Apply Now: Breakthrough Energy Fellows 2027 Offers $500,000 in Climate Funding
Scientists, engineers, researchers and entrepreneurs developing innovative solutions to climate change can apply for the Breakthrough Energy Fellows 2027 Programme.
This programme offers selected climate technology innovators up to US$500,000 in early-stage investment to support research, development and commercialisation.
The programme, organised under Breakthrough Energy Discovery, is designed to accelerate the development of promising climate technologies with the potential to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions or help communities adapt to the effects of climate change.
In addition to financial support, successful applicants will benefit from technical guidance, one-on-one mentorship, entrepreneurial training and access to a global network of experts, investors, industry leaders and technology partners.
Applications are currently open for Cohort 7 of the Innovator Fellowship, with interested candidates required to submit their initial concept papers by November 2, 2026.
About the Breakthrough Energy Fellows Programme
Breakthrough Energy Fellows is an initiative of Breakthrough Energy Discovery, which focuses on supporting early-stage climate technology innovations and helping promising ideas progress from research and development towards commercialisation.
The programme addresses some of the major technical and commercial challenges facing climate innovators by providing funding, expert support and access to relevant industry networks.
The initiative offers three pathways:
- Innovator Fellowship: Designed for scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs developing early-stage climate technologies with the intention of commercialising them through a startup.
- Business Fellowship: Targets experienced business professionals, industry experts and entrepreneurs who support innovators in developing and commercialising their technologies.
- Explorer Programme: Provides funding for earlier-stage, higher-risk research projects, particularly those being developed within universities and research institutions.
The 2027 application window currently covers the Innovator Fellowship and Explorer Programme, while Business Fellows are recruited according to programme requirements.
What Does the Fellowship Offer?
Selected Innovator Fellows can receive up to US$500,000 in catalytic investment through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE).
The funding is intended to support research and development activities and help innovators achieve specific technical milestones.
Eligible expenses may include:
- Laboratory and office space.
- Research equipment and supplies.
- Technical consultants and specialist services.
- Staff and personnel costs.
- Other approved research and development expenses.
Beyond the financial investment, participants will receive active technology project management support from Breakthrough Energy experts to help reduce development risks and accelerate progress.
Fellows will also benefit from one-on-one mentorship, specialised training and access to a network spanning technology, finance, business, government and public policy.
Additional in-kind support will be available in areas such as communications, legal services, recruitment and techno-economic analysis.
Important: The US$500,000 support is structured as an early-stage investment through a SAFE, not a conventional grant.
Who Can Apply?
The Innovator Fellowship is intended for scientists, engineers, entrepreneurs and technology innovators developing early-stage climate solutions with strong commercialisation potential.
Applicants are typically expected to meet the following requirements:
- Be developing a climate technology at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1–4.
- Demonstrate that their technology has the potential to reduce or capture at least 500 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually at scale, or meaningfully address climate adaptation.
- Have typically raised less than US$2 million in dilutive investment, excluding grant funding.
- Be prepared to commit full-time to developing and commercialising their climate technology.
- Have a legally incorporated company before the programme begins in September 2027.
Applicants do not necessarily need to have an incorporated company when submitting their initial concept paper. However, successful Innovator Fellows must meet the incorporation requirement before the programme starts.
The initiative is particularly interested in breakthrough technologies that offer substantial improvements over existing solutions rather than incremental innovations.
Areas of Innovation
Breakthrough Energy Fellows welcomes applications addressing major climate and clean-energy challenges.
Its priority areas include:
- Manufacturing
- Electricity
- Transportation
- Food and Agriculture
- Buildings
Other technology categories may also be considered if they demonstrate the potential for significant emissions reductions or meaningful climate adaptation.
What Is the Explorer Programme?
The Explorer Programme provides an alternative pathway for researchers and innovators working on earlier-stage climate technologies that require additional technical exploration before commercialisation.
It is particularly suitable for scientists, university researchers and research institutions developing promising proof-of-concept innovations.
Selected Explorers can receive approximately US$50,000 to US$250,000 in research funding to advance their projects.
Unlike Innovator Fellows, Explorers are generally not required to leave their existing professional or academic positions to participate in the programme.
How Does the Application Process Work?
For the 2027 Innovator Fellowship, the selection process involves several stages:
1. Concept Paper Submission: Applicants must submit a technology proposal and pitch deck outlining their innovation, its potential impact and development objectives.
2. Full Application: Candidates whose concept papers are shortlisted will be invited to provide additional information about their technology, business model and commercialisation plans.
3. Deep-Dive Interview: Selected applicants will participate in an interview to enable the programme team to assess their technology and meet the people behind the project.
4. Final Selection: Successful applicants will be selected around mid-2027 ahead of the programme’s commencement in September 2027.
Explorer applications follow a separate process, with full applications and interviews arranged by invitation on a rolling basis.
Applicants are advised not to include trade secrets or confidential technical information in their concept paper submissions.
Application Deadline
The deadline for submitting concept papers for the Breakthrough Energy Fellows 2027 Innovator Fellowship is November 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.
The selected Innovator Fellows will begin the one-year programme in September 2027.
How to Apply
Interested applicants should visit the official Breakthrough Energy Fellows application portal to register, review the application requirements and submit their concept papers.
Application Portal: https://apply.breakthroughenergy.org/
Applicants should select the Cohort 7 Innovator/Explorer application and follow the instructions provided.
For additional enquiries, applicants can contact the programme team via information@befellows.org.
Prospective applicants should use the official application portal and remain cautious of fraudulent individuals claiming to represent Breakthrough Energy. The organisation warns that it does not request payments through social media, cash, gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
