Urban Future Lab

📣 Don’t miss out on these 3️⃣ exciting opportunities to #grow and #scale your #climatetech startup ⚡ 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙥 𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙨, 𝙟𝙤𝙗𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 — 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙁𝙇 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮: https://lnkd.in/eVGJ8FDM 1️⃣ NREL Industry Growth Forum: Where Investment meets Innovation! 🌱 🔗 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gmyyGE9A  📆 Deadline: November 11, 2024 Join National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for NREL Industry Growth Forum 2025, a premier event accelerating #cleantech #commercialization to gain global recognition, access to top investors, and knowledge from key industry professionals. Hosted by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center from NREL, this event is set to take place at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver, CO, from March 26th to 28th, 2025. Why apply? • Network with Top-tier Investors: Connect with over 200 venture capitalists actively seeking innovative #cleantech solutions. • Exclusive Pitch Sessions: Over 40 preselected startups will have the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of industry #experts and #investors. • Personalized Networking Opportunities: Benefit from one-on-one sessions that have historically facilitated over 1,000 meetings, fostering invaluable connections and potential #partnerships. 2️⃣ Scale For ClimateTech Cohort 6 Applications Open 🚀 🔗 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/g7GQ3xe4 📆 Deadline: November 30, 2024 Looking to commercialize your climatetech hardware product? Apply to Scale For ClimateTech’s 2025 cohort to receive #manufacturing support and access to a vetted supplier network. From DFM services to supplier negotiations, the S4C program provides the manufacturing know-how to scale up production and meet demand. S4C is brought to you by NYSERDA, SecondMuse, and NextCorps. 3️⃣ 2025 Climate Solutions Challenge by The Trust for Governors Island ⚡️ 🔗 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/enrjJKrv 📆 Deadline: December 5, 2024 The Trust for Governors Island is pleased to invite startups and young #companies to #pilot innovative and equitable climatetech solutions that address its 2025 Climate Solutions Challenge: “How can circular economy products and solutions drive down the climate impact of the urban waste stream and extend resource recovery to our businesses and neighborhoods?” Through this opportunity, the Trust offers startups and young companies the space to test #innovative and #equitable climatetech solutions across Governors Island’s built, social, and natural environments.

WE'RE HIRING! Join the Urban Future Lab NYU Tandon School of Engineering as a Program Manager supporting the ACRE Incubator and Offshore Wind Innovation Hub programs! 💚 Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eza3xgcG 🌱 As part of our dynamic team, you'll play a key role in supporting #incubator and #accelerator programs, driving #innovation in the #cleanenergy and #offshorewind sectors. Your responsibilities will include everything from developing RFP materials, recruiting startup applicants, and managing portfolio companies, to building external networks with stakeholders and investors, and executing flagship events. 💡 If you have 3-5 years of experience in project management, venture capital, consulting, or #startups — and you're passionate about driving climate action — this could be the role for you! We’re looking for someone with strong #communication skills, a systems-level mindset, and an interest in #energy efficiency, renewable energy, and offshore wind. 🔹 Position Details: ⇢ Full-time, 1-year fixed-term (grant-funded) role ⇢ Hybrid work schedule: 2 days/week in Sunset Park, 1 day/week in Downtown Brooklyn ⇢ Bachelor’s degree required; experience in energy/utility industries a plus! #jobs #greeneconomy #hiring #careers #jobalert #team #sustainability #climatetech #wearehiring #jobopportunity #UFLInnovatesForClimate

Calling all NYC-area #carbontech enthusiasts! The #C2VInitiative is hosting a special CDR-focused happy hour a week from today, Thursday, Nov. 14, with the C2V Year 4 cohort (Ardent Process Technology, CarbonBlue, MacroCycle Technologies, Maple Materials, Oxylus Energy, Phlair, RenewCO₂, Seabound, and Secant Fuel). This event is intended to convene the rapidly growing carbon management community in New York, together with Urban Future Lab, The OpenAir Collective, Direct Air Capture Coalition, Activate New York, and the Carbon Business Council. Register: https://lnkd.in/eCfPCw8m

CENTERING EQUITY IN CLIMATE ADAPTATION: https://lnkd.in/eFerjPAf In case you missed it, we selected Faura and Helix Earth as the winners of our 8th annual Urban Future Prize Competition at the Urban Future Summit. 🎤 The Urban Future Summit 2024 also featured a #panel focused on Equity in Climate Adaptation solutions featuring Erika Jozwiak, (Climate Resilience Lead, NYSERDA), Sahara James (Senior Sustainability Consultant, Kinetic Communities Consulting (KC3) Communities Consulting), and Tyler Taba, WEDG (Director of Resilience, Waterfront Alliance) moderated by Lauren Wang (Director, Trust for Governors Island). 💬 The need for effective #communication and #collaboration was underscored, as was the importance of #innovation that is trustworthy, affordable, and aligned with community needs. 🤝 Erika highlighted the dual transition to a green energy #economy while addressing the immediate impacts of climate change, stressing that both #adaptation and #mitigation must be implemented concurrently to seize opportunities for #resilience. 💙 Sahara focused on the necessity of #inclusivity, ensuring that marginalized #communities benefit from these transitions through targeted #funding and accessible programs. 📝 Tyler discussed the challenges of adapting #coastal areas and advocating for #equitable #solutions that acknowledge historical injustices, such as redlining. Watch the full discussion below ⬇️

