The Massachusetts innovation ecosystem is among the strongest and most productive in the world, but the current economic crisis has placed this critical growth engine in peril by eliminating funding sources and discouraging risk taking. Times of crisis are notoriously fertile sources of innovation—this is the perfect time to invest in entrepreneurship to create the high growth businesses and jobs of the future.

MassChallenge uses a combination of public and private funds to catalyze growth and jobs by launching a million dollar Global Startup Competition in Massachusetts. All entrants have received coaching, feedback, PR and networking support. Currently the top 110 startups are in an "Accelerator" phase at One Marina Park Drive in Boston, MA with access to workshops, office hours, and mentorship. Winners will receive cash prizes toward launching their businesses. The final ceremony will be October 21st, 2010.

This is an efficient and effective form of stimulus and is an ideal means for Massachusetts and America to harness and showcase the expertise and collaborative strength of our universities, investors, lawyers, entrepreneurs and businesses—after all, we’ve been providing revolutionary ideas since 1776.

Sponsors include:

• Deval Patrick, Massachusetts Governor
• Deshpande Foundation
• Kauffman Foundation
• Microsoft

To learn more, please visit http://www.MassChallenge.org.