The Engine

The Engine is a nonprofit incubator and accelerator launched by MIT to support Tough Tech startups, companies built on breakthrough science and engineering in fields such as biotech and climate tech. It aims to bridge the gap between discovery and commercialization, giving founders the long-term capital, knowledge, network connections and specialized labs that such companies often lack. Its focus is on technologies with the potential to transform the planet, which have historically been underfunded.

Located in Cambridge’s Central Square, The Engine provides resident companies with 220,000 square feet of fully managed wet lab, engineering and office space, including fabrication facilities. Its educational programs guide founders from idea to investment to impact. Companies connected to The Engine include Commonwealth Fusion Systems, Via Separations, Biobot, Atlantic Quantum, HyperLight and Axoft, and it convenes entrepreneurs, investors, academia, public officials and corporate partners.

What to Know

• The Engine promotes Tough Tech Week, held in Boston in late October.
• Cellbricks Therapeutics marked its transatlantic launch at The Engine with the Mayor of Berlin.
• Activate Demo Day was held at The Engine during Tough Tech Week 2024.