🌍 Powering the Future of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Insights from the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub 🌊 At the Hub, we understand that universities play a critical role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, as highlighted by the recent insights from Fast Company and Harvard Business Review. However, what truly sets us apart is our unique position within NYU. As a key initiative of NYU, we harness the university's extensive resources, world-class expertise, and vibrant network to drive advancements in the offshore wind sector. This affiliation allows us to not only support startups focused on sustainability but also to cultivate a diverse talent pool that brings fresh perspectives to the clean energy landscape. Here’s how our affiliation with a university elevates the Hub’s impact: 🔬 Expertise and Experience: Our close integration with NYU Tandon School of Engineering and the Urban Future Lab gives us direct access to cutting-edge research and development capabilities. We transform complex challenges into real-world solutions through initiatives like spinouts, venture studies, and accelerators—leveraging NYU's longstanding commitment to innovation as highlighted by the Ignition Schools initiative from Fast Company. 🎯 Mission-Driven Culture: We embody a mission-driven approach rooted in NYU’s values, aligning with the purposeful innovation highlighted by Harvard Business Review. We prioritize supporting startups focused on sustainability and long-term impact without taking equity, ensuring that our efforts resonate with a greater purpose and contribute to meaningful change in the clean energy landscape. 🌍 Diverse Talent: NYU attracts a global student body from over 130 countries, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives that ignite creativity and innovation. This diversity enables us to implement unique internship programs and initiatives that address pressing challenges in clean energy, solidifying our position as leaders in shaping the industry's future. 🔗 Ecosystem Building: Our partnership with NYU Tandon and National Offshore Wind Research & Development Consortium allows us to build a comprehensive innovation ecosystem. This approach ensures we address both local and global needs, especially in the offshore wind industry. As we launch this thought leadership series, we’ll dive into how our Hub is leveraging university partnerships to shape the future of clean energy and beyond. Check out this highlight video below from our Director, Tone Søndergaard! Stay tuned for more insights! #innovation #development #network #collaboration #leaders #NYUTandonMade #UFLInnovatesforClimate #NYC #cleanenergy

Our New Perspective Marketing podcast zeroes in on the newest climate tech innovations—highlighting solutions and offering advice on how smart marketing strategies might help them find solid footing in a world where the ground is always shifting. But this latest episode was slightly different—and it was a conversation I found inspiring. I had the pleasure to meet and talk with Frederic Clerc and Jeannette Williams from the Urban Future Lab at NYU Tandon School of Engineering who shared a vision of what climate tech growth can—and truly should—look like. UFL is a space where climate tech companies find mentorship, partnerships, and access to NYU’s talent. UFL has propelled over 170 startups through every growth stage, helping them raise billions while achieving an impressive 88% survival rate. My impression was that they are dedicated to making sure these technologies are not just successful, but circular and equitable—tools that don’t just function but fit within a larger story of sustainability, accessible to all. In this field, where “growth” often demands more, more, and more, they push for something deeper. It’s a call for technologies that don’t just compete but contribute. Coming from a region impacted by a linear approach to business and a focus on decarbonization, it’s refreshing to meet people who guide companies toward more sustainable practices. PS. 100000 x thanks to Christelle Torres from the UFL team for rolling with our fast production pace and making the release happen on time. You’re the best!

💚 NEW PODCAST ALERT: INSIDE NEW YORK'S LONGEST-RUNNING CLIMATETECH INCUBATOR NYU Tandon School of Engineering Join us for an insightful discussion featuring our #leadership team as they dive into the exciting world of #climatetech #startups and share everything we’ve learned since 2009. In this episode, our very own Frederic Clerc (Interim Managing Director) and Jeannette Williams (Chief Operating Officer) discuss the unique challenges faced by our startups, the pivotal role of customer discovery in any #business #growth journey, and how #incubators can nurture groundbreaking ideas. They also explore pressing topics like #equity in climatetech, communication barriers, and #strategies for scaling sustainably — all while looking ahead to the future of climate #innovation in #NewYorkCity. The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Deezer, Amazon Music, and Zencastr.

