Startup Worcester
StartUp Worcester, now in its 7th year, is an initiative of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Venture Forum, and WorcLab to launch and to provide support as well as co-working space for the region’s budding entrepreneurs.

The program helps to incubate new businesses and to retain the bright young graduates of the area’s college and universities. StartUp Worcester encourages entrepreneurs from around the world to grow their business in Central Massachusetts, where they have access to everything they need to succeed. The program was initially geared towards college-age entrepreneurs, but now the program accepts applicants of all ages. The program supports entrepreneurs from a wide range of backgrounds, talents, and industries.
Meet our current cohort
A Sneakerhead’s Paradise
Nazr El-Scari, Lehigh University, 2021
A simple online concierge dashboard that gives customers access to sneakers that fit their pricing and wish list preferences through a subscription-based format. They operate at the intersection of retail and resell sneakers in the secondary sneaker market.
Barn Owl Technologies
Richard Chen, Babson College, 2022
Chemical-free agricultural pest control through alternative solutions powered by IoT.
Cat in the Box LLC
Dawn LaFontaine, Brandeis University, 1986
Designer and manufacturer of whimsical and pet-safe cardboard box playhouses for cats.
In the news: https://centralmasstownsquare.com/cat-in-the-box-llc/
Munq LLC
Timothy Hally, Clark University, 2020
A creative agency that provides three core services: brand strategy and identity, videography, and web development.
Pennywise PPE Protection
Ethan Lutz, Clark University, 2021
Manufactures storage bags for medical PPE, particularly masks, with germicidal copper linings that prevent cross-contamination.
Reach
Alex Jayyosi, Northeastern University, 2021
A social media company aimed at getting users of the platform to engage with their environment by utilizing a location-based interactive map that directs users towards fun, in-person things to do and people to meet.
In the news: https://centralmasstownsquare.com/reach-for-the-skies/
Routi
Moushe Babroudi, UMass Amherst, 2023
An all-in-one cloud-based communication software for government agencies to communicate between themselves and with the public. Routi allows government agencies, especially in the business of public safety, to update other agencies and the public in real time using interactive mapping services.
Spicy Water Distillery
Barry Bacon, Providence College, 1995; Ohio University, 1996
A craft spirits distillery and tasting room, with products all created from scratch on the premises, utilizing locally grown products such as corn.
Sympal, Inc.
Cheryl Shao, NYU College of Dentistry, 2019 (PhD/DDS)
An orthodontic solution company that designs and manufactures clear tooth aligner systems called SymTray that allow for non-surgically remodeling bone structure in the mouth. Also a developer of a mobile tooth tracking app, SymTrack, with 3D modeling that cuts down on dental visits. “The new braces.”
TagHawk, Inc.
Ning Ding, Boston College, 2018
A community-based online resale marketplace for buying and selling used items in certain communities such as apartment complexes, universities, or clubs. They charge a commission on all resale transactions and empower community authorities to monetize their member networks.
Urban Spice World LLC
Pooja Vishal, Madras University, 2004
Ready-to-cook meal kits shipped to your door with instructions. The meals center around Indian cuisine.
X Therapeutics, Inc.
Luis Miranda, University of Colorado, 2002 (PhD, Cell Biology)
A startup biotech company at the pre-seed stage developing novel antivirals.