Stony Brook University and The New York Climate Exchange have launched the inaugural Climate Tech Fellowship, selecting eight early-stage innovators for the program. The fellowship aims to support the development of new climate solutions and will run from September 2025 through February 2026.
The program includes both virtual and in-person elements. Fellows will participate in a tailored venture curriculum led by industry experts, receive one-on-one mentorship, and attend a Climate Tech Showcase during Climate Week NYC from September 21-28, 2025. The fellowship concludes with a virtual public showcase in February where participants will present their progress.
Developed with input from innovation leaders, technology transfer offices, and research labs within The Exchange’s network, the fellowship is designed to bridge the gap between academic research and real-world application. Nearly 100 applications were received after the call opened in April 2025. Each fellow receives a $10,000 stipend, individualized mentorship, introductions to partners, and access to The Exchange’s climate-focused network.
“The New York Climate Exchange is committed to fostering a vibrant climate technology ecosystem,” said Shaina Horowitz, director of program innovation and acceleration at The New York Climate Exchange. “When we empower early-stage innovators with the resources and mentorship they need to develop solutions for a more resilient urban future, we can accelerate their path towards impact for our city and the world.”
“I am excited to see The Exchange launch its first Climate Tech Fellows cohort. This initiative shows our strategic vision to catalyze innovation and entrepreneurship to find solutions for the urgent challenges around energy and climate change,” said Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith, who serves as chair of The Exchange’s Board. “These young minds, from our university network, get our ideas out of the university and into practice to help build a sustainable future for New York and beyond. We look forward to helping these fellows on their entrepreneurial pathway and to seeing the exciting technologies they are developing come to fruition.”
Eligibility was limited to those affiliated with universities in The Exchange’s network; Stony Brook University is the anchor institution. Selected fellows include professors, PhD researchers, students, visiting scholars, and executives-in-residence. Their projects focus on areas such as grid resilience, hydrogen storage, coral restoration, and real-time wildfire and flood management.