MassBio and SCbio are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the Fall 2026 cohorts of Drive, the national accelerator supporting scientific founders and early-stage biotech and techbio startups. For this cycle, SCbio will facilitate the biotech cohort, while MassBio will facilitate the techbio cohort.
Drive’s core components (the application process, mentor community, and 8-week curriculum) remain consistent across locations. Each cohort tailors elements of the program to support the unique needs of the startups within its focus area.
- Fall 2026 Application closes on June 26, 2026, at 12:00 PM ET
- Fall 2026 cohorts will run September 14 – November 6, 2026
Who should apply: Drive supports scientific founders and startups that have raised less than $1.5M in dilutive capital and have access to their IP – with no geographic restrictions. Ideal applicants are looking to develop business literacy, receive hands-on guidance from industry leaders, and grow their professional networks.
More detailed eligibility criteria can be found in the FAQ.
Biotech Applicants:
- You have a high-potential therapeutic pipeline or platform with an asset.
Techbio Applicants:
- You are using AI and/or machine learning in support of drug discovery and development.
Applicants must decide before beginning the application whether they are applying for the biotech or techbio cohort. The application takes approximately one hour to complete; applicants are encouraged to draft responses offline before submitting.
What to expect: Over an 8-week hybrid program, the selected startups will receive:
- Six expert-led, industry-specific curriculum modules.
- Weekly sessions with a tailored team of mentors.
- Networking opportunities and industry connections throughout.
- In-person Demo Day at MassBio’s Align Summit in Boston (October 15).
- Drive participants will receive in-kind prizes from Premier Sponsors specific to SCbio and MassBio.
What we’re saying:
- “Drive was built on the belief that great science deserves a real shot regardless of where a founder is starting from. Each cohort has reinforced that scientific founders who get the right business support at the right moment can move faster and go further. At a moment when the innovation pipeline has never mattered more, we’re proud to open applications for our Fall 2026 cycle and to welcome the next generation of groundbreaking scientists into the program.” — Kendalle Burlin O’Connell, CEO & President, MassBio
- “The treatments that will define the next decade of medicine are being developed right now, often by scientists who have never built a company before. The Drive Accelerator exists to close that gap. Through a competitive selection process, rigorous curriculum, and mentors drawn from the highest levels of pharma and industry, we give the most promising founders a real shot at getting their science to patients faster. We’re excited to open applications for our next cohort and can’t wait to meet the founders who are ready to do the work.” — James Chappell, Ph. D., President and CEO, SCbio
The results: Since launching in 2022, Drive has supported 70 early-stage companies that have raised $137 million in funding and created nearly 100 jobs after completing the program.
Questions? Please visit the Drive program page, FAQ, or reach out to innovation@massbio.org.