Boston, September 13, 2025
News Summary
Welsh startups and small businesses can apply for a funded trip to attend the annual R&D conference at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston this autumn. Scheduled for November, the trip includes networking opportunities and a guided campus tour. Interested businesses must submit their applications by September 30, as places are limited. This initiative, organized by Town Square Spaces Ltd on behalf of the Welsh Government, aims to enhance innovation by connecting Welsh firms with research-driven opportunities.
Cardiff — Welsh businesses have a new, funded opportunity to attend the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s annual R&D conference in Boston this autumn, with applications now open and a limited number of places available.
Key details
A funding-supported trip to the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is being organised for Welsh startups and small businesses. The visit is scheduled for 16–22 November and includes attendance at the annual R&D conference, a guided campus tour, and networking opportunities with entrepreneurs and research partners in the Greater Boston area. Applications are open now and must be submitted by 30 September. Places are limited. The organiser is Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) on behalf of the Welsh Government. Businesses interested in applying are asked to contact TownSq at mit@townsq.co.uk.
What the opportunity offers
The trip provides participating Welsh businesses with structured access to MIT events, research briefings, and elements of the university’s entrepreneurial ecosystem. Planned activities include attendance at the R&D conference, which brings together academic researchers, industry partners and technology teams, plus a guided campus tour and targeted networking meetings with entrepreneurs and innovation organisations in and around Boston.
Eligibility and target audience
The initiative is primarily aimed at Welsh startups and small businesses seeking exposure to research-driven innovation and connections with global technology partners. The arrangement gives smaller organisations a way to access MIT resources and events that are typically reached through the university’s Industrial Liaison Program, a long-standing conduit between MIT and industry partners.
Context on MIT’s Industrial Liaison Program
MIT’s Industrial Liaison Program (ILP) has operated for decades and normally serves large industrial partners and major organisations. Historically listed ILP collaborators include international corporations across sectors such as automotive, telecommunications and consumer technology. The programme offers companies briefings on MIT research, introductions to faculty and access to applied research projects. This Wales-focused trip is configured to extend similar types of access to smaller firms that might not otherwise participate in ILP activities.
Organiser and background
The trip is being organised by Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) for the Welsh Government. The TownSq chief executive has prior experience leading trade missions to Boston and has described the Wales–MIT relationship as under-recognised, while noting MIT’s long-term role in fostering innovation. The programme organisers view the visit as a way to help build innovation capacity and to expose Welsh businesses to research-driven practice and entrepreneurial networks in the United States.
Application process and availability
Applications must be submitted by 30 September. A limited number of funded or partially funded places are available; specific funding levels and any participant contributions were not specified in publicly available material. Interested businesses should contact TownSq at mit@townsq.co.uk to request application details, eligibility criteria and further logistical information.
Why this matters
For startups and small firms, direct contact with research institutions and established entrepreneurial ecosystems can shorten learning cycles and open pathways for collaboration, licensing or follow-on investment. The trip is positioned to offer practical insights into R&D priorities, partner engagement and how academic research can translate into commercial applications.
Practical notes
- Trip dates: 16–22 November.
- Application deadline: 30 September.
- Organiser: Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq), acting on behalf of the Welsh Government.
- Contact for applications and enquiries: mit@townsq.co.uk.
- Places: limited; applicants are advised to enquire early.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Who can apply?
Welsh startups and small businesses with an interest in research, development and innovation are the primary target audience for this trip.
What are the trip dates?
The trip is scheduled from 16 to 22 November.
What does the programme include?
Planned activities include attendance at MIT’s annual R&D conference, a guided campus tour, and networking events with entrepreneurs and innovation partners in the Greater Boston area.
Who is organising the trip?
The trip is organised by Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) on behalf of the Welsh Government.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Applications are open now and must be submitted by 30 September. Interested businesses should contact TownSq at mit@townsq.co.uk to request application forms and further instructions.
Are places funded?
Funding support is available for the trip, but specific funding amounts and participant contribution requirements were not detailed in the available information. Applicants should contact TownSq for full funding details.
How many places are available?
Only a limited number of places are available. Early enquiries are recommended to confirm availability.
Quick reference table
| Item | Information |
|---|---|
| Trip destination | Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Boston, USA |
| Trip dates | 16–22 November |
| Application deadline | 30 September |
| Who can apply | Welsh startups and small businesses |
| Organiser | Town Square Spaces Ltd (TownSq) on behalf of the Welsh Government |
| Planned activities | R&D conference attendance, campus tour, networking in Greater Boston |
| Contact | mit@townsq.co.uk |
| Places available | Limited (exact number not specified) |
| Funding | Funding support available; specific amounts not specified |
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Additional Resources
- Business News Wales
- BBC Sport
- Poets & Quants
- ITV News
- Google Search: Massachusetts Institute of Technology
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