NY Climate Tech: Apr 15 - Apr 22
Our next event, building decarbonization, China & climate, weekend protests, Earth Day picks, and more upcoming events
Hi all,
We’re happy to be cohosting the ✨ Climate Rise unconference this week—as always, these are really cool chances to come and hear in depth from other people working in climate and to give talks yourself. If you haven’t been to one yet, now’s a great time to check it out!
The Climate Film Festival is partnering with WE ACT for Environmental Justice on a screening of 🎬 Earth Day Screening and Panel and next Tuesday, free in Harlem! Come learn more about the fight for a maximum indoor temperature and more.
A few special shoutouts: today is the last day to apply for Pratt’s 🎨 Climate Studio Initiative ($4k summer arts fellowship) and next Monday is the deadline for the Clean Fight’s 🔋 Energy Storage Deployment Accelerator. Also two new opportunities futher down this week for AI & Climate and Disaster Response.
Here are our picks for the week:
Today join ConTech alliance at 🌃 Think Tech: Tools for Meeting Building Decarb Targets
Tomorrow, continue the conversation at the 🏙️ Built World & Industrial Tech Hangout or talk tariffs and more at 🇨🇳 The China Climate Conundrum
Thursday head to ✨ Climate Rise at Idealist, an unconference where you can hear from a variety of speakers
Saturday hit the streets ✊ at the April 19 protests (Bryant Park at 12pm)
And some Earth Day Picks:
Catch a screening and panel on extreme heat at the 🎬 Earth Day Screening with CFF & WE ACT For Environmental Justice in Harlem
Talk media and sustainability at the 🌱 Hearst Sustainability Summit
Unwind at the 🦋 20th Anniversary Biomimicry Picnic in Prospect Park
Network at the 🍻 April Climate Tech Mixer in Midtown East
Laugh at the 😂 ApoHA-HAcalypse: Make Polluters Pay on Earth Day with Yellow Dot Studios at Littlefield in Brooklyn
As always, scroll down for the full list of events.
Cheers,
Alec, Sonam, and the Climate Tech Cities team
This Week’s Events
🎭 Open Hours at the Creative Climate Awards 2025: Tue, Apr 15
🌃 Think Tech: Tools for Meeting Building Decarb Targets: Tue, Apr 15
🌱 Greenhouse Gang: Tue, Apr 15
🎥 Invisible Doctrine Screening + Community Gathering: Tue, Apr 15
🥂 SJC SpeakEASY Salon Series: Tue, Apr 15
☮️ Youth & Women for Peace and Dialogue: Wed, Apr 16
🇨🇳 The China Climate Conundrum: Wed, Apr 16
🧶 Innovation Meets Action: An earth month event: Wed, Apr 16
🏙️ Built World & Industrial Tech Hangout | NYC: Wed, Apr 16
🌐 2025 ECOSOC YOUTH FORUM: Thu, Apr 17
🌍 Earth Day 2025 Festival: Thu, Apr 17
🌊 Youth Leadership: Ocean and Climate Action for the UN Ocean Decade: Thu, Apr 17
🎨🌱 ClimART Cafe with The Human Impacts Institute: Thu, Apr 17
🌱 Sustainably Social Dinner: Connecting Startups, Investors, Executives: Thu, Apr 17
✨ Climate Rise: 2nd Session 2025: Thu, Apr 17
♻️ Transforming Urban Waste: Policy, Innovation, & the Path to Sustainability: Thu, Apr 17
🥕 plant-based supper club: how to organize and influence: Thu, Apr 17
🌪️ Natural Disaster Preparedness Training: Thu, Apr 17
🏃♂️ Earth Day: Run GREEN 5K/10K/13.1 NYC: Sat, Apr 19
🚴♂️ Earth Month Convergence Compost Bike Tour: Sat, Apr 19
♻️ Columbia Climate Tech Co-Founder Matching: Circularity: Sat, Apr 19
🥭 Mango x OneUpAction Earth Day Planting and Brunch - South Asians in Energy and Climate!: Sat, Apr 19
🎨 ECOLOGICAL CITY - Art & Climate Solutions Workshop (PUPPET): Sat, Apr 19
☀️ Brooklyn SolarWorks Earth Day Celebration: Sat, Apr 19
🎭 Flood Sensor Aunty at Snug Harbor: Sat, Apr 19
☕️ Climate Cafe at The Brooklyn Public Library: Sat, Apr 19
❤️🩹 Wellness Healing & Climate Cafe with Earth Sessions: Sat, Apr 19
🎭 Flood Sensor Aunty at Travers Park: Sun, Apr 20
📈 Wallet Max Presents Planet Positive Talks: Mon, Apr 21
Community Shoutouts
👩🔬 SOSV Biomanufacturing VC-Founder Matchup
As global demand accelerates for sustainable, high-performance, and planet-positive products, startups across health, food, energy, agriculture, beauty, and materials are answering the call—with biology as their engine. SOSV's VC-Founder biomanufacturing matchup event brings together the innovators and the investors driving that shift. Whether you’re refining enzyme pathways, developing novel bioreactors, reimagining cell therapies, or scaling biomanufacturing infrastructure—you’ll find aligned minds (and money) here. Free, virtual and open to all investors and founders in the space.
