THE EDDIES
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
The 2025 Eddies Application Phase Will Open in March
1986-2025: 39 years of Recognizing, Nurturing & Fueling Innovation
Robert J. Crowley
Robert J. Crowley's brain child, the New England Innovation Award competition was first launched in 1986, and since then, over 3,500 startups have been supported to succeed and scale. Some notable alumni include Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream, Staples, Genzyme, MassChallenge, Carbonite, KRONOS, ZipCar, iRobot, zipcar, Keurig and Vistaprint. Today, 39 years later, the program is a 7-month innovation-support system based on Individualized Mentoring, Strategic Guidance, Leadership Education, and Connections to Resources; its objective is to help early-stage startups (pre-Series C) take the next steps in their commercialization journey. In 2021, the program was rebranded as The Eddies.
Meaning of "The Eddies" Name
The Eddies name represents a nod to Thomas Edison, and his prolific work (and 1,093 innovation patents!) in a variety of industries and sectors; and the circular movement of water, counter to a main current, causing a small whirlpool on the surface of the ocean (similar to the ripples caused to any market by the introduction of a ground-breaking product or technology).
Who Can Participate in the Program
The Eddies are open to Massachusetts-based startups (not exceeding 150 employees), with a working prototype of a ground-breaking product or technology, who have not yet received Series C -or equivalent-funding.
Programming & Awards
The Eddies provide a high touch experience for innovative startups with the goal of fueling successful commercialization. The pillars of our programming are individualized mentorship (tailor-made to the specific needs of each founder), curated education based on the same needs, leadership development, access to reputable ecosystem connections and funding sources. Our curated education also includes weekly educational modules brought to the cohort by industry experts. ​
Application Details
The application fee is $75; there are no further costs associated with the program (including event attendance). The program is industry-agnostic, welcoming applications in the following Innovation Tracks:
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Connected World & Smart Living
Deeptech & AI
Greentech & Climatech
Healthy Living & HealthTech
Life Sciences
Minority-Owned/BIPOC Founded or Led
2025 Program Timeline
03/17/2025
Applications & Nominations Open
March Dates TBD
Open Information Session / Q&A - Zoom
04/04/2025
Nomination Submission Deadline
April Dates TBD
Open Information Session / Q&A - Zoom
04/04 to 05/16/2025
Individualized Mentoring available to All Applicants
(first-apply, first-serve basis)
04/25/2025
Application Submission Deadline
April Date TBD
Judges & Mentors Information Session for 2025 Season
(In Person)
05/05 to 05/16/2025
Round 1 of Judging (Remotely, over 2-week Period)
05/16/2025
Assessment Sheets & Scores Due (Google Drive)
05/29/2025
Finalists Networking and Guidance Session ;
Meet-N-Greet with Mentors
(In Person)
05/29/2025
Mentoring Begins
10/30/2025
Mentoring Ends
10/15/2025
2025 Eddies Innovation Showcase;
Second Judging Round (In Person).
11/19/2025
2025 Evening of Innovation Celebration & Awards Night
(In Person)
