A curated list of government and private sector funding opportunities designed to support small businesses and innovative startups developing solutions for climate change, energy efficiency, and sustainability.
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A competitive grant program that encourages domestic small businesses to engage in federal research and development with commercialization potential. It offers significant non-dilutive funding across multiple agencies, making it a cornerstone for deep-tech climate innovations.
Similar to SBIR but mandates a formal collaborative relationship with a research institution, typically a non-profit or college. This program is ideal for startups leveraging academic research in climate science or renewable energy technologies for commercial development.
The DOE offers various grants and funding opportunities through its Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy. These programs specifically target technologies that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, such as carbon capture, advanced battery storage, and clean hydrogen.
While primarily a business education program, NSF I-Corps helps startups validate their technology and market fit. For climate tech founders, this is often a critical first step before applying for larger SBIR grants or securing venture capital investment.
A partnership between the World Bank and development partners that provides grants to developing countries for low-emission and climate-resilient development. Startups with international reach can leverage these mechanisms for pilot projects in emerging markets.
The Environmental Protection Agency offers small grants to organizations in environmental justice communities. Climate tech startups focusing on community-level impacts, such as air quality monitoring or heat mitigation, can apply for these targeted funds.
An impact investing firm that provides growth capital to climate-tech companies, including grant-like equity-free instruments for early-stage validation. They focus on high-impact sectors like clean energy, sustainable agriculture, and resource efficiency.
This organization offers small grants and capacity-building support to community-based organizations implementing climate resilience projects. It is particularly relevant for social enterprises bridging the gap between technology deployment and local community adoption.
A global platform where governments launch collaborative initiatives and funding calls for clean energy technologies. Startups can monitor these announcements for international partnership opportunities and co-development grants within the clean energy value chain.
While primarily a financing institution, the DFC supports private sector projects that contribute to climate action in developing markets. Startups offering scalable solutions can access grants and guarantees for international expansion efforts.
Part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology, this program provides non-dilutive grants and mentorship to deep-tech startups. It is one of the world's largest innovation communities focused on accelerating climate-neutral technologies.
Several U.S. states, such as New York and California, operate their own trust funds for clean energy innovation. These grants often support pilot projects and early-stage ventures that align with state-specific decarbonization goals.
NASA’s SBIR program funds startups developing technologies for space exploration, many of which have terrestrial climate applications. This includes advanced materials for solar panels, sensors for atmospheric monitoring, and efficient energy systems.
Backed by the European Innovation Council, this fund offers large-scale grants and equity-like instruments for breakthrough climate technologies. It targets later-stage startups ready to scale up their innovations across the European Union.
A multi-billion dollar investment facility that provides catalytic funding to mobilize private capital for hard-to-abate sectors. Startups working on carbon removal, sustainable aviation fuels, or green steel can access significant grant support.
Initiatives like those led by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine focus on supporting the carbon removal industry. Grants are available for R&D in both nature-based and technological carbon sequestration methods.
Administered by the DOE, this program provides grants to states which then distribute funds to local projects. Climate tech startups can partner with state energy offices to access these decentralized funding streams for local deployments.
Australia’s clean energy finance corporation offers debt and equity, but also provides grant-like co-investment opportunities. For startups with a presence in the Asia-Pacific region, this is a key source of non-dilutive capital.
This global organization funds innovative solutions to social and environmental problems, including climate resilience. Their funding often supports early-stage prototypes and pilot programs in developing nations, offering a unique path for global climate startups.
Specific mission areas like 'Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities' offer substantial grants for integrated solutions. Startups providing software, hardware, or service innovations for urban decarbonization can compete for these high-value funding pots.