Urban Future Prize Competition for Climatetech Startups 2025 (up to $50,000)

The Urban Future Lab is seeking groundbreaking startups addressing the climate crisis through innovative technologies and business models. For the ninth year, they are offering not one, but two opportunities to win big!

Thanks to the generous support of MUFG Bank, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), and NYU Tandon School of Engineering, two winners will each receive a $50,000 cash prize and admission into the ACRE Incubator—New York’s longest-running and most successful climatetech program.

Competition Tracks

There are two distinct prize tracks for this year: the Climate Mitigation Prize and the Climate Adaptation Prize. These tracks reflect their commitment to addressing the climate crisis through both reducing emissions and building resilience to its impacts.

The Climate Mitigation Prize seeks startups developing technologies or business models to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and combat the root causes of climate change. The Climate Adaptation Prize is for startups developing solutions that help communities and ecosystems adapt to the impacts of climate change.

Prizes of Urban Future

• Two $50,000 Non-Dilutive Cash Prizes: Fuel your growth without giving up equity.
• ACRE Incubator Membership: Gain access to NYC’s leading climatetech incubator, boasting a near 90% startup survival rate.
• Expert Mentorship: Connect with seasoned advisors, mentors, and investors.
• Increased Visibility: Showcase your innovation to industry leaders and potential partners.

Check : GrowthAfrica Nairobi Circular Economy ClimAccelerator 2025 (up to €15,000)

Eligibility for Urban Future

• Applicants should be early-stage startups generating revenue that have raised under $5M and are able to clearly articulate the potential sustainability impact from their core product or service.
• Companies may be internationally based, however, they ask winners to maintain at least one full-time startup employee and one desk at an incubator in New York City. Founders derive the most value from being physically present when industry, investor office hours or events occur.

Also Check : Einstein Award for Promoting Quality in Research 2025 (€350,000 Total Award)

Application

Applications must be submitted via Airtable no later than Monday, April 28, 2025 at 11:59pm ET. Emailed and late entries will not be considered.

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