On October 22nd, we hosted our “Transatlantic Insights into Smart Cities & Sustainable Mobility” event at the German Consulate General in New York. With about 80 attendees, the half-day conference was a tremendous success. The event featured an insightful keynote by the Head of Department for Mobility & Smart Cities at the Fraunhofer ISST, who shared valuable perspectives on Smart City trends in Germany. Attendees also enjoyed exciting pitches from the German delegation companies in the Smart Cities sector and a high-level U.S. panel discussion exploring trends and opportunities in New York and the broader U.S. landscape, featuring CIV:LAB, Magna International, NYU Urban Future Lab and the Center for Smart Streetscapes (CS3). During the delegation trip to New York, the German delegation companies had the opportunity to connect with U.S. companies and gain valuable insights into the business landscape in the U.S., particularly in New York. A special thank you goes to the German Consulate General New York, our panelists and speakers: Marcel Altendeitering, PhD, Alex Bell, Jeannette Williams, Olivia Moore, Matteo Del Sorbo, and the German delegation companies: emco e-scooter, VOITAS Group, HydroMapper GmbH, BABLE Smart Cities, InnoSenT GmbH, AI Shepherds GmbH, FITS for future. #SmartCitites #TransatlanticInsights #SustainableMobility #Innovation #Networking #GACCNY

Last week, we brought together 200 government stakeholders, community-based organizations, university researchers, climate technology investors, startup founders, and aspiring entrepreneurs for our eighth annual Urban Future Summit in Brooklyn. This is my favorite event of the year. Lauren Wang moderated an impactful discussion titled Centering Equity in Climate Adaptation, exploring questions like, “What does innovation mean to communities already adapting to climate change?” and “How can climate technology founders work responsibly with community leaders on the frontlines of the climate crisis?” Thank you to Lauren (Trust for Governors Island) and our amazing panelists— Erika Jozwiak (NYSERDA), Sahara James (Kinetic Communities Consulting (KC3)), and Tyler Taba, WEDG (Waterfront Alliance). The Urban Future Summit also marks the culmination of our annual Urban Future Prize Competition, where we crowned two winners, Faura and Helix Earth, each receiving a $50,000 non-dilutive award and entry into our ACRE Incubator. Congrats Valkyrie Holmes and Rawand Rasheed, PhD! Congratulations and thank you to all our finalists for their dedication: Brian Sheng (Aquaria), Sophia Wennstedt (Blip Energy), Kala Fleming (Frontline Gig), Anya Freeman (Kind Designs), Alex Blumberg (DaisyChain Energy), Matineh Eybpoosh (Powerline), and Nathan Cooley (Adena Power). A huge thank you to our fantastic jury for their role in selecting the winners: Nneka (Uzoh) Kibuule (Aligned Climate Capital ); Katie MacDonald (Tailwind); Shawn Xu, (Lowercarbon Capital); and Anastasia Istratova (Fifth Wall). All of this was made possible through the generous support of our incredible sponsors:  MUFG, The New York Community Trust Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), and NYU Tandon School of Engineering. Thank you all so much! You can read more about it here: https://lnkd.in/eGvq6his Until next year!

🌊 Workshop 3 Recap: Energizing the Future Together! 🌬️ Last week from October 22-25th, we gathered in Brooklyn with experts, startups, and stakeholders at our hub for four days of insights, networking, and inspiration! From panels on cybersecurity to site visits and mixers, here’s a look at the highlights: Day 1: Laying the Groundwork 🛠️ We started strong with an Intro Workshop by Julia R. G. Dombroski, PhD, setting the tone for the week. James Kostenblatt from Empire State Development shared insights on NY State Opportunities in offshore wind, while Ahmed C. from NJEDA covered NJ’s Innovation Potential. The Peer-to-Peer Growth Challenge led by Tone encouraged startups to share their challenges and swap ideas. The day closed with a Meet-and-Greet and our Shifting Tides Offshore Wind Mixer 🍻, giving everyone a chance to connect with developers and new markets. Day 2: Cybersecurity & Floating Wind 🌐💨 The Cybersecurity in Offshore Wind session by Phil Rea and the team from Eviden prepped everyone for common client questions. After lunch, Stephanie Watson from State of Maine and Daphne Molin from California Energy Commission presented on Floating Wind Opportunities—shedding light on exciting innovations in their states and the potential for new tech adoption across the U.S. ⚓️ Day 3: Going Local 📍 Day 3 focused on Localization & Supply Chain Strategies during a Fireside Chat with Brian Moore. This session helped startups understand local requirements and connect with NYC’s workforce. Next up, a site visit to New Lab & Yards Labs with Sebastian Andersson. The day ended on a high note at the Urban Future Lab Summit 🎉—a pitch competition where winners took home $50K each! 💸 Day 4: Dutch Connections & Site Tours 🇳🇱 We kicked off Day 4 with a Reflection Session by Julia R. G. Dombroski, PhD, followed by a joint lunch with the Dutch delegation 🤝. It was a unique chance to network with Dutch startups and companies across the pond! The Breakout Session featured short presentations from Ocean Grazer, Lobster Robotics, and GROW, focusing on pilot testing and R&D collaboration. Finally, we headed out for a Site Visit to South Brooklyn Marine Terminal with Ashley Elizabeth Ball, Benoit Pantin, and Max Taffet, AICP from New York City Economic Development Corporation for a closer look at the port's development and potential. That’s a wrap! Thanks to everyone who joined us in shaping the future of offshore wind. Shout out to our 2024 cohort for making their way to Brooklyn! Sensatek Propulsion Technology, Inc, Triton Anchor, Claviate, Boxkite, Indeximate and Pliant Energy Systems Inc. Let’s keep the momentum going! 🌊💡