The New York Climate Exchange, in collaboration with Stony Brook University, has announced the launch of its first Climate Tech Fellows program. The initiative brings together early-stage innovators from six universities within the Exchange’s partner network to focus on developing climate solutions.
Potential collaborators, including students, faculty, and staff from Stony Brook University, are invited to meet the new fellows at the Climate Tech Showcase. This event is scheduled for September 24 on Governors Island during Climate Week NYC.
Stony Brook University President Andrea Goldsmith, who also chairs The Exchange’s Board, stated: “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. 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 was developed through collaboration among innovation leaders, technology transfer offices, and research labs across 11 partner universities. An open call in April 2025 attracted nearly 100 applications. The goal is to support projects that can move quickly from laboratory development into practical use in New York City and other urban communities worldwide.
Eight fellows make up this inaugural group. Their backgrounds include professors, PhD researchers, students, visiting scholars, and executives-in-residence. Over six months—September 2025 through February 2026—they will participate in an industry-led curriculum focused on climate technology ventures. They will receive mentoring, non-dilutive funding (which does not require giving up equity), piloting support for their projects, as well as access to New York’s climate tech ecosystem. Areas of innovation among the fellows include grid resilience improvements, hydrogen storage methods, coral restoration techniques, and real-time wildfire or flood management systems.
The September 24 showcase marks the first public introduction of these fellows’ work as part of Climate Week NYC at Building 309 on Governors Island.
Attendees will have opportunities to connect with both the fellows and experts discussing cross-sector collaboration in advancing climate technology.
Megha Mehdiratta, senior innovation associate at The Exchange commented: “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.”
Before presenting at the showcase event, fellows will participate in a training workshop led by facilitators from Stony Brook University’s Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science. This session aims to strengthen their communication skills ahead of public presentations.
Laura Lindenfeld, executive director of the Alan Alda Center for Communicating Science noted: “Effective communication is crucial for any innovator, especially when presenting groundbreaking solutions to urgent global challenges. 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.”
