Applications are now open for the Climate Tech Fellowship 2026 in the USA, a fully funded six-month hybrid fellowship for innovators, entrepreneurs, researchers, engineers, and startup teams developing climate technologies and sustainable solutions. Organized by The New York Climate Exchange, this prestigious fellowship helps early-stage climate innovators transform promising ideas into market-ready solutions through funding, mentorship, commercialization support, and global networking opportunities.
Selected fellows will receive a $10,000 non-dilutive stipend, expert mentorship, commercialization training, and personalized business guidance. In addition, one member from each selected team will receive fully funded travel and accommodation to attend Climate Week NYC 2026, one of the world’s largest climate action events, where participants can connect with investors, policymakers, industry leaders, and global climate experts.
If you are working on an innovative climate solution and want funding, international exposure, and access to a world-class innovation ecosystem, the Climate Tech Fellowship 2026 is an excellent opportunity.
Climate Tech Fellowship 2026 Overview
Host Country: United States (USA)
Organizer: The New York Climate Exchange
Program Type: Fellowship
Duration: 6 Months
Location: Hybrid (Virtual + New York City)
Eligible Applicants: International Applicants
Financial Coverage: Fully Funded
Application Deadline: 1 August 2026
Fellowship Benefits
Selected fellows will receive:
- $10,000 non-dilutive funding to accelerate the development and commercialization of their climate technology without giving up equity.
- Fully funded airfare and accommodation for one team member to attend Climate Week NYC 2026.
- One-on-one mentorship from climate technology experts and industry leaders.
- Commercialization and go-to-market training.
- Personalized business development support.
- Networking opportunities with investors, entrepreneurs, researchers, policymakers, and climate leaders.
- Global exposure for climate innovations.
- Opportunities to build partnerships, secure investment, and expand internationally.
- Access to a global climate innovation community.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Open to applicants from all countries.
- Researchers, entrepreneurs, startup founders, engineers, innovators, and inventors are encouraged to apply.
- Must be developing an early-stage climate technology or climate innovation.
- Should have a prototype, pilot project, or innovation ready for early commercialization.
- Demonstrate a strong commitment to commercializing the proposed climate solution.
- Be available to actively participate in the fellowship throughout the six-month program.
- Commit a few hours each week to fellowship activities.
- Be available from September 2026 to February 2027.
- Company registration is not required.
- University enrollment or institutional affiliation is not required, making the fellowship open to independent innovators.
Climate Tech Focus Areas
Applicants should be working on innovative solutions in one or more of the following areas:
End-Use Energy Innovation
- Building energy efficiency
- Industrial decarbonization
- Clean transportation technologies
- Energy efficiency solutions
Power Generation & Energy Storage
- Renewable energy
- Battery technologies
- Clean power systems
- Energy storage innovations
Grid Modernization
- Smart grid technologies
- Energy distribution systems
- Grid resilience
- Digital infrastructure for modern power networks
Natural Carbon Solutions
- Carbon capture
- Carbon removal
- Nature-based climate solutions
- Ecosystem restoration
Cross-Disciplinary Climate Innovation
- Innovative technologies addressing climate and sustainability challenges across multiple sectors.
Program Timeline
September 2026
- Fellowship onboarding and orientation.
September 2026
- Attend Climate Week NYC with fully funded travel.
October 2026 – January 2027
- Virtual commercialization training.
- Go-to-market workshops.
- One-on-one mentoring.
- Networking sessions.
February 2027
- Final Virtual Showcase where fellows present their climate innovations and program outcomes.
How to Apply for the Climate Tech Fellowship 2026
Follow these steps to apply:
- Submit your application through the official online application portal.
- There is no application fee.
- Complete all required information and supporting materials before submission.
- Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, so early applications are strongly encouraged.
- Apply before the final deadline.
Application Deadline
1 August 2026
Apply Now
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the Climate Tech Fellowship 2026 fully funded?
Yes. The fellowship is fully funded and includes a $10,000 non-dilutive stipend, expert mentorship, commercialization training, and fully funded travel and accommodation for one team member to attend Climate Week NYC.
Who can apply for the Climate Tech Fellowship?
The fellowship is open to innovators, entrepreneurs, startup founders, researchers, engineers, inventors, and independent innovators from any country.
Do I need to register a company before applying?
No. Company registration is not required to apply for the fellowship.
Can students and independent innovators apply?
Yes. University enrollment or institutional affiliation is not mandatory, making the program accessible to students, graduates, researchers, and independent innovators.
What types of climate projects are eligible?
Eligible projects include innovations in renewable energy, energy storage, carbon capture, grid modernization, sustainable transportation, nature-based climate solutions, energy efficiency, and other climate technologies.
What is the duration of the fellowship?
The Climate Tech Fellowship runs for six months, from September 2026 to February 2027.
What is Climate Week NYC?
Climate Week NYC is one of the world’s largest climate action events, bringing together global leaders, investors, entrepreneurs, policymakers, researchers, and innovators to discuss climate solutions and sustainability initiatives.
Is there an application fee?
No. Applying for the Climate Tech Fellowship 2026 is completely free.
When is the application deadline?
The deadline to apply is 1 August 2026.
