The Climate Tech Fellowship 2026 is a six-month hybrid programme for early-stage innovators developing energy technologies with urban resilience applications. The New York Climate Exchange provides selected teams with a $10,000 non-dilutive stipend, venture-development training, individual mentorship, and access to its partner network. Applications close on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:59PM.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Climate Tech Fellowship
Category: Climate Technology Fellowship
Host: The New York Climate Exchange
Supporting Organization: NYSERDA
Format: Hybrid, with virtual and in-person programming
Duration: Six months
Programme Dates: September 2026–February 2027
Application Deadline: Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:59PM
Funding Status: $10,000 non-dilutive stipend per team
About the Climate Tech Fellowship 2026
The fellowship helps innovators move climate technologies from research or concept development toward commercially viable solutions. The 2026 cohort focuses on the intersection of energy and urban resilience.
The programme combines structured commercial training with technical and professional guidance. Participants will develop their market strategies, strengthen fundraising readiness, and build connections with mentors, peers, investors, and potential partners.
The New York Climate Exchange expects to select between five and ten teams for the 2026 cohort.
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Focus Area: Energy and Urban Resilience
The fellowship supports technologies that can help cities prepare for, respond to, and adapt to climate-related impacts. Applicants should be developing innovations connected to energy systems and urban resilience.
The programme’s focus areas include:
• End-use energy innovation
• Power generation and storage
• Grid modernization
• Natural carbon solutions
Cross-cutting innovations that cover more than one area are also welcome. Examples listed by the programme include intelligent buildings, battery technologies, distributed generation, smart grids, green infrastructure, and carbon-storage solutions.
Programme Structure
The fellowship is primarily virtual. However, it includes an in-person component during Climate Week NYC.
Programme Onboarding
Selected fellows will begin with onboarding in September 2026. The onboarding process will introduce participants to the fellowship structure, expectations, resources, and support network.
Climate Week NYC
One team member will participate in the in-person programming scheduled for September 19–22, 2026. The programme will include a showcase for investors and partners.
Travel and accommodation for one team member will be covered. Additional team members may attend the in-person activities at their own expense.
Virtual Programming
Virtual programming will run from October 2026 through January 2027. It will include go-to-market modules, mentor meetings, expert sessions, and cohort activities.
Final Showcase
The fellowship will conclude with a virtual showcase and programme wrap-up in February 2027.
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What Fellows Receive
Each selected solo applicant or team will receive one programme support package.
Confirmed benefits include:
✓ $10,000 non-dilutive stipend per team
✓ Structured go-to-market curriculum
✓ Training in market mapping and customer segmentation
✓ Guidance on target markets, sales channels, and commercialization strategy
✓ Expert sessions on fundraising, intellectual property, communications, and climate equity
✓ Three dedicated one-to-one mentorship sessions
✓ Mentor matching based on the project’s focus and development stage
✓ Personalized fellowship blueprint and development roadmap
✓ Monthly progress check-ins
✓ In-person Climate Week NYC programming
✓ Travel and accommodation for one team member
✓ Opportunity to showcase the innovation to investors and partners
✓ Introductions to investors, policymakers, and strategic partners
The programme is free for selected fellows. The official page also confirms that there is no application fee.
Who Can Apply?
The Climate Tech Fellowship is designed for early-stage innovators working on energy technologies with meaningful urban resilience potential.
Suitable applicants may include:
• Researchers
• Scientists
• Engineers
• Entrepreneurs
• Independent innovators
• Startup founders
• Solo applicants or teams
The programme is open to innovators globally. University or institutional affiliation is not required, and applicants do not need to have an incorporated company.
The fellowship is specifically designed for projects at the pre-company formation to pre-seed stage. Innovations may be at the prototype, early pilot, or early commercialization stage.
Eligibility and Participation Expectations
Applicants should meet the following programme expectations:
• Work on an innovation connected to energy and urban resilience
• Have a prototype, early pilot, or early-stage commercial solution
• Demonstrate an interest in commercializing the proposed technology
• Be prepared to participate in customer discovery and venture-building activities
• Commit several hours each week throughout the six-month programme
• Focus on one specific innovation during the fellowship
Projects that remain in the research and development phase may apply. However, applicants should be interested in advancing their concepts toward market readiness rather than seeking research funding alone.
Team Participation Rules
Solo innovators and multi-person teams may submit applications. Each selected team will receive one $10,000 stipend, regardless of the number of team members.
Travel and accommodation for Climate Week NYC are covered for one representative from each team. Other team members may participate in virtual programming and attend in-person events at their own cost.
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Application and Selection Process
Applicants must complete the official online form and provide information about their innovation, team, and objectives for joining the fellowship.
The selection process includes:
• Preliminary eligibility and completeness review
• Evaluation of the innovation’s potential impact
• Assessment of commercialization readiness
• Review of alignment with the 2026 energy and urban resilience focus
• Virtual interviews for shortlisted applicants
• Formal offers and next-step guidance for selected fellows
Applications will be assessed on a rolling basis. All submitted application materials will remain confidential.
Key Programme Dates
• Applications opened: Monday, June 15, 2026
• Application deadline: Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:59PM
• Programme onboarding: September 2026
• Climate Week NYC participation: September 19–22, 2026
• Virtual programming: October 2026–January 2027
• Culminating virtual showcase: February 2027
Application Deadline
Applications for the Climate Tech Fellowship 2026 must be submitted by Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:59PM. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application link below.
