The New York Climate Exchange, in collaboration with Stony Brook University, has announced its first group of Climate Tech Fellows. These fellows are early-stage innovators who will work on developing new solutions to address climate challenges.
Stony Brook students, faculty, and staff have been invited to meet the inaugural cohort at The Exchange’s Climate Tech Showcase on Governors Island during Climate Week NYC. The event is scheduled for September 24.
“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.”
Shaina Horowitz, director of program innovation and acceleration at The New York Climate Exchange, said: “The New York Climate Exchange is committed to fostering a vibrant climate technology ecosystem. 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.”
The fellowship represents The Exchange’s first major incubation effort. It was developed with input from innovation leaders across 11 partner universities within The Exchange’s network. An open call in April 2025 attracted nearly 100 applicants. Through this program, organizers aim to support projects that can move quickly from research labs into practical use in cities like New York.
Eight fellows were selected from six universities in the partner network. Their backgrounds include professors, PhD researchers, students, visiting scholars, and executives-in-residence. Over six months—from September 2025 through February 2026—the group will participate in a curriculum focused on climate tech ventures led by industry experts. They will also receive mentorships tailored to their needs as well as non-dilutive funding and piloting support.
Their projects cover areas such as grid resilience, hydrogen storage technologies, coral restoration efforts, and real-time management tools for wildfires and floods.
The public will be introduced to these fellows at the showcase event on Governors Island's Building 309 during Climate Week NYC.
Attendees will have an opportunity not only to meet these entrepreneurs but also hear from experts discussing how collaboration across sectors can drive innovation in climate technology.
Megha Mehdiratta, senior innovation associate at The Exchange stated: “Investment in early-stage innovation helps address climate change. The Climate Tech Fellowship helps this innovation, giving our fellows the support they need to advance their ideas and ensure solutions are purpose-fit, relevant and equitable. The Showcase is a platform for our fellows to engage with the broader innovation ecosystem, and shape a resilient future for our city and beyond. We are excited to share their progress and invite all to join us.”
Prior to presenting at the showcase event, fellows will attend a communication training workshop facilitated by staff from Stony Brook University's Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science.
Laura Lindenfeld, executive director of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science said: “Effective communication is crucial for any innovator, especially when presenting groundbreaking solutions to urgent global challenges,” she said. “Clear, empathic communication will be key as they prepare for the Climate Tech Showcase and engage with potential partners and funders to advance their impactful climate solutions.”