Venture For ClimateTech Accelerator Program – $50,000 Non-Dilutive Funding for Climate Innovators

Launch Your Climate Tech Innovation with Expert Mentorship and $50K in No-Strings Funding

Donor: NextCorps and SecondMuse, Supported by NYSERDA

About: Venture For ClimateTech stands as a groundbreaking global non-profit venture studio and accelerator designed specifically for early-stage climate technology entrepreneurs poised to make significant environmental impacts. Now accepting applications for its fifth cohort, this program offers a unique combination of non-dilutive funding and comprehensive support to transform promising climate innovations into market-ready solutions.

The six-month program follows a structured three-phase approach that systematically addresses the key challenges faced by climate tech startups. Beginning with a selective bootcamp for 40 teams in April 2025, the program narrows to 20 high-potential ventures for the main cohort. Participants receive up to $50,000 in non-dilutive funding—meaning you retain full equity in your company—alongside invaluable hands-on support from industry veterans, successful entrepreneurs, and climate tech investors.

What sets Venture For ClimateTech apart is its specialized focus on helping innovators overcome the unique barriers that climate technologies often face, including longer paths to market and higher capital intensity. The program creates a tailored commercialization pathway for solutions across four key decarbonization sectors: Buildings, Transportation, Grid, and Industry. Each selected team benefits from customer discovery support, mentor-driven education, connections to potential partners, and coaching to validate market opportunities and refine business models.

The 2025 cohort will operate virtually, requiring only 10-15 hours per week from participants, making it accessible for entrepreneurs who need to maintain other commitments while building their ventures. The program schedule includes three distinct phases: Phase I (May-July 2025) focuses on mentor matching, customer discovery, and business model development; Phase II (August-September 2025) emphasizes storytelling, investor preparation, and culminates in a Demo Day in NYC; and Phase III (September-November 2025) concentrates on business development, investor matching, and partnership building.

Beyond financial support, participants gain access to extensive perks from partners like AWS, SVB, Data Robot, and Legalpad, providing valuable services that would otherwise be costly for early-stage startups. The program also offers a pathway to scale through connections to manufacturing support via the companion Scale For ClimateTech program and introductions to relevant follow-on funding opportunities.

While applications are accepted globally, a key requirement is that innovations must demonstrate potential alignment with New York State’s climate goals as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Protection Act. This creates opportunities for entrepreneurs worldwide to enter the robust New York clean energy ecosystem while addressing global climate challenges.

For entrepreneurs struggling with grant applications or business planning, Grantaura’s specialized grant services can significantly increase your chances of securing funding from programs like Venture For ClimateTech. Our team can help create compelling applications, develop required business documentation, craft financial projections, and provide guidance through the competitive selection process. With over 300 successful grant projects completed, our expertise can be the difference between rejection and selection for this life-changing opportunity.

Focus: Climate Tech, Decarbonization, Buildings, Transportation, Grid, Industry, Early-Stage Startups, Venture Studio, Accelerator, Climate Solutions

Region: Global with a special focus on New York State, United States

Eligibility:
-Early-stage climate tech innovators and entrepreneurs (TRL levels 2-7)
-Solo founders or teams working on technologies with potential to substantially reduce greenhouse gas emissions
-Innovations must align with New York State’s climate goals as outlined in the Climate Leadership and Protection Act
-Applicants at pre-company formation stage are eligible (legal entity not required at application)
-Ventures that have not yet raised substantial institutional capital (some grant funding acceptable)
-Founders from anywhere in the world are eligible to apply
-Solutions must focus on decarbonizing one of four key sectors: Buildings, Transportation, Grid, or Industry
-Applicants must demonstrate market interest in their technology or service
-Teams should be able to commit 10-15 hours per week to program activities
-Innovations addressing or involving underserved communities are strongly encouraged

Benefits:
-Up to $50,000 in non-dilutive funding
-Structured six-month accelerator program
-Expert mentorship from industry leaders
-Customer discovery support and validation
-Comprehensive business model development
-Investor preparation and introduction
-Demo Day presentation opportunity in NYC
-Team building and early hiring assistance
-Access to discounted services from perk partners
-Manufacturing support through Scale For ClimateTech
-Connections to the broader climate tech ecosystem
-Follow-on funding introductions

Deadline: March 7, 2025

Terms:
-TRL (Technology Readiness Level): A method of estimating technology maturity ranging from TRL 1 (basic principles observed) to TRL 9 (actual system proven in operational environment). V4C accepts technologies from TRL 2-7.
-Non-dilutive funding: Financial support that doesn’t require giving up equity or ownership in your company.
-Greenhouse Gas (GHG): Gases that trap heat in the atmosphere, contributing to global warming. Carbon dioxide (CO2), methane (CH4), and nitrous oxide (N2O) are common GHGs targeted for reduction.
-Climate Leadership and Protection Act (CLPA): New York State legislation that sets targets for greenhouse gas emission reductions, renewable energy growth, and climate adaptation.
-Decarbonization: The process of reducing carbon dioxide emissions through the use of low carbon power sources and other measures.
-ClimateTech: Technologies specifically developed to address climate change through mitigation or adaptation.
-Venture Studio: A company that creates startups by providing resources, ideas, and expertise in exchange for equity.
-Cohort: A group of startups that go through an accelerator program together during the same time period.
-Demo Day: An event where startups pitch their companies to an audience of investors.
-Mentor Madness: An intensive period during the accelerator where startups meet with multiple potential mentors.