The Climate Tech Fellowship 2026 by The New York Climate Exchange is a six-month hybrid programme for early-stage innovators working at the intersection of energy and urban resilience. The fellowship combines expert-led curriculum, one-to-one mentorship, non-dilutive funding, and access to The Exchange’s partner ecosystem. Applications close on Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:59PM.
Programme Snapshot
Programme: Climate Tech Fellowship
Category: Fellowship
Host: The New York Climate Exchange
Country: United States
Location: Primarily virtual, with in-person programming during Climate Week NYC
Format: Six-month hybrid programme
Programme Dates: September 2026 to February 2027
Application Deadline: Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:59PM
Funding Status: Free for selected fellows; $10,000 non-dilutive stipend per team
About the Climate Tech Fellowship 2026
The Climate Tech Fellowship supports early-stage climate technology innovators who are developing solutions with urban resilience potential. The 2026 cohort focuses on Energy & Urban Resilience and is supported by NYSERDA.
The programme is designed to help innovators move from promising concepts toward commercially viable climate solutions. Fellows receive structured support for market strategy, venture building, mentorship, and ecosystem access.
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Programme Purpose and Format
The fellowship addresses the gap between early climate concepts and real-world deployment. It supports innovators who need more than grant funding and want guidance on commercialization, customer discovery, market positioning, and venture development.
The programme is mainly virtual. In-person programming takes place during Climate Week NYC in September, including a showcase for investors and partners. Travel and accommodation for one team member are covered for this in-person component.
Focus Area: Energy and Urban Resilience
The 2026 cohort is dedicated to technologies and innovations connected to energy and urban resilience. The programme focuses on solutions that can help cities prepare for, respond to, and adapt to climate-related impacts.
Confirmed focus areas include:
• End-use energy innovation
• Power generation and storage
• Grid modernization
• Natural carbon solutions
Cross-cutting innovations that span multiple focus areas are also welcome.
What Fellows Receive
Selected fellows receive financial, technical, mentorship, and ecosystem support during the fellowship period.
✓ $10,000 non-dilutive stipend per team
✓ Structured go-to-market curriculum
✓ Expert sessions on fundraising, IP strategy, communications, and climate equity
✓ Dedicated one-to-one mentorship sessions
✓ Personalized Fellowship blueprint and tailored roadmap
✓ Monthly check-ins to track progress
✓ In-person Climate Week NYC programming
✓ Travel and accommodation for one team member during Climate Week NYC
✓ Showcase opportunity for investors and partners
✓ Introductions to investors, policymakers, and strategic partners
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Who Can Apply?
The Climate Tech Fellowship is intended for early-stage innovators working on energy technologies with meaningful urban resilience potential. The official page identifies researchers, scientists, engineers, and entrepreneurs as suitable applicants.
Applicants may be a strong fit if:
• Their work addresses Energy & Urban Resilience
• Their innovation is at the prototype, early pilot, or early commercialization stage
• They want structured support with commercialization strategy and venture building
• They can commit several hours per week over six months from September 2026 to February 2027
The programme is open to innovators globally. University or institutional affiliation is not required, and incorporation is not required. Teams may also apply, but each team receives one $10,000 stipend.
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Participation Fee and Team Rules
The official FAQ states that there is no fee to participate in the fellowship. The programme is free for selected fellows, and there is no application fee.
Teams are welcome to apply. However, each solo applicant or team receives one $10,000 stipend. Travel and accommodation for Climate Week NYC in-person programming are covered for one team member per team. Additional team members may join virtual programming and attend in-person events at their own cost.
Key Programme Dates
Applicants should review the official timeline before applying.
• Programme onboarding: September 2026
• Climate Week NYC in-person participation: September 2026
• Climate Week NYC travel dates: September 19–22, 2026
• Virtual programming: October 2026 to January 2027
• Culminating virtual showcase and wrap-up: February 2027
• Application deadline: Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:59PM
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Application and Selection Process
Applicants must submit the online application form for the 2026 Climate Tech Fellowship. The form asks for details about the innovation, the applicant’s goals for the fellowship, and the team.
The review process includes:
• Preliminary eligibility and completeness check
• Evaluation based on impact potential, commercialization readiness, and alignment with the 2026 focus areas
• Virtual interviews for shortlisted candidates
• Offer and next-step guidance for selected fellows
The official page states that applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
Application Deadline
The application deadline for the Climate Tech Fellowship 2026 is Saturday, August 1, 2026, at 11:59PM. Applicants should complete the official online form before the stated deadline.
Apply Here
Submit your application through the official application link below.
