Carbontech Entrepreneurial Fellowship (New York)

Carbontech Entrepreneurial Fellowship

A state-funded fellowship program supporting scientists and engineers developing carbon-tech innovations, administered by Activate in partnership with NYSERDA.

Program Details

• Status: Active (established 2021)
• Geographic Scope: New York State
• Administrator: NYSERDA (New York State Energy Research and Development Authority) in partnership with Activate
• Focus: Carbon dioxide removal, carbon capture, storage, and utilization solutions
• Alignment: Supports New York State's Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act (Climate Act) goals, including 85% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050

Funding

• State Support: NYSERDA provides approximately $800K in direct funding to Activate fellows/companies
• Funder: New York State government
• Structure: Part of broader Activate New York Community fellowship

Target Technologies

• Carbon dioxide removal solutions
• Carbon capture technologies
• Carbon storage innovations
• Carbon utilization solutions
• Climate-tech innovations

Eligibility

• Scientists and engineers with breakthrough carbon-tech innovations
• Early-stage venture development
• Commitment to climate solutions
• New York State focus (though may be part of broader Activate fellowship)

Support Provided

• Fellowship funding
• Technical mentorship
• Access to research resources
• Network of advisors and industry partners
• Business development support
• Connection to follow-on funding sources

Geographic Communities

• Activate New York Community (3rd-largest Activate applicant pool historically)
• Part of expanded Activate network across U.S.

How to Apply

Applicants should apply through the main Activate Fellowship application process, indicating interest in New York-based fellowship or carbon-tech focus areas.

1. Primary Application: Apply to Activate Fellowship (see Activate Fellowship entry)
   • Indicate geographic preference: New York
   • Select carbon-tech as focus area if applicable
2. Timeline:
   • Applications typically open September
   • Deadline: October 23 (for current year cohorts)
3. Selection Process:
   • Competitive evaluation by Activate and NYSERDA
   • Assessment of carbon-tech innovation potential
   • Evaluation of commercialization pathway
   • Team and founder quality assessment
4. Contact:
   • Activate New York Community
   • activate.org for application portal and details

Partnership Details

• NYSERDA Partnership: State authority providing funding and policy alignment
• Activate Administration: Day-to-day fellowship management, mentorship, network access
• Focus Areas: All Activate target industries with emphasis on climate tech and carbon solutions