Applications are open for the LabStart Fellowship Cohort 2027, a climate technology entrepreneurship programme supporting founders who want to turn breakthrough technologies into commercially viable startups addressing major climate challenges.

The programme is designed for entrepreneurs at the early stages of building a climate technology company, including those who are still searching for the right technology or business opportunity. Through a combination of funding, technology access, expert training, mentorship and industry connections, LabStart helps participants move from exploration and validation toward launching and developing a climate tech venture.

The 2027 cohort provides support through a Discovery Phase followed by a longer Launch Phase, giving entrepreneurs time to identify promising opportunities, evaluate technologies, develop a business model and prepare for commercialization.

About the LabStart Fellowship

LabStart focuses on the commercialization of high-potential climate technologies emerging from U.S. research institutions and laboratories.

Rather than requiring every applicant to already have an established startup or a fully developed product, the programme can support entrepreneurs who are looking for a technology, market opportunity or solution around which to build a company.

Participants can explore technologies developed through research institutions, assess their market potential and receive guidance on licensing, commercialization and business development.

The programme is particularly suited to entrepreneurs who are ready to dedicate themselves full-time to building a climate technology company.

How the Programme Works

LabStart is structured around two stages.

Discovery Phase

The four-month Discovery Phase allows participants to explore potential climate technologies, markets and startup opportunities.

During this stage, entrepreneurs can:

• Investigate emerging technologies with commercialization potential.
• Assess market needs and opportunities.
• Explore potential startup concepts.
• Develop their understanding of technology-market fit.
• Work with mentors and experts.
• Identify challenges that could be addressed through climate technology.
• Build the foundation for a potential new venture.

Participants can explore a curated selection of technologies identified through LabStart's laboratory partners and stakeholders. They may also propose institutions, technologies or market needs of interest.

Launch Phase

Entrepreneurs who progress to the Launch Phase receive support over 12 months as they work toward launching and developing their company.

The Launch Phase focuses on areas such as:

• Building and validating a climate tech business.
• Developing a commercial strategy.
• Preparing technologies for market entry.
• Navigating intellectual property and licensing considerations.
• Developing a sustainable growth model.
• Connecting with potential customers, investors and partners.
• Preparing the venture for future incubation, acceleration and investment opportunities.

Who Is LabStart Looking For?

LabStart is looking for entrepreneurs who are passionate about climate innovation and prepared to work full-time on launching a company.

The programme welcomes a range of founder backgrounds and highlights opportunities for nontraditional entrepreneurs, women, BIPOC entrepreneurs and first-time founders.

Applicants are expected to demonstrate qualities that can help them navigate the uncertainty of building an early-stage climate technology venture.

These include:

Scientific Literacy

An ability to understand technology, evaluate its potential impact and consider the market opportunities surrounding it.

Entrepreneurial Spirit

A willingness to experiment, communicate a compelling vision, tell a strong story and explore opportunities despite uncertainty.

Grit and Tenacity

The persistence needed to work through setbacks, challenges and obstacles that commonly arise during startup development.

Technological Motivation

A genuine interest in climate technologies and the potential to transform promising research into practical solutions.

Authenticity and Coachability

Self-awareness and openness to feedback, guidance and new perspectives.

Collaborative Mindset

An ability to work with diverse teams and make effective use of the expertise available through the LabStart network.

Access to Climate Technology

A key feature of LabStart is its connection to research institutions and technology transfer offices in the United States.

Entrepreneurs can explore technologies that may have commercial potential and receive guidance on the process of evaluating, licensing and developing those technologies.

This can include support in understanding intellectual property, establishing relationships with researchers and technology transfer offices, and identifying pathways for moving technologies from laboratories toward the market.

Training and Mentorship

The programme provides structured training focused specifically on climate technology entrepreneurship.

Participants can develop their understanding of:

• Climate tech business development.
• Technology commercialization.
• Market evaluation.
• Intellectual property fundamentals.
• Licensing and technology transfer.
• Startup strategy.
• Business model development.
• Scaling climate technology ventures.

The curriculum is delivered with support from experienced climate technology leaders and includes mentorship and collaboration with the wider LabStart cohort.

What LabStart Aims to Help Entrepreneurs Achieve

The programme is focused on measurable outcomes, including:

• Creating new climate technology ventures.
• Validating markets for emerging technologies.
• Improving intellectual property readiness.
• Developing licensing and technology commercialization plans.
• Preparing entrepreneurs for future funding opportunities.
• Building companies with positive climate impact.
• Developing sustainable pathways for climate technology growth.

Who Can Benefit From LabStart?

The programme may be particularly relevant to entrepreneurs who:

• Want to start a climate technology company but have not yet identified the right idea.
• Have identified a promising research technology but need support securing a license.
• Are looking for a technology to commercialize.
• Have identified a climate-related market gap that could be addressed through technology.
• Are exploring a new market or innovative solution for an early-stage company.
• Want to commercialize or spin out technology developed through a laboratory or university.
• Are ready to dedicate themselves full-time to launching a climate tech company.

Programme Commitment

Selected entrepreneurs are expected to commit to working full-time on launching their company during the programme.

Participants are also expected to dedicate approximately 6–8 hours per week to LabStart programming and events.

The programme provides the network, tools, training and support, while participants are expected to bring their expertise, commitment and effort toward developing the venture.

The deadline to apply for the LabStart Fellowship Cohort 2027 is October 9, 2026.

Scroll down for more details and click on the official link attached to apply for this opportunity.