MIT.nano Accelerates 16 Hard-Tech Startups in 2025

The START.nano program doubles its cohort, supporting new ventures in health, climate, energy, and more.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 6:46am

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A highly detailed, glowing 3D illustration of a futuristic semiconductor wafer or microchip, with intricate circuitry and components illuminated by neon cyan and magenta lights, conceptually representing the advanced, high-tech innovations being supported by MIT.nano's START.nano program.MIT.nano's START.nano program is accelerating the commercialization of cutting-edge hard-tech innovations, from semiconductors to quantum computing.Boston Today

MIT.nano announced that 16 startups joined its START.nano program in 2025, more than doubling the number of new companies from the previous year. The program supports early-stage hard-tech ventures by providing discounted access to MIT.nano's shared facilities and connections to the broader MIT innovation ecosystem.

Why it matters

The START.nano accelerator aims to increase the survival rate of hard-tech startups by easing their transition from the lab to the real world. The program's growth signals growing momentum in the commercialization of cutting-edge research across critical sectors like health, climate, energy, and quantum computing.

The details

The 16 new START.nano companies are developing solutions in areas like genetic analysis, sustainable chemical production, high-performance photonics, brain-computer interfaces, and advanced semiconductor materials. While an MIT affiliation is not required, nearly half of the startups in the program are founded by MIT alumni.

  • MIT.nano launched the START.nano program in 2021.
  • The program announced its new cohort of 16 startups in 2025.
  • START.nano now comprises over 32 companies and 11 graduates.

The players

MIT.nano

A research and fabrication facility at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology that supports the development of innovative technologies.

Joyce Wu

The START.nano Program Manager at MIT.nano, who holds an SM '00 and PhD '07 from MIT.

Jason Gibson

The CEO and co-founder of Quantum Formatics, a START.nano participant developing AI for superconductor discovery.

Cynthia Liao

The CEO and co-founder of Vertical Semiconductor, a START.nano participant commercializing high-voltage GaN technology.

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What they’re saying

“The unique resources of MIT.nano enable not just the foundational research of academia, but the translation of that research into commercial innovations through startups.”

— Joyce Wu, START.nano Program Manager

“For an early-stage startup working at the frontier of superconductor discovery, the combination of infrastructure and community has been irreplaceable.”

— Jason Gibson, CEO and co-founder, Quantum Formatics

“START.nano isn't just a resource. It's a strategic advantage that accelerates our roadmap, allowing us to iterate quickly to meet customer needs and strengthen our competitive edge.”

— Cynthia Liao, CEO and co-founder, Vertical Semiconductor

What’s next

The START.nano program will continue to support the growth and development of its startup cohort, including providing access to MIT.nano's facilities, connections to the broader innovation ecosystem, and opportunities to showcase their technologies at MIT conferences and events.

The takeaway

MIT.nano's START.nano accelerator is playing a crucial role in bridging the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world commercial applications, helping hard-tech startups navigate the challenging path from the lab to the market and drive innovation in critical sectors.