Training · Entrepreneurship and Freelance

Climate Tech Fellowship

A six-month hybrid program that combines expert-led curriculum, 1:1 mentorship, non-dilutive funding, and access to The Exchange's global partner ecosystem.

2026 Climate Tech Fellowship

About the Fellowship

The Climate Tech Fellowship is a six-month hybrid program that combines expert-led curriculum, 1:1 mentorship, non-dilutive funding, and access to The Exchange's global partner ecosystem. Fellows leave with a clearer commercialization roadmap, stronger fundraising readiness, and a network of mentors, peers, and potential investors. Building on a successful inaugural cohort in 2025, the 2026 Fellowship, supported by NYSERDA, is dedicated to a specific and urgent theme at the intersection of Energy & Urban Resilience. Read the Press Release here.

Why the Fellowship Exists

Many of the most promising early-stage climate solutions never make it out of the lab. Without access to the right support — mentorship, funding, market strategy, and ecosystem connections — innovators face an early "valley of death" that prevents their concepts from becoming deployable, impactful solutions. The New York Climate Exchange created the Climate Tech Fellowship to change that. By bridging the gap between research and real-world deployment, we help promising innovators take the next critical step from concept to a commercially viable climate solution.

What Fellows Receive

Each fellow gains access to a curated set of resources designed to accelerate their path from promising concept to viable venture:

$10,000 non-dilutive stipend (per team)
Structured go-to-market curriculum covering market mapping, customer segmentation, target markets, channels, and commercialization strategy — taught by expert instructors
Expert sessions on fundraising, IP strategy, communications, and climate equity
Dedicated 1:1 mentorship sessions, matched to specific focus area and stage of development
A personalized Fellowship blueprint and tailored roadmap with monthly check-ins to track progress
In-person programming during Climate Week NYC in September, including a showcase for investors and partners. Travel and accommodation for one team member will be covered
Introductions to investors, policymakers, and strategic partners through The Exchange's global network

Focus Area: Energy & Urban Resilience

The transition to clean energy is accelerating. But resilience cannot be an afterthought. Climate change is making energy systems less resilient. To ensure cities can adequately prepare for, respond and adapt to the impacts of climate change, it’s not enough for advances in energy innovation to offer pathways for decarbonization, they must also safeguard and help to ensure the majority of the world’s population can thrive in the face of climate change. Decentralized generation, batteries, hardened infrastructure and smart grids can advance resilience in critical ways: anticipating system disruptions, minimizing damage and ensuring critical infrastructure remains operational to power communities and economies.

The 2026 cohort focuses on innovators advancing energy solutions that help cities better prepare for, respond to, and adapt to the impacts of climate change. Focus areas include, but are not limited to:

End use Energy Innovation
Power Generation & Storage
Grid Modernization
Natural Carbon Solutions

Cross-cutting innovations that span multiple areas are also welcome. If you are unsure whether your project fits, we encourage you to apply or reach out to discuss.

Who Should Apply?

The Fellowship is designed for early-stage innovators - researchers, scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs - who are working on energy technologies with meaningful urban resilience potential. You are a strong fit if:

Your work addresses Energy & Urban Resilience
You are at the prototype, early pilot, or early commercialization stage
You are looking for more than grant funding (i.e., you want structured support with commercialization strategy, customer discovery, and venture building)
You can commit several hours per week to the program over six months from September 2026-February 2027

University or institutional affiliation is not required. The Fellowship is open to innovators globally. Incorporation is not required. The program is specifically designed for innovators at the pre-company formation to pre-seed stage. We particularly encourage applications from founders from underrepresented backgrounds.

Key Dates

Program Onboarding: September 2026
Climate Week NYC (In Person Participation): September 2026
Virtual Programming (including Go-to-Market modules, and 1:1 Mentor Sessions): October 2026 - January 2027
Culminating Virtual Showcase and Wrap Up: February 2027

How to Apply

Submit your Application for the 2026 Climate Tech Fellowship. The application is free and open to innovators globally.

Innovators interested should complete the Online Form, and provide details on the innovation, goals for the Fellowship, and team. We will review applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply early.

Review the detailed FAQ and the Evaluation Criteria to learn more.

Join our office hour sessions via Calendly, or reach out to Megha Mehdiratta at mmehdiratta@nyclimateexchange.org.