MassCEC Launches Plan to Make Massachusetts the Global Leader in Climatetech

MassCEC CEO Emily Reichert announced the plan today at Worcester Polytechnic Institute’s Sagamore Labs alongside Massachusetts Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer and Economic Development Secretary Yvonne Hao.

The plan emphasizes Massachusetts' unique position as #1 in U.S. climatetech startups per capita and the second-largest climatetech ecosystem in the country, with a proven track record of innovation and commercialization of breakthrough technologies. To maintain its leadership, the state must address gaps in infrastructure, talent, and investment through coordinated action across public and private sectors.

“Our economic development bill provides historic funding to make Massachusetts the climate innovation lab for the world,” said Governor Maura Healey. “MassCEC’s climatetech economic development plan is our roadmap to achieve this goal by investing in cutting-edge technologies, tapping into regional strengths, and attracting world-class talent. We’re committed to making Massachusetts a global leader that will create thousands of new jobs and generate billions of dollars for our economy.”

“The release of this plan marks a pivotal moment for Massachusetts’ climatetech ecosystem,” said MassCEC CEO Emily Reichert. “With its focus on fostering regional collaboration, scaling innovation, and ensuring equitable access to economic opportunities, this plan will solidify the Commonwealth as a leader in tackling the world’s most pressing climate challenges through innovation. Together, we’re building the foundation for sustained growth and impactful change across Massachusetts.”

The plan highlights the urgency of addressing climate change, with 34% of the emissions reductions required to achieve global net zero targets reliant on technologies not yet commercialized. Massachusetts has a time-limited yet pivotal role to play in developing and scaling these innovations. Massachusetts’ climatetech industry is growing, with the potential to support over 1,300 companies, create 35,000 jobs, and train 25,000 individuals over the next decade.

The plan outlines concrete steps Massachusetts will take to meet its goals. Key actions include:

• Providing hands-on concierge support to connect climatetech companies with the Massachusetts’ resources and partners needed to scale their business.
• Expanding funding opportunities across all stages of growth, including grants and tax incentives for climatetech firms.
• Investing in shared infrastructure and equipment to create a statewide testing and demonstration network, anchored in regional clusters and supported by the climate corridor, climate concierge services, and ecosystem-building efforts.
• Building markets for emerging technologies by stimulating early demand, facilitating customer matching, and supporting green procurement.
• Advancing equitable workforce development through targeted training and career advancement programs, informed by a forthcoming statewide workforce plan—another key recommendation from Chief Hoffer.
• Raising awareness of Massachusetts’ climatetech leadership through strategic communications, marketing and events.

“Massachusetts is home to a dynamic innovation ecosystem with expertise in the commercialization of new technologies and is already a recognized leader in climatetech,” said Climate Chief Melissa Hoffer. “My 2023 recommendations to the Governor called for MassCEC, in consultation with our Executive Office of Economic Development, to leverage these trends by developing and implementing a comprehensive climatetech economic development strategy and investment plan that is well coordinated with academic institutions, private sector, municipalities, and existing climate tech incubators. MassCEC has gone above and beyond to deliver a vision for our future that recognizes we can have a thriving economy, clean energy, and community resilience—indeed, the stability and success of our economy depends on it.”