The Breakthrough Energy Fellows Program – Cohort 7 (2027) is a global initiative supporting scientists, entrepreneurs, and early-stage startups developing breakthrough climate technologies. Led by Breakthrough Energy Discovery, the program provides funding, technical mentorship, commercialization guidance, and access to a global network of investors and industry experts. It aims to accelerate innovative solutions capable of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions and transforming early-stage scientific discoveries into scalable businesses. Applications for Cohort 7 are open until 2 November 2026.
Program Objectives
The program aims to:
- Accelerate breakthrough climate technologies from research to commercialization.
- Support innovations with the potential to reduce or capture at least 500 million tons of greenhouse gases annually at scale.
- Provide funding and technical assistance to overcome early development challenges.
- Connect innovators with investors, mentors, and industry leaders.
- Strengthen the global climate technology ecosystem.
Program Tracks
1. Innovator Fellowship
The Innovator Fellowship supports early-stage climate technology startups and researchers ready to commercialize innovative solutions.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Open to applicants worldwide.
- Technologies at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 1–4.
- Companies typically have raised less than $2 million in investment funding, excluding grants.
- Applicants must establish a legal entity before the program begins.
- Fellows must commit full-time to developing their startups.
Funding and Benefits:
- Up to $500,000 in catalytic investment through a SAFE.
- Technical project management and commercialization support.
- Mentorship, training, and business development guidance.
- Access to investors, policymakers, and industry specialists.
Duration: 12 months of development support, followed by approximately three months of close-out and evaluation. The Fellowship begins in September 2027.
2. Explorer Program
The Explorer Program supports earlier-stage climate innovations, particularly those originating from universities and research institutions.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Open to researchers and innovators worldwide.
- Technologies at TRL 0–2.
- Projects must demonstrate significant climate impact potential.
- Participants may retain their academic or professional positions.
Funding and Benefits:
- Approximately $50,000–$250,000 in grant funding.
- Support for research, equipment, personnel, and technical development.
- Access to mentorship, industry connections, and selected program events.
- Assistance in advancing technologies toward commercialization.
Duration: Approximately one year, with applications reviewed on a rolling basis.
3. Business Fellowship
The Business Fellowship brings experienced business professionals into the program to help Innovator Fellows commercialize their technologies.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Open to professionals worldwide with expertise in business development, commercialization, markets, or technology scaling.
- Full-time commitment to supporting Innovator teams.
- Recruitment based on identified project needs.
Benefits:
- Industry-competitive living stipend.
- Access to leading climate technology organizations and experts.
- Professional development and global networking opportunities.
- Direct involvement in developing commercial strategies for breakthrough technologies.
Target Sectors
The program focuses on high-impact climate innovations across:
- Energy & Environment: Clean energy, emissions reduction, and carbon management.
- DeepTech: Advanced scientific and engineering innovations.
- Manufacturing & Materials: Sustainable industrial processes and low-carbon materials.
- Mobility & Logistics: Clean transportation and low-emission mobility.
- Agriculture & Food: Sustainable agriculture and food production.
- Real Estate & PropTech: Energy-efficient buildings and sustainable construction.
Innovations in other sectors may also qualify if they demonstrate substantial emissions reduction potential.
Regional Opportunities
Southeast Asia Innovator Fellowship: Developed with Enterprise Singapore and Temasek, this regional track supports climate technology innovators in Southeast Asia through the global Fellowship and additional local commercialization resources.
Weston Breakthrough Fellowship: A partnership with Wittington Ventures supporting Canadian climate innovators, initially focusing on agriculture. Selected participants receive access to specialized industry networks and a total of $500,000 in funding.
Application and Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Application Submission: Applicants submit a concept paper outlining their technology, climate impact, and proposed development milestones.
- Technical Evaluation: Experts assess innovation, feasibility, potential emissions reduction, and project plans.
- Interviews and Due Diligence: Shortlisted applicants may participate in discussions and undergo business and legal assessments.
- Final Selection: Successful candidates join the relevant Fellowship track and establish their development milestones.
Key Dates
- Application Deadline: 2 November 2026.
- Innovator Fellows Selection: Mid-2027.
- Fellowship Start: September 2027.
- Fellowship Duration: 12 months, plus approximately three months of close-out activities.
- Explorer Program: Rolling selection during 2027.
Additional Information
The program welcomes international applicants, with all communication and curriculum delivered in English. Relocation is not required, although selected Fellows may attend occasional in-person events.
Innovator Fellows are expected to work full-time on their startups and participate in mentorship, technical reviews, and program activities. Explorer participants may maintain their existing academic or professional roles while achieving agreed research milestones.
Participants are encouraged to share research findings and contribute to climate technology development without disclosing proprietary innovations.
The Breakthrough Energy Fellows Program – Cohort 7 (2027) provides an opportunity for early-stage climate technology innovators to accelerate research, develop commercially viable solutions, and contribute to global decarbonization efforts. Through funding, expert mentorship, technical assistance, and international networking, the program helps promising technologies progress toward commercialization. With dedicated opportunities for innovators, researchers, and business professionals, it offers multiple pathways to advance impactful climate solutions. Interested applicants should submit their Cohort 7 applications by 2 November 2026, while Explorer opportunities are reviewed on a rolling basis.