At a time when patient-driven companies are fighting for their very survival, MassBio has turned the focus of Drive toward national leadership and resourcing emerging startups and founders wherever they operate. MassBio is also tapping into the promise of cutting-edge tools like generative AI and large language models to transform drug discovery and R&D by elevating techbio within Drive.
Fueled initially by MassBio and SCbio, Drive is building an interconnected regional network to (1) create more program seats, (2) expand the scientific focus areas, and (3) advance more treatments closer to patients. As part of this growth, two cohorts will be offered this fall (F25), and startups are invited to apply to participate based on their focus area—techbio, powered by MassBio, and biotech, powered by SCbio.
We’re also thrilled to announce that MassBio’s techbio Drive program is supported by premier sponsors Google and Evaluate, and curriculum experts Browne Consulting, F-Prime Capital, and Wilson Sonsini.
Application open for two Fall 2025 cohorts
Drive is an accelerator program designed to advance breakthrough science while providing opportunities to innovators from all parts of the life sciences ecosystem. Over an eight-week hybrid program, 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 each cohort session, leading up to in-person Demo Days in Boston and Charleston.
The core program components (application process, the mentor community, and the 8-week program) remain the same across both cohorts. However, each F25 program will have a different focus and elements tailored to fit the specific needs of founders and startups.
- Techbio, powered by MassBio: Scientific founders or emerging, data-driven startups leveraging new, cutting-edge tools like artificial intelligence, machine learning, generative AI, large language models, or computational biology to transform drug discovery, delivery, and development.
- Biotech, powered by SCbio: Scientific founders or emerging startups with a therapeutic pipeline or platform with an asset.
The deadline to apply to either cohort is June 20, 2025 at Noon ET. If you have questions, review the FAQ or contact the Innovation team.
What we’re saying
“The future is now, and the Drive program is expanding to increase MassBio’s support for a strong U.S. early-stage ecosystem that embraces both cutting-edge therapeutic development and the latest technology like artificial intelligence and big data,” said MassBio CEO & President Kendalle Burlin O’Connell. “MassBio recognized the need to not only increase Drive program capacity but also seize the opportunity to lead in the emerging techbio space. We simply cannot afford to fall behind on innovation. Too much is at stake, not the least being the hope of patients with unmet medical needs.”
Why techbio?
Techbio – which uses data and technology to improve, enhance, and accelerate drug discovery and R&D – is primed to have a transformational impact on the life sciences industry. At the same time, scientific founders and emerging techbio companies are facing many of the same challenges as their biotech counterparts – lacking access to the networks, resources, and capital to grow strategically. With this program’s focus on techbio, MassBio hopes to bring together an ecosystem committed to supporting these early-stage, high-potential founders.
To hear more about expanding techbio in Massachusetts, watch this panel discussion from this year’s State of Possible Conference.
The results
Since launching in 2022, Drive has supported 49 early-stage companies that have raised $64 million in funding and created nearly 100 jobs after completing the program.