Climate Technology Entrepreneurship Fellow
LabStart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit bridging the gap between laboratory research and market-ready technology. We discover talented entrepreneurs, provide financial support and mentorship, unlock access to frontier climate technologies, and streamline commercialization pathways for breakthrough climate solutions.
About the Fellowship
The LabStart fellowship empowers entrepreneurs to commercialize breakthrough technologies from America's research labs. We're seeking passionate individuals, including nontraditional founders, who are ready to transform innovations into market realities through our two-phase program:
Discovery Phase (4 months, part time, virtual)
- $1,500/month (total $6,000) funding to explore technology validation and market opportunities
- Weekly training sessions for launching a climate startup, step by step
- Personalized coaching
- Mentorship to identify promising innovations
- Access to our network of national labs and university partners
Launch Phase (12 months, full time, hybrid)
- $100K SAFE note to build your company plus dedicated scholarship funds
- 6-8 hours/week of LabStart programming including expert instruction, scenario workshops, and personalized coaching
- Direct support to commercialize cutting-edge technologies from U.S. research institutions
- Legal support for licensing and intellectual property
- Curated in-person gatherings to foster peer bonding and networking with future customers, partners, and funders
Who We're Looking For
We're seeking passionate individuals with:
- Deep interest in climate innovation and entrepreneurship
- Determination to overcome challenges in deep tech commercialization
- Willingness to learn and grow as a founder
- Commitment to building climate solutions
Benefits
- Direct access to breakthrough technologies from national laboratories
- Expert mentorship from successful founders and industry leaders
- A supportive community of climate innovators
- Strategic partnerships with key stakeholders in the climate tech ecosystem
Pay
- Discovery Phase: $1,500/month (total $6,000)
- Launch Phase: $100K SAFE note plus dedicated scholarship funds
Schedule
- Discovery Phase: 4 months, part time, virtual
- Launch Phase: 12 months, full time, hybrid
Success Stories
Our 2025-2026 cohort launched over a dozen startups addressing critical environmental challenges, with several securing follow-on equity or venture capital investments. Fellows graduate from our program ready to grow and scale their climate tech companies.