MassChallenge offers startups chance for funding, mentorship, and more

MassChallenge, now in its third year, is the largest-ever startup accelerator and competition. It’s open to high-impact, early-stage entrepreneurs from any industry and anywhere in the world, with no strings attached.

The 2012 Startup Competition and Accelerator launched on March 1 and the final application deadline is on April 11 at 12:00 Noon ET (you’ll have to hurry, but there’s still time to apply!). All applicants will receive feedback about their applications from expert judges, and 300 semi-finalists will have the chance to pitch their ideas to the judging panel. From there, 125 finalists will be chosen to take part in the program, with benefits including:

• 3 month accelerator . World-class mentorship and training, free office space, access to funding, media and more.
• $1M in Cash Awards. $4M+ in-kind support.
• No equity taken. No restrictions applied.

In 2011, Palo Alto Software provided online business planning software to all the finalists, and this year we’re pleased to increase our sponsorship of the nonprofit.  While final numbers aren’t in from last year, 111 startups supported in the 2010 accelerator raised over $100 million  in outside funding and created approximately 500 new jobs over the 12 months after starting MassChallenge. President Obama has recognized MassChallenge as one of the most effective organizations to support entrepreneurs.