New York Climate Exchange Climate Tech Fellowship 2026–2027 in the USA | Fully Funded Fellowship for Climate Innovators

Applications are now open for the New York Climate Exchange Climate Tech Fellowship 2026–2027, a prestigious fully funded six-month fellowship for early-stage climate innovators, researchers, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs from around the world. Organized by The New York Climate Exchange with support from NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority), the fellowship is designed to accelerate the commercialization of innovative climate technologies that address energy and urban resilience challenges.

The fellowship combines expert-led commercialization training, one-on-one mentorship, non-dilutive funding, investor connections, and participation in Climate Week NYC, enabling participants to transform promising research and prototypes into scalable climate solutions. University affiliation or company incorporation is not required, making the program accessible to innovators at the earliest stages of development.

Fellowship Overview

• Host Country: United States
• Host Organization: The New York Climate Exchange
• Supporting Partner: NYSERDA
• Programme: Climate Tech Fellowship 2026–2027
• Programme Duration: 6 Months
• Programme Format: Hybrid (Virtual + In-person)
• Funding: Fully Funded
• Eligible Applicants: Global applicants
• Application Deadline: 1 August 2026 (11:59 PM ET)
• Programme Period: September 2026 – February 2027

Fellowship Benefits

Selected fellows will receive:

• USD 10,000 non-dilutive stipend (per selected team)
• Structured commercialization and go-to-market training
• One-on-one mentorship from climate, energy, and startup experts
• Personalized commercialization roadmap and monthly progress reviews
• Expert workshops on fundraising, intellectual property, communications, and climate equity
• In-person participation during Climate Week NYC
• Travel and accommodation for one team member to attend Climate Week NYC
• Networking with investors, policymakers, industry leaders, and strategic partners
• Lifetime access to The New York Climate Exchange innovation ecosystem.

Fellowship Focus Areas

The 2026 fellowship is dedicated to innovations at the intersection of Energy and Urban Resilience, including:

• End-use energy innovation
• Intelligent and resilient buildings
• Power generation technologies
• Energy storage and battery systems
• Grid modernization
• Smart grid technologies
• Natural carbon solutions
• Climate adaptation technologies
• Cross-cutting climate innovations addressing multiple sectors.

Who Can Apply?

The fellowship is open to applicants from all countries who are:

• Researchers
• Scientists
• Engineers
• Startup founders
• Entrepreneurs
• Independent innovators
• University-affiliated researchers
• Early-stage climate technology teams

Applicants should:

• Be developing an innovation related to energy and urban resilience.
• Be at the prototype, early pilot, or early commercialization stage.
• Be committed to participating in the six-month programme.
• Have an interest in commercialization, customer discovery, and venture development.

Company incorporation is not required, and applicants do not need to be affiliated with a university. The programme especially encourages applications from founders from underrepresented backgrounds.

Programme Structure

The fellowship includes:

Virtual Onboarding

Participants begin with orientation and programme planning.

Climate Week NYC

Selected fellows travel to New York to participate in:

• Networking events
• Investor showcases
• Climate innovation sessions
• Community-building activities

Virtual Learning Modules

Participants complete expert-led sessions covering:

• Commercialization strategy
• Customer discovery
• Market validation
• Business model development
• Intellectual property
• Fundraising
• Climate communications

Mentorship

Each fellow receives personalized one-on-one mentoring from experienced professionals in climate technology, entrepreneurship, and investment.

Final Showcase

The fellowship concludes with a virtual showcase where participants present their innovations to investors, policymakers, and ecosystem partners.

Required Application Information

Applicants are asked to provide:

• Information about their innovation or technology
• Team details
• Commercialization goals
• Stage of development
• Intended impact
• Responses to application questions through the online application portal.

Selection Criteria

Applications are evaluated based on:

• Innovation potential
• Climate impact
• Commercialization readiness
• Alignment with the programme’s Energy & Urban Resilience theme
• Team capability
• Potential for real-world implementation

Shortlisted applicants may be invited for virtual interviews. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early submission is encouraged.

Important Dates

How to Apply

1. Visit the official Climate Tech Fellowship application page.
2. Complete the online application form.
3. Provide details about your innovation, team, and commercialization goals.
4. Submit your application before 1 August 2026.
5. Await notification regarding interviews and final selection.

   The New York Climate Exchange Climate Tech Fellowship 2026–2027 is an exceptional opportunity for early-stage innovators seeking to transform breakthrough climate technologies into real-world solutions. With a USD 10,000 non-dilutive stipend, personalized mentorship, commercialization training, investor exposure, and a fully funded opportunity to participate in Climate Week NYC, the fellowship provides a powerful platform for innovators worldwide. If you are developing technologies in clean energy, resilient infrastructure, smart grids, or other climate-focused fields, this fellowship can help accelerate your journey from prototype to market-ready solution.