Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst
Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst
The Healthcare Robotics Startup Catalyst is an established program presented by MassRobotics in collaboration with FESTO, Mitsubishi Electric Automation, and Novanta. This program is designed to support healthcare robotics startups by offering comprehensive and valuable mentorship guidance, and essential resources to foster growth and success.
The program’s focus areas include clinical care, pharmaceutical and hospital automation, laboratory automation, automation of precision and regenerative medicine, point-of-care solutions, rehabilitation, assistive technologies for improved quality of life and continuity of work, and training and support for healthcare professionals.
Program Benefits and Resources:
- Mentorship and Guidance: Participants receive expert mentorship from senior-level professionals from the participating companies and introductions to leaders from the robotics ecosystem, depending on their strategic objectives.
- Resource Access: Startups gain access to loaner components with design and engineering guidance.
- Networking Opportunities: Introductions to key players in the healthcare robotics space, potential customers, and strategic partners, including pitching opportunities to our VC and investors in our ecosystem.
- Strategic Medical Guidance: Cohort benefits from the strategic guidance of experienced medical professionals, ensuring their robotics solutions align with real-world healthcare needs, ethical standards, and patient safety considerations.
- Educational Workshops: Courses on critical topics, such as FDA approval processes, cybersecurity requirements, and other regulatory mandates, tailored to the cohort’s interests and strategic objectives.
- Showcase Opportunities: Each cohort startup will have the chance to present their solutions at a major robotics event in Boston as well as to the Healthcare Robotics Working Group. These live events provide booth space for product demos and a stage to pitch their solutions to a live audience, offering valuable exposure and networking opportunities.
Eligibility:
The program is open to startups with at least a working prototype at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 6 or above. We welcome startups of all sizes and maturity to apply, ensuring a broad range of entrepreneurs can benefit from the program.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Is this an in-person program?
This is a mentorship program, so whether in-person meetings are possible depends on mentor and mentee locations. It is not a program requirement to meet in person. Many alumni completed the program remotely. The cohort is invited to participate in the Robotics Summit and Expo 2026 in person in May.
How long is the program?
January to May 2026.
Do you accept international companies?
Yes. We welcome global teams. Alumni have come from Spain, Australia, Greece, Korea, China, Germany, Switzerland, and more.
Is there a program fee or equity?
No fees and no equity.
What stages do you accept?
Early and growth stage. Seed through Series C are welcome if there is a clear robotics or automation component and a fit with near-term program goals.
What sectors fit best?
The Healthcare Robotics Catalyst Program has a broad scope, encompassing surgical and interventional systems, lab and pharma automation, diagnostics and imaging workflows, hospital logistics, rehabilitation and assistive devices, and enabling technologies like sensing, precision motion, and medical device cybersecurity. Cohort selection prioritizes the potential for impactful mentorship, aligning the applicant’s needs with the mentor organization’s expertise.
What does selection focus on?
The Healthcare Robotics Catalyst Program has a broad scope, encompassing surgical and interventional systems, lab and pharma automation, diagnostics and imaging workflows, hospital logistics, rehabilitation and assistive devices, and enabling technologies like sensing, precision motion, and medical device cybersecurity. Cohort selection prioritizes the potential for impactful mentorship, aligning the applicant’s needs with the mentor organization’s expertise.
What is the expected time commitment?
Participating teams should plan for bi-weekly 45-60 minute mentor sessions. The exact time commitments are mutually agreed upon by the mentor and mentee, always with the goal of achieving their jointly defined objectives. It will depend on the mentee’s needs.
How does mentor matching work?
We match each startup with one or more mentors from our mentor organizations based on their needs. Additional support from the Medical Advisory Board and our experts ecosystem can be arranged by the Mentors depending on the mentee’s needs. You can indicate mentor preferences in the application. Matches are finalized during onboarding.
What is the role of the Medical Advisory Board?
Practicing clinicians provide perspective on workflow, safety, study design, network and pilot readiness. They may join select sessions, office hours, or reviews. They are not a substitute for formal IRB or regulatory processes.
Will I get a pilot through the program?
Pilots are not guaranteed. The program helps you define a credible plan, engage stakeholders, and pursue introductions where appropriate. We will support the need that you define with your mentor.
What about IP and confidentiality?
Your IP remains yours. We encourage you to share only what is necessary. NDAs can be arranged directly with mentors or other collaborators when needed.
How many companies are selected?
A small cohort to enable depth of engagement. Exact size varies by year
Can multiple team members participate?
Yes. While a main point of contact (founder or product lead recommended) will lead the program, additional team members are encouraged to participate in relevant sessions. The mentorship program is, in essence, customized, so other team members (e.g., technical, legal, clinical advisors) will likely need to engage in specific aspects.
Do I need to be in Boston?
No. The program is designed for remote participation across various time zones. While participation in the Robotics Summit & Expo showcase at the program’s conclusion is a valuable opportunity requiring in-person attendance in Boston, travel support may be provided based on individual circumstances.
We will also invite the cohort to participate in MassRobotics Demo Days and related activities at the midpoint of the program.
What materials are required for the application?
Company overview, problem and use case, robotics integration summary, TRL level, proof-of-concept readiness, preferred mentor alignment, and a short deck. A brief demo video is optional but helpful.
When do applications open and close?
Applications open Sep 30, 2025, and close Dec 1, 2025. Evaluation and interviews run Dec 1 to Dec 15. The cohort is announced in early January.
Who should I contact with questions?
Email: info@massrobotics.org
Subscribe to the MassRobotics Newsletter
Learn about our residents and partners, participate in our events and challenges, and receive robotics and AI industry news.