The New York Climate Exchange Climate Tech Fellowship 2026 is now accepting applications from early-stage climate innovators around the world. Designed to bridge the critical gap between breakthrough research and market-ready solutions, this prestigious six-month hybrid fellowship equips researchers, scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs, and innovators with the tools, mentorship, funding, and industry connections needed to accelerate climate technologies that strengthen energy systems and urban resilience.

Applications are now open and will be reviewed on a rolling basis until Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM.

Supported by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), the 2026 fellowship builds on the success of its inaugural 2025 cohort and focuses specifically on innovations at the intersection of Energy and Urban Resilience. Participants will receive structured commercialization support, a non-dilutive stipend, one-on-one mentoring, investor introductions, and the opportunity to participate in Climate Week NYC, one of the world’s premier climate events.

What Is the Climate Tech Fellowship?

The Climate Tech Fellowship is a six-month hybrid accelerator programme developed by The New York Climate Exchange to help promising climate technologies move beyond the research stage and become commercially viable solutions.

Many groundbreaking climate innovations never reach the marketplace because innovators often lack:

• Commercialization expertise
• Market strategy
• Customer discovery experience
• Investor connections
• Mentorship
• Venture-building support

This challenge is commonly referred to as the “first valley of death”—the difficult transition between research and successful commercialization.

The fellowship was created specifically to bridge this gap by helping innovators transform promising ideas into scalable climate solutions capable of creating real-world impact.

Mission of the Fellowship

The programme aims to accelerate climate innovation by supporting innovators who are developing technologies capable of addressing urgent global climate challenges.

Rather than offering funding alone, the fellowship combines financial support with structured business development, commercialization guidance, technical mentoring, and access to a powerful global innovation ecosystem.

Participants leave the programme with:

• A clearer commercialization roadmap
• Greater fundraising readiness
• Stronger investor relationships
• Expanded professional networks
• Improved market positioning
• Long-term mentorship

Focus Area for the 2026 Fellowship

The 2026 fellowship focuses exclusively on:

Energy & Urban Resilience

Cities face increasing risks from:

• Extreme heat
• Flooding
• Climate-related disasters
• Energy disruptions
• Infrastructure failures

The fellowship seeks innovations that improve how cities prepare for, respond to, and recover from climate-related challenges while supporting the clean energy transition.

Innovations may focus on—but are not limited to—the following areas:

1. End-use Energy Innovation

Examples include:

• Intelligent buildings
• Building energy efficiency
• Smart infrastructure
• Energy management systems

2. Power Generation & Storage

Projects involving:

• Renewable generation
• Battery technologies
• Distributed energy systems
• Energy storage innovations

3. Grid Modernization

Solutions addressing:

• Smart grids
• Power system monitoring
• Grid communications
• Adaptive electricity management
• Grid resilience

4. Natural Carbon Solutions

Innovations related to:

• Green infrastructure
• Carbon storage
• Nature-based solutions
• Sustainable land management

Cross-cutting innovations spanning multiple focus areas are also encouraged. Applicants uncertain about their project’s fit are encouraged to apply or contact the programme team.

What Fellows Receive

Selected fellows gain access to an extensive package of financial, technical, and professional support.

$10,000 Non-Dilutive Funding

Each selected team receives:

• A $10,000 non-dilutive stipend

Importantly, participants do not give up equity in exchange for funding.

Commercialization Curriculum

Participants receive structured training covering:

• Market mapping
• Customer segmentation
• Commercialization strategy
• Go-to-market planning
• Target market identification
• Sales channels
• Venture development

Expert Sessions

The fellowship also includes specialized sessions on:

• Fundraising
• Intellectual property (IP)
• Climate equity
• Communications strategy

Personalized Mentorship

Every fellow receives:

• Dedicated one-on-one mentoring
• Mentors matched to the fellow’s technical area
• Guidance aligned with stage of development

Customized Fellowship Blueprint

Participants receive:

• Individualized commercialization roadmap
• Monthly progress check-ins
• Tailored milestone planning

Climate Week NYC Participation

One of the fellowship highlights is participation in Climate Week NYC.

Selected fellows receive:

• In-person programming
• Investor showcase opportunities
• Partner engagement
• Networking sessions

Travel and accommodation for one team member are fully covered.

