Up to $500,000 for Climate Technology Innovators – Breakthrough Energy Fellows 2027

The Breakthrough Energy Fellows Programme is offering up to $500,000 in early-stage investment to support scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs developing breakthrough technologies to tackle climate change.

Delivered through Breakthrough Energy Discovery, the programme helps promising early-stage technologies progress from scientific development towards commercialisation.

The 2027 programme welcomes applications from innovators worldwide, including the United Kingdom.

Alongside financial support, successful applicants receive expert mentorship, technical guidance, business development assistance and access to an international network of investors and industry partners.

Applications are open for Cohort 7 and close on 2 November 2026.

Here's what you can expect:

• Up to $500,000 in early-stage investment for Innovator Fellows

• Approximately $50,000–$250,000 in research funding for Explorers

• A 12-month Innovator Fellowship

• Technical development and commercialisation support

• Expert mentoring and business guidance

• Access to investors and industry partners

• Support with research and development expenses

• Opportunities to develop and validate new climate technologies

• Access to specialist expertise and professional networks

• International participation, including UK applicants

What technologies are supported?

The programme focuses on breakthrough technologies capable of delivering significant climate benefits.

1. Clean Energy and Electricity

Innovations that could transform energy generation, storage and distribution.

Examples include:

• Advanced energy storage

• Next-generation electricity technologies

• Innovative grid technologies

• Breakthrough energy generation systems

2. Sustainable Manufacturing

Technologies addressing emissions from industrial production.

Examples include:

• Low-carbon industrial processes

• Cleaner manufacturing technologies

• Alternative production methods

• Innovations reducing emissions from hard-to-decarbonise industries

3. Transportation and Mobility

Technologies with the potential to significantly reduce transport-related emissions.

Examples include:

• Advanced transportation technologies

• Low-carbon fuels

• Innovative propulsion systems

• New approaches to transport decarbonisation

4. Food and Agriculture

Innovations reducing emissions from food production and agriculture.

Examples include:

• Low-emission agricultural technologies

• Alternative production processes

• Innovative food technologies

• Breakthrough approaches to agricultural emissions

5. Buildings and Construction

Technologies reducing emissions associated with buildings and construction.

Examples include:

• Low-carbon building materials

• Innovative heating and cooling technologies

• Advanced building systems

• Technologies improving the environmental performance of buildings

The programme also considers high-impact innovations outside these categories where they meet its climate impact requirements.

What funding routes are available?

1. Innovator Fellowship – Up to $500,000

The Innovator Fellowship supports scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs developing early-stage climate technologies with commercial potential.

Successful applicants receive:

• Up to $500,000 in catalytic investment

• Support with research and development costs

• Business and commercialisation mentoring

• Technical project management

• Access to investors and industry experts

• Professional development and networking

Important: Innovator funding is typically provided through a SAFE or similar investment agreement. It is not a non-repayable grant.

The programme also provides substantial in-kind support, including mentoring, specialist services and industry access.

2. Explorer Programme – Approximately $50,000–$250,000

The Explorer Programme supports earlier-stage, higher-risk climate technology research.

It is particularly relevant to:

• University researchers

• Scientists

• Research institutions

• Laboratory-based innovators

• Teams developing proof-of-concept technologies

Funding can support:

• Laboratory expenses

• Equipment

• Research materials

• Technical consultants

• Staff and personnel costs

• Other eligible research and development expenses

Explorers can generally remain employed by their existing institution.

Who can apply?

The programme welcomes international applicants, including:

• Scientists

• Engineers

• Climate technology entrepreneurs

• Early-stage startup founders

• University researchers

• Research teams

• Innovators developing breakthrough climate technologies

Key eligibility requirements

Innovator Fellowship applicants should typically:

• Be developing a novel climate technology.

• Have a technology readiness level of approximately 1–4.

• Demonstrate significant potential to reduce or capture greenhouse gas emissions.

• Typically have raised less than $2 million in dilutive investment.

• Be prepared to work full-time on commercialising their technology.

• Have a legally incorporated company before the programme begins in September 2027.

• Demonstrate credible technical progress and supporting evidence.

Applicants do not need to have incorporated a company before applying.

Explorer applicants should typically:

• Be developing a high-risk, early-stage climate technology.

• Have a technology readiness level of approximately 0–2.

• Be undertaking applied research with commercial potential.

• Demonstrate the potential for substantial climate impact.

• Be able to deliver agreed technical milestones.

What climate impact is required?

Breakthrough Energy focuses on technologies with the potential to reduce or capture greenhouse gas emissions by at least 500 million tonnes annually at scale.

The programme also welcomes technologies that meaningfully address adaptation to climate change.

Applicants must demonstrate why their technology represents a significant advance rather than an incremental improvement.

What costs can be supported?

Depending on the funding route, financial support may cover:

• Laboratory space

• Office space

• Equipment

• Research supplies

• Technical consultants

• Staff costs

• Technology development

• Testing and validation

• Other agreed research and development expenses

Funding arrangements differ between Innovator and Explorer applicants.

How does the application process work?

Stage 1 – Concept Paper

Applicants submit a technology proposal and pitch deck through the online application portal.

The proposal should explain:

• The technology being developed

• The problem it addresses

• Its potential climate impact

• Technical innovation and feasibility

• Current development progress

• Planned research and development activities

Stage 2 – Full Application

Selected Innovator applicants are invited to submit additional information about:

• Their technology

• Commercialisation strategy

• Business model

• Potential climate impact

• Development plans

Stage 3 – Deep-Dive Interview

Shortlisted Innovator applicants participate in an interview with the programme team.

Stage 4 – Selection

Successful applicants are selected for the 2027 programme.

Explorer applications follow a related process, with later stages arranged by invitation and on a rolling basis.

Key dates

Applications Opened: 22 September 2026

Innovator Concept Paper Deadline: 2 November 2026

Closing Time: 11:59pm Eastern Time

Full Application Invitations: Late 2026 to early 2027

Interviews: Early to mid-2027

Innovator Selection: Mid-2027

Programme Begins: September 2027

Explorer Applications: Considered on a rolling basis

Funding information

Innovator Investment: Up to $500,000

Explorer Research Funding: Approximately $50,000–$250,000

Funding Type: Early-stage investment, research funding and fellowship support

Location: Worldwide, including the United Kingdom

Programme Duration: Approximately 12 months

Target Audience: Climate technology innovators, scientists, engineers and researchers

Innovator Deadline: 2 November 2026