Traction

Traction is the programme for early-stage founders from pre-seed to Series A. It is built around go-to-market work, access to experts and peers, and the early commercial steps that open doors to customers and investors. The 2026 Healthcare and Life Sciences cohort has finished. Applications for the 2026 Security and Resiliency programme closed on July 9, 2026. Dates for the 2027 intake are not yet announced.

What you get

• Access to mentors, domain experts and peers
• Support to validate an approach, sharpen focus and prepare for investor and customer engagement
• A route into Challenge programmes or funding competitions after the programme

Who can apply

• Early-stage startups from pre-seed to Series A
• Founders working in complex or regulated markets

How selection works: Two rounds of judging. An online application review comes first, then a pitch to a panel of judges for the startups invited to it.

How to apply: Create a founder profile on the application portal, create a startup profile and submit an application. Questions go to programs@masschallenge.org.