About the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center

Client: Massachusetts Life Sciences Center 
Industry: Public/Private Foundation – Science 
Key Stakeholders: Ryan Mudawar (Director of Academic and Workforce Programs) 
Client Since: 2015 
Tools Used: SmartSimple Cloud 

Overview 

The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, a $1 billion public–private initiative, was operating on a rigid, custom-built grants management system that couldn’t keep up with their evolving needs. Lacking flexibility, customer support, and even basic usability, the system had become more of a burden than a benefit. After a thorough search, MLSC selected SmartSimple Cloud to modernize and future-proof their grantmaking, without writing a single line of code. 

Challenges 

MLSC’s original grant system was built quickly by a single developer to handle basic functions. While it sufficed at the time, the system lacked: 

  • Self-service capabilities
  • Customer support 
  • Consistent formatting 
  • Security protocols 
  • Automation or scalability 

Recurring technical glitches, lost data, unreliable application submissions, and a lack of internal control made operations increasingly difficult for staff and applicants alike. 

Solutions Implemented 

SmartSimple Cloud stood out with its highly configurable platform, designed to adapt to clients’ needs without code. MLSC could recreate their entire grantmaking process while gaining the flexibility to scale and evolve. 

With SmartSimple Cloud, MLSC could: 

  • Make updates on their own—no developers needed 
  • Centralize all grant activity in a single, intuitive platform 
  • Use built-in tools to automate reviewer assignments and streamline workflows 
  • Enhance applicant and reviewer experiences with secure logins and draft-saving capabilities 
  • Receive responsive, knowledgeable support through SmartSimple’s Community Support team 

Impact & Outcomes 

Since adopting SmartSimple Cloud, MLSC has transformed its grant operations. Staff have full autonomy to make updates, reviewers enjoy a cleaner interface, and applicants benefit from a more secure and reliable experience. 

Key Outcomes: 

  • Complete control over system modifications
  • Elimination of technical glitches and unreliable processes 
  • A more intuitive user experience across all stakeholders 
  • Stronger security with role-based login access 
  • Responsive customer support and long-term scalability  

Client Testimonials 

“There’s no need to revamp your process to accommodate the [SmartSimple Cloud] software; instead, the software is modified to accommodate you.” 
— Ryan Mudawar, Director of Academic and Workforce Programs 

“It’s so much cleaner and more user-friendly than our old custom system. Everyone is also much more comfortable now that we have a proper login process.” 
— Ryan Mudawar, Director of Academic and Workforce Programs 

Key Takeaways 

What began as a limited, inflexible custom system has evolved into a powerful, user-driven grants management platform with SmartSimple Cloud. MLSC now enjoys a tailored solution that grows with their needs, without depending on developers or compromising their process. With SmartSimple, MLSC has secured not just a better system, but a better way to deliver on their mission of supporting life sciences innovation in Massachusetts.