Apply for Breakthrough Energy Fellows Program – Cohort 7

Donor Name: Startup Researcher

Reference URL:https://www.startupresearcher.com/opportunity-radar/breakthrough-energy-fellows

The Breakthrough Energy Fellows Program is pleased to announce its applications to support scientists, entrepreneurs, early-stage startups, researchers and business professionals advancing climate technologies that can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and move scientific discoveries toward commercialization.

The program has three pathways for climate technology work at different stages, from early research to startup development and commercialization, and is open to international applicants. Its tracks include the global Innovator Fellowship, the Explorer Program, and a Southeast Asia regional opportunity; a separate Weston Breakthrough Fellowship supports Canadian innovators.

Target sectors include clean energy, emissions reduction and carbon management; advanced scientific and engineering innovations; sustainable industrial processes and low-carbon materials; clean transportation and low-emission mobility; sustainable agriculture and food production; and energy-efficient buildings and sustainable construction. Innovations in other sectors may also qualify if they demonstrate substantial emissions-reduction potential.

Innovator Fellows may receive up to $500,000 in catalytic investment through a SAFE. Explorer participants may receive approximately $50,000–$250,000 in grant funding for research, equipment, personnel, and technical development. Business Fellows receive an industry-competitive living stipend. Selected Weston Breakthrough Fellows receive a total of $500,000 in funding.

Innovator Fellows receive 12 months of development support, followed by approximately three months of close-out and evaluation; their fellowship begins in September 2027. The Explorer Program lasts approximately one year, with selection during 2027.

The Innovator Fellowship is for early-stage climate technology startups and researchers ready to commercialize solutions at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1–4. Companies typically have raised less than $2 million in investment funding, excluding grants; applicants must establish a legal entity before the program begins, and fellows must commit full-time to developing their startups.

The Explorer Program is for researchers and innovators with technologies at TRL 0–2 and significant climate-impact potential; participants may retain their academic or professional positions. The Business Fellowship is for professionals worldwide with expertise in business development, commercialization, markets, or technology scaling, and requires a full-time commitment to supporting Innovator teams.

For more information, visit Startup Researcher.

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