New initiative delivers robust climate tech programming
A new effort has launched to help innovators build climate technology. This initiative will help businesses quickly grow technologies that lower greenhouse gases and improve the state as a hub for climate solutions.
Titled “For ClimateTech,” the effort will recruit globally and be administered by local non-profit NextCorps and the innovation company, SecondMuse.
Two programs will be offered initially to help innovators: “Scale for ClimateTech” and “Venture For ClimateTech.” Scale for ClimateTech will help people refine design, improve a manufacturing plan, resolve challenges, deliver to customers and scale up production. Venture for ClimateTech will help innovators validate market opportunities, secure funding, build a team of professionals and gain overall support.
Through both these programs, a team of entrepreneurs, funders and government representatives are working to develop pathways for testing and selling climate-related solutions. For ClimateTech expands the partnership between SecondMuse’s M-Corps and NextCorps’ Hardware ScaleUp (HWSU). Together, the two organizations have supported more than 30 climate tech manufacturing businesses and helped them raise a collective $28 million in funding. Over the past two years, these companies are generating nearly $10 million revenue.
Scale For ClimateTech started with its inaugural cohort on November 16. This includes 18 innovators from the U.S., U.K., Canada and Norway who are developing systems for electric vehicle charging, renewable energy storage and conversion and smart building solar power. These companies will spend nearly a year working with technical experts to help them navigate product development and mass production in New York State.
Global recruitment for Venture For ClimateTech will take place in January, with the first cohort meeting in April. This effort will help innovators determine market fit and provide coaching and funding.
Climate solutions need an ecosystem aligned with policies, goals and readiness. These are a part of New York State’s Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.
More than a dozen partners are supporting these initiatives with technical expertise and supportive resources. Some of these organizations include the New York State Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), Urban Future Lab, Cornell University, NY Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) and the RIT Golisano Institute of Sustainability.
For more information, go to ForClimateTech.