Venture For ClimateTech

Venture For ClimateTech is a global non-profit accelerator program administered by NextCorps and SecondMuse that supports early-stage climate technology startups. Funded by NYSERDA, the six-month virtual initiative provides cohorts of approximately twenty companies with up to $50,000 in non-dilutive capital and zero equity requirements. The three-phase curriculum focuses on team building, capital strategy, and network leverage for hardware, software, and business model innovations, with applications for the sixth cohort open from January 5 to February 20, 2026. Participants also receive opportunities to present their solutions at a New York City showcase event. Alumni have historically secured $164 million in follow-on funding from prominent institutional investors, including Clean Energy Ventures and the Grantham Foundation. This resource is intended for pre-seed and seed-stage climate tech founders worldwide who need commercialization support to scale greenhouse gas reduction technologies.

At a Glance

Venture For ClimateTech provides up to $50,000 to early-stage climate tech startups globally. The program supports entrepreneurs developing technologies and solutions to combat climate change, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and build climate resilience. By providing seed-stage capital alongside mentorship and community, the program helps climate tech founders bridge the gap between concept and initial commercial traction.

Eligibility

Early-stage climate tech startups from anywhere in the world are eligible. Companies should be developing technologies or solutions with measurable climate impact potential across areas including clean energy, sustainable transport, carbon removal, circular economy, sustainable agriculture, and climate adaptation. The program welcomes both pre-revenue startups and early-revenue companies that are still in the initial stages of building their climate solution.

What You Get

Grants of up to $50,000 provide critical early capital for climate tech development. Beyond funding, participants receive mentorship from experienced climate tech entrepreneurs and investors, connections to the global climate tech community, and exposure to potential follow-on investors and partners. The program's community aspect helps founders navigate the unique challenges of building climate technology companies, from regulatory environments to hardware scaling challenges.

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through the Venture For ClimateTech website during open cohort application periods. Proposals should describe the climate technology, quantify potential impact, present the business model, and introduce the founding team. The selection process evaluates climate impact potential, technology viability, team capability, and business model scalability. The program values diverse founders and solutions from both developed and developing markets.

Past Recipients

The program has supported climate tech startups across clean energy generation, energy storage, building efficiency, sustainable materials, waste reduction, and climate monitoring. Recipients span multiple continents, reflecting the global nature of both climate challenges and climate solutions. Alumni have gone on to raise additional funding, secure pilot projects, and begin scaling their technologies toward meaningful climate impact.