Massachusetts is home to a variety of cutting-edge research and development facilities, or ‘sandboxes.’ These organizations provide a wide range of services supporting the lifecycle of validation and testing for digital health companies.
Launched in 2019, the Sandbox Program is administered by the Massachusetts eHealth Institute at the MassTech Collaborative and designed to both support digital health companies in their product development and expand the user base for sandbox environments.
Join the Sandbox Network
Massachusetts organizations that provide an environment to test and validate digital health products or services can apply to join the Massachusetts Digital Health Sandbox Network.
Many small digital health companies would benefit from the services offered by sandboxes, but the cost of entry is often prohibitive. There are two opportunities for digital health companies to access funding to work with a sandbox.
Sandbox Challenge Program
The Sandbox Challenge Program identifies and supports digital health companies with solutions that address key healthcare challenges in Massachusetts. Twice a year, MeHI will put out a call for applications to source, support, and validate solutions in defined areas. Selected entrepreneurs will participate in a virtual Introduction to the Massachusetts Digital Health Ecosystem program and will be matched with Sandboxes. At the end of each program, participating entrepreneurs will pitch for the chance to win $50,000 to fund concrete research and development projects with their Sandbox partner.
Challenge 1: Innovations to Support Healthy Aging
This Challenge sought startups that are developing solutions that improve the lives of older adults and help them remain active, productive, independent, and socially connected.
The deadline to apply was February 24, 2023. Application review is underway and finalists will be announced soon.
Challenge 2: Innovations to Support Women+ Health
Register for the Women+ Health Challenge Launch Event on September 26th at the Massachusetts State House.
Sign up here to learn more about our next Challenge.
Rolling Grant Opportunity
Digital health companies with a presence in Massachusetts may be eligible for the Sandbox Rolling Grant opportunity. The program provides grants of up to $50,000 to subsidize the fees to work with a sandbox. The first step in applying for a grant is to contact a sandbox to determine if they can support your company. Grant applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis.
Please note that all funding has been awarded for FY 2023. Funding will be available again in FY 2024, which begins July 1, 2023.