Global Network Access

Participants also benefit from introductions to:

• Investors
• Policymakers
• Strategic partners
• Climate organizations
• Innovation ecosystem leaders

Programme Timeline

The fellowship runs from September 2026 to February 2027.

September 2026

• Programme onboarding
• Climate Week NYC participation

October 2026 – January 2027

Virtual programming including:

• Commercialization modules
• Mentor meetings
• Cohort sessions
• Customer discovery
• Venture development

February 2027

• Virtual showcase
• Programme wrap-up

Who Should Apply?

The fellowship is intended for early-stage innovators developing technologies that strengthen energy systems and urban resilience.

Ideal applicants include:

• Researchers
• Scientists
• Engineers
• Entrepreneurs
• Startup founders

Applicants should ideally be:

• At prototype stage
• At early pilot stage
• At early commercialization stage

The fellowship is particularly valuable for innovators seeking commercialization support rather than research funding alone.

University affiliation is not required, and applicants do not need to have incorporated a company. The programme is designed for innovations from the pre-company formation to pre-seed stage.

Applications from founders from underrepresented backgrounds are especially encouraged.

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should meet the following criteria:

• Be an early-stage innovator, researcher, scientist, engineer, founder, or entrepreneur.
• Be developing an innovation related to Energy and Urban Resilience.
• Have a prototype, early pilot, or early commercialization-stage solution.
• Be interested in commercialization, customer discovery, and venture building.
• Commit several hours per week throughout the six-month programme.
• Be available for virtual sessions and in-person participation during Climate Week NYC.
• Be willing to focus on one innovation throughout the fellowship.

Notably:

• University affiliation is not required.
• Company incorporation is not required.
• Teams may apply.
• Applicants from any country are eligible.

Application Process

Applications are completed online and are free of charge.

Applicants should submit details about:

• Their innovation
• Team members
• Fellowship goals
• Commercialization plans

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is strongly encouraged.

The review process includes:

1. Eligibility screening
2. Completeness check
3. Evaluation of commercialization readiness
4. Assessment of impact potential
5. Alignment with the 2026 focus area
6. Virtual interviews for shortlisted applicants
7. Final selection and onboarding

APPLY HERE

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is the fellowship free?

Yes. There is no application fee and participation is free for selected fellows.

Is the fellowship open internationally?

Yes. The programme is open to innovators globally.

Do I need to live in New York?

No. The fellowship is primarily virtual. Fellows only travel to New York during Climate Week NYC.

Do I need to be affiliated with a university?

No. Independent innovators are welcome to apply.

Do I need to have a registered company?

No. Incorporation is not required. The fellowship specifically supports innovators before company formation or at the pre-seed stage.

Can teams apply?

Yes. Teams are welcome. However, each team receives one $10,000 stipend, and travel support is provided for one team member.

Can I apply if my innovation is still in research?

Yes. The programme supports research-stage innovations provided applicants are committed to commercialization.

Can I apply with multiple projects?

Yes, but applicants should focus on one specific innovation during the fellowship.

How many fellows will be selected?

The Exchange expects to select between five and ten teams for the 2026 cohort.

Why This Fellowship Matters

Climate innovation often stalls before reaching the market due to limited access to commercialization expertise, strategic partnerships, and investment opportunities. The Climate Tech Fellowship directly addresses these barriers by combining financial support with mentorship, expert guidance, investor exposure, and structured venture development.

For innovators working at the intersection of clean energy and urban resilience, the programme provides an exceptional platform to refine technologies, strengthen commercialization strategies, and build lasting relationships within the global climate innovation ecosystem.

Visit HERE to learn more about the New York Climate Exchange Climate Tech Fellowship 2026.

Conclusion

The New York Climate Exchange Climate Tech Fellowship 2026 represents an outstanding opportunity for early-stage climate innovators worldwide to transform promising ideas into commercially viable solutions. Through a six-month hybrid programme, fellows receive a $10,000 non-dilutive stipend, personalized mentorship, commercialization training, investor introductions, and the opportunity to showcase their innovations during Climate Week NYC.

Whether you are a researcher, engineer, scientist, entrepreneur, or founder developing solutions in energy, grid modernization, power storage, natural carbon solutions, or urban resilience, this fellowship offers the resources and network needed to accelerate your innovation toward real-world impact.

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, but the final deadline is Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:59 PM. Early applications are encouraged to maximize your chances of selection.

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