A curated list of prestigious grant programs, funding initiatives, and accelerators specifically designed to support deep technology startups tackling climate change. These resources provide non-dilutive capital and strategic support for hardware, software, and biotech solutions in energy, carbon capture, and sustainable materials.
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A major competitive funding initiative challenging teams to develop commercially viable carbon dioxide removal technologies. It offers substantial prize money to accelerate the deployment of solutions that can scale to gigaton levels, targeting direct air capture and enhanced weathering.
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Advanced Research Projects Agency-Energy funds high-potential, high-impact early-stage energy technologies. It supports disruptive innovations in renewable energy, grid reliability, and transportation that traditional investors often deem too risky, providing significant non-dilutive capital.
Federal programs that provide funding to small businesses conducting Research and Development with commercialization potential. Multiple agencies, including DOE and NSF, offer specific tracks for climate tech, offering Phase I feasibility studies and Phase II development funds.
A collaborative initiative that provides startups with access to MIT’s research infrastructure, data, and expert mentorship. It offers targeted funding and pilot opportunities for technologies addressing decarbonization, circular economy, and sustainable infrastructure.
Founded by Bill Gates and other tech leaders, this venture fund invests in companies developing hard-to-abate sector solutions. While primarily equity-focused, it often accompanies grant-backed startups with strategic resources and connections to industrial partners for scaling.
The Carbon Removal and Low-Carbon Energy Network focuses on removing gigatons of carbon dioxide. It offers awards for projects developing cost-effective carbon removal technologies and integrating them into broader energy systems.
A global fund dedicated to early-stage deep tech startups in energy and sustainability. It provides non-dilutive seed grants along with access to Shell’s global network, technical expertise, and potential pathways for industrial application and scaling.
Global competitions that connect innovators with investors, policymakers, and partners. These challenges often offer cash prizes and incubation support for technologies that can significantly reduce global greenhouse gas emissions in areas like energy efficiency and renewable power.
A global competition seeking innovative technologies that accelerate the world’s transition to sustainable energy. It offers significant cash awards and mentorship to teams developing solutions in electric vehicles, renewable energy storage, and charging infrastructure.
Provides grants and equity investment to start-ups and SMEs with the aim to bring breakthrough innovations to the market. It has a strong focus on deep tech, including climate-neutral solutions, offering up to €2.5 million in grants for proof of concept.
A global startup program that provides AI and GPU-focused startups with technical support, cloud credits, and visibility. For climate tech startups using simulation, digital twins, or AI for optimization, it offers crucial computational resources and industry connections.
Offers various grant opportunities for projects that advance energy efficiency and renewable energy technologies. It supports pilot deployments and commercialization of innovations in solar, wind, geothermal, and hydrogen energy sectors.
Europe’s largest innovation and entrepreneurship initiative, providing access to a vast network of partners, researchers, and investors. It offers intensive coaching, networking, and limited funding for startups tackling climate change across multiple sectors.
A specialized batch within Y Combinator focused exclusively on climate tech startups. It provides standard YC funding and mentorship but with a tailored curriculum and investor network focused on decarbonization, carbon capture, and sustainable agriculture.
Specific solicitations from the National Science Foundation that support research into climate resilience and adaptation. It funds startups developing technologies to help communities and industries withstand the impacts of a changing climate.
A program by Clean Energy Ministerial supporting startups with scalable solutions for clean energy transitions. It offers mentorship, visibility, and connections to government and private sector partners in participating countries.
Focused on accelerating the deployment of carbon removal technologies through collaborative teams. It brings together startups, academia, and industry to develop integrated solutions that can achieve rapid scale and cost reduction.
A global competition that provides cash prizes and support to entrepreneurs developing climate solutions. It highlights innovative technologies and business models that can drive systemic change in energy, food, and transportation systems.
Aims to accelerate the deployment of carbon dioxide removal technologies. It offers significant awards for projects that demonstrate scalable, cost-effective methods for removing CO2 from the atmosphere and storing it permanently.
Provides financing and advisory services for projects that promote low-carbon development and resilience. It supports early-stage climate tech companies through venture capital funds and direct investment in innovative technologies.