legislature in 1997. The trust is funded by municipal electric departments that have opted to participate in the program, along with a systems benefit charge paid by electric customers of investor-owned utilities in the state.
