The Engine

The Engine is a nonprofit venture capital firm established by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in 2016, dedicated to supporting early-stage 'tough tech' startups. These are companies developing breakthrough science and engineering solutions with the potential for transformative social and environmental impact. The Engine provides resident startups with access to specialized labs, equipment, tools, space, and infrastructure necessary to build transformative technologies as economically and efficiently as possible.

The Engine focuses on sectors such as energy, biotech, robotics, space, quantum computing, applied AI & ML, advanced manufacturing, food and agriculture, and advanced materials. It offers a comprehensive ecosystem that includes access to patient capital, physical space, critical business services, and a virtual marketplace for specialized equipment, talent, and expertise. This support enables startups to transition from research to real-world impact.

Since its inception, The Engine has supported hundreds of companies, collectively raising over $5.5 billion in funding. Notable former resident companies include Commonwealth Fusion Systems and Form Energy. The Engine's mission is to bridge the gap between discovery and commercialization for the most promising teams and breakthrough inventions, ensuring they don't remain confined to the lab.

The Engine is located at 750 Main Street in Cambridge, Massachusetts, near MIT, between Central Square and Kendall Square. The facility is accessible by public transit, including the MBTA Red Line, and is within walking distance of bus stops, bike-share stations, and parking options.

In January 2024, The Engine spun off a new unit called The Engine Accelerator to provide deeper support for the earliest startups, including office and lab space. This expansion reflects The Engine's commitment to fostering innovation and supporting the growth of 'tough tech' companies addressing global challenges.

The Engine's approach is tailored to the needs of founders who seek access to a critical combination of resources and services, enabling them to develop their biggest and most transformative ideas from the formative stage to effective implementation.

The Engine is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit built by MIT to support 'tough tech' companies tackling the world’s greatest challenges in human health, climate, and infrastructure. It relies on the generosity of its supporters to provide the essential infrastructure, programming, and a powerful ecosystem that empowers 'tough tech' companies to translate research into transformative real-world technologies.