FAQ

The goal of Venture For ClimateTech is to accelerate innovations likely to have substantial climate impacts for all, and which have potential for adoption in NYS. In particular, we want to offer a path to help entrepreneurs whose highly impactful innovations face unique barriers to commercialization through normal processes due to long paths to market and high capital intensity, along with other more traditional startups.

Venture For ClimateTech is designed to help you quickly and effectively address the biggest risks in launching your venture. It’s a three-phase, six-month program that seeks to help you build the team, knowledge, and personal network you need to succeed, while providing the capital, community, access to talent, and connections to make the journey faster and smoother.

We broadly are interested in companies developing technologies which have the potential to substantially reduce GHG emissions globally, and in the state of New York in particular. The sixth cohort will focus on decarbonizing four key sectors: Buildings, Transportation, Grid, and Industry. Companies with solutions that positively help communities impacted by climate change are strongly encouraged to apply.

We work with early-stage entrepreneurs from TRL 4-7s, some of whom may not yet have formed a legal entity. We are looking for early stage entrepreneurs so while many may have secured significant grant funding, companies that have already raised substantial institutional capital may not be the best fit. We are happy to have a conversation about other resources in our ecosystem which might be appropriate! So don’t be shy, we are here to help!

Applicants can be located anywhere in the world but must have plans for how their solution can help New York State reach its climate goals as stated in the Climate Leadership and Protection Act.

This is a part-time program spread over several months. It’s meant to help you scale, but not to take away your ability to make ends meet. Some weeks will be more intense than others, particularly at the beginning of the program, but you can expect to spend about 8-12 hours a week on your company through the program.

Applications for Cohort 6 of Venture For ClimateTech are open from January 5, 2026 to February 20, 2026 and can apply through the links above.

Startups will be evaluated on the following criteria:

• The potential carbon equivalent reduction impact of the technology or service.
• The business opportunity makes sense, is substantial, and there is evidence of market interest.
• The founder or founding team is sharp, motivated, self-aware, and coachable
• The company is of an appropriate stage, and is positioned to benefit substantially from participation in the program.
• The startup product or service has a clear fit with the NYS ecosystem, in terms of having the opportunity for a presence, partnerships, or a market within the stage.
• The solution addresses and/or involves underserved communities in development or application.

Participation in Venture For ClimateTech will require 8-12 hours a week, which includes instructional and mentoring time, and time working on your company. You can participate concurrently in other accelerator or incubation programming outside of Venture For ClimateTech; however, we ask that you dedicate the necessary time to fulfill the requirements of this opportunity.