Opportunities
🎨 Climate Studio Initiative: Due Apr. 15
Pratt Institute, in collaboration with Beam Center and Telos Learning, is proud to launch its new Climate Studio Initiative. Its mission: to expand climate literacy and promote climate justice through the creation of public art in the New York City area. We believe raising public awareness around climate issues will strengthen participation in the democratic process. In its inaugural year, the initiative will host the Climate Studio Residency 2025, bringing together artists, scientists, and educators with youth from New York City. With funds of $4,000 per resident, this call is open to all applicants with a demonstrated interest in climate literacy or climate justice who meet the application criteria.
🔋 Energy Storage Deployment Accelerator w/ The Clean Fight: Due Apr. 21
The Clean Fight is seeking high impact, battery and energy storage solutions that can help speed the clean energy transition in New York State. Program benefits include: up to $100k in grant funding per company, tailored business development with customer partners and developers, support from New York's leading energy storage experts NY-BEST, connections to scaling capital, and more. Applications close April 21, 2025. Get yours in early.
🦋 Ray of Hope: Due Apr. 25
Calling all nature-inspired startups! Join a diverse cohort of high-impact visionary leaders. Receive personalized support, access to funding, attend a Nature Retreat and more. Apply today and be part of a community driving positive change!
🌇 Urban Future Prize Competitio: Due Apr. 28
For the ninth consecutive year, the Urban Future Lab is proud to present the Urban Future Prize Competition, which identifies and supports top climatetech startups. Thanks to the generous support of MUFG Bank, Mitsubishi Corporation (Americas), and NYU Tandon School of Engineering, two winners will each receive a $50,000 cash prize and admission into the ACRE Incubator—New York’s longest-running and most successful climatetech program.
🔥 Verizon Disaster Resilience Prize: Due Jun. 13
The Prize seeks exceptional solutions that strengthen disaster resilience in the United States. The Verizon Disaster Resilience Prize has a particular interest in solutions that: Enhance early warning systems and disaster preparedness; Improve emergency response and resource coordination; Strengthen infrastructure and protect vulnerable communities; Support long-term recovery and community resilience after weather-related disasters.
⚡️ Google AI for Energy: Due Jun. 30
This program focuses on grid optimization, demand flexibility and energy solutions for customers, including utilities and commercial entities. By supporting advancements in areas such as interconnection queues and carbon-aware infrastructure, the Accelerator aims to drive innovation, sustainability, and reliability in the energy landscape.
🌎 Climate Tech Cities and Streetlife Ventures Startup and Talent Platforms
Climate Tech Cities and Streetlife Ventures are launching new platforms to support climate founders, funders, and career transitioners! There is no shortage of great companies raising money for their groundbreaking ideas, great investors looking to support with capital, and great talent living the mantra that every job is a climate job. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Upcoming Events
🌱 Hearst Sustainability Summit: Tue, Apr 22
🌍 School Leaders Meet on International Mother Earth Day 2025: Tue, Apr 22
🌱 Eco-Chic Creation: Jewelry Making Classes w/ Alzerina: Tue, Apr 22
🏙️ Timon McPhearson on Anthropocene Climate Risks and Resilience in Cities: Tue, Apr 22
🧑🌾 Earth Day Clean-Up & Gardening Event: Tue, Apr 22
💧 Future of the Planet: Tue, Apr 22
🦋 20th Anniversary Biomimicry Picnic: New York: Tue, Apr 22
🌍 Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action 🌎 Earth Day Edition: Tue, Apr 22
🎨 Earth Day at Arthouse: Terra Futura & The Power of Art for Change: Tue, Apr 22
👖 Citizens of Humanity & AGOLDE Earth Day Denim Panel: Tue, Apr 22
🍻 April Climate Tech Mixer: Tue, Apr 22
🌍 Earth Day Screening with CFF & WE ACT For Environmental Justice: Tue, Apr 22
🎨 Creative Climate Awards 2025 Earth Day Celebration - Inspiring Futures: Tue, Apr 22
😂 ApoHA-HAcalypse: Make Polluters Pay on Earth Day with Yellow Dot Studios: Tue, Apr 22
♻️ Rise + Align Breakfast Salon: Refill & Reuse - Reimagining Packaging for our Planet: Wed, Apr 23
🏞️ Indigenous Leadership Advocating for the Rights of Nature: Wed, Apr 23
🌿 4th Annual CAT Symposium: Wed, Apr 23
✨ Art as a Catalyst: Shaping Climate Action & Economic Change: Wed, Apr 23
🏢 I2SL GNY Local Law 97: What You Need to Know: Wed, Apr 23
This Week in Depth
🎭 Open Hours at the Creative Climate Awards 2025
When: Tue, Apr. 15 from 12:00 PM to 5:45 PM (EDT)
Where: 1 East 42nd Street, New York
The Creative Climate Awards (CCA) use art as a catalyst for climate action. This annual exhibition showcases visual and installation-based works that highlight community resilience, environmental justice, and our deep interconnection with nature.
🌃 Think Tech: Tools for Meeting Building Decarb Targets
When: Tue, Apr. 15 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: , New York
The 'Think Tech: Tools for Meeting Building Decarb Targets' event focuses on innovative tools and strategies for achieving decarbonization in the building sector. Featuring experts from various fields, it aims to enhance collaboration, analyze processes, and utilize data for reaching net-zero carbon emissions in NYC.
🌱 Greenhouse Gang
When: Tue, Apr. 15 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 520 Kingsland Avenue, Brooklyn
Greenhouse Gang invites volunteers to help expand a native nursery at Kingsland Wildflowers, focusing on local ecological restoration and hands-on horticultural activities. The event will occur every third Tuesday throughout the growing season, promoting community involvement in climate and nature initiatives.
🎥 Invisible Doctrine Screening + Community Gathering
When: Tue, Apr. 15 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Impact Hub New York Metropolitan Area, New York
The 'Invisible Doctrine Screening + Community Gathering' is a free event hosted by the Protagoniste Network at Impact Hub New York. This informal gathering will feature a documentary that explores the transition from communitarianism to individualism and its implications on society, narrated by activist George Monbiot. Attendees can enjoy light snacks and beverages while engaging in a discussion after the screening of this timely film, which unveils the hidden influences of neoliberalism on our economy, politics, and environment.
🥂 SJC SpeakEASY Salon Series
When: Tue, Apr. 15 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 472 Jersey Avenue, Jersey City
The SJC SpeakEASY Salon Series is a new community discussion platform aimed at engaging local stakeholders in critical conversations about transportation and climate change implications for Jersey City. The April meeting will specifically address how Jersey City's transportation infrastructure needs to adapt to climate change challenges.
☮️ Youth & Women for Peace and Dialogue
When: Wed, Apr. 16 from 8:30 AM to 9:30 AM (EDT)
Where: Consulate General of Pakistan New York, New York
The Youth & Women for Peace and Dialogue event, hosted at the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, aims to empower young individuals and women to engage in discussions on sustainable development and social equity. Focusing on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the forum addresses critical issues such as health, gender equality, and economic growth. The event promotes concrete actions and engagements among youth and stakeholders, intending to drive a greener and fairer world.
🇨🇳 The China Climate Conundrum
When: Wed, Apr. 16 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 40 Rector Street, New York
This event focuses on China's role in global climate governance, featuring discussions on international cooperation, adaptation, and resilience, with experts like Professor Cary Krosinsky and speakers from the Asia Society Policy Institute.
🧶 Innovation Meets Action: An earth month event
When: Wed, Apr. 16 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT)
Where: New York
Innovation Meets Action is a unique Earth Month event in New York, bringing together industry leaders from fashion, tech, and finance for engaging guided discussions rather than traditional panels. Participants will interact in small roundtables led by 'party captains,' focusing on collaborative opportunities within climate tech and sustainability. With a lineup that includes executives from Coach and Calvin Klein, this gathering emphasizes actionable insights into what is working in the industry and future pathways for growth.
🏙️ Built World & Industrial Tech Hangout | NYC
When: Wed, Apr. 16 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: New York
The Built World & Industrial Tech Hangout in NYC is a networking event designed for founders, investors, and professionals in the Built World and Industrial Tech sectors. Hosted by Rock Yard Ventures, Stackpoint, and NYC B2B, attendees can enjoy food and drinks while connecting with industry peers. This informal gathering encourages participation from those interested in innovating within traditional industries, although it is not specifically focused on climate tech.
🌐 2025 ECOSOC YOUTH FORUM
When: Thu, Apr. 17 from 12:30 AM to 5:00 AM (EDT)
Where: 40 Wall Street, New York
The 2025 ECOSOC Youth Forum, held at the Trump Building in New York, focuses on "Driving Youth-Led Innovation for Decent Work and Inclusive Economic Growth." This event gathers youth from around the globe to engage in discussions about empowering young leaders through science and social inclusion to achieve sustainable development. Key topics include innovative financing models and sharing best practices for creating impactful solutions.
🌍 Earth Day 2025 Festival
When: Thu, Apr. 17 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Union Square, New York
The Earth Day 2025 Festival at Union Square in New York City is a vibrant celebration of environmental activism featuring numerous non-profits, climate campaigns, and interactive workshops. Attendees can explore exhibits, enjoy live performances, and engage in kids' activities focused on sustainable living. With a strong focus on community involvement and environmental education, the festival aims to inspire year-round commitment to greener practices.
🌊 Youth Leadership: Ocean and Climate Action for the UN Ocean Decade
When: Thu, Apr. 17 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 777 United Nations Plaza, New York
This event highlights youth-led initiatives for ocean and climate action during the UN ECOSOC Youth Forum, featuring discussions on sustainable development, science education, and film screenings related to conservation efforts and youth empowerment.
🎨🌱 ClimART Cafe with The Human Impacts Institute
When: Thu, Apr. 17 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 1 East 42nd Street, New York, US
The ClimART Cafe, hosted by The Human Impacts Institute and Climate Cafe NYC, is a unique event at the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office in New York. It focuses on how art can facilitate conversations about climate change and mental health, particularly in relation to the theme of the 2025 Creative Climate Awards: "Inspiring Futures." Participants will experience thought-provoking art that promotes environmental conservation and fosters emotional connections to the climate crisis.
🌱 Sustainably Social Dinner: Connecting Startups, Investors, Executives
When: Thu, Apr. 17 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Penthouse 45, New York
The Sustainably Social Dinner in NYC focuses on connecting startups, investors, and executives, emphasizing fundraising access for women-led startups in climate, finance, and technology. It features informal talks on 2025 fintech trends and sustainability initiatives, fostering an inclusive atmosphere for impactful discussions.
✨ Climate Rise: 2nd Session 2025
When: Thu, Apr. 17 from 5:30 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Idealist.org, New York
The second Climate Rise session of 2025 in NYC invites diverse professionals to share their ideas and insights on climate action in an interactive format, featuring small group discussions and opportunities for collaborative problem-solving.
♻️ Transforming Urban Waste: Policy, Innovation, & the Path to Sustainability
When: Thu, Apr. 17 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 1161 Amsterdam Avenue,
The Transforming Urban Waste event, held at Columbia University's Italian Academy, focuses on innovative policy and technological approaches to urban waste management in New York City. Featuring a panel of experts, including former NYC Department of Sanitation Commissioner Edward Grayson, the event aims to foster discussions on effective solutions for waste management and sustainability. This free public event includes a reception and is designed to engage attendees with the challenges and strategies in addressing waste issues in a rapidly urbanizing environment.
🥕 plant-based supper club: how to organize and influence
When: Thu, Apr. 17 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 116 W Houston St, New York
This event is a plant-based supper club held in New York City, focusing on climate action and community engagement. Participants will enjoy a four-course meal made from upcycled ingredients while engaging in discussions about how to organize and influence for systemic climate change. The gathering promotes collective action and provides practical advocacy exercises, fostering connections among attendees and local representatives.
🌪️ Natural Disaster Preparedness Training
When: Thu, Apr. 17 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Impact Hub New York Metropolitan Area, New York
The Natural Disaster Preparedness Training, organized by Climate Cafe NYC in collaboration with the NYC Department of Emergency Management, aims to equip community leaders with essential skills to prepare for natural disasters. This free workshop will focus on extreme weather events and other emergencies, promoting community safety and resilience. Attendees can also participate in a preliminary ClimART Cafe event to engage further with climate issues.
🏃♂️ Earth Day: Run GREEN 5K/10K/13.1 NYC
When: Sat, Apr. 19 from 7:30 AM to 10:30 AM (EDT)
Where: Hudson River Trails, New York
The Earth Day Run in NYC promotes environmental awareness through a 5K/10K/13.1 run, with proceeds supporting local tree-planting efforts. Participants can join in-person or virtually, making it accessible for all.
🚴♂️ Earth Month Convergence Compost Bike Tour
When: Sat, Apr. 19 from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 25-30 Skillman Avenue, Long Island City
The Earth Month Convergence Compost Bike Tour is an engaging educational event taking place at Smiling Hogshead Ranch in Long Island City, NY. Participants will explore compost operations, engage in hands-on activities, and ride to key locations including Roosevelt Island and Socrates Sculpture Park. The tour encourages environmental awareness by promoting composting practices, showcasing local initiatives, and supporting community engagement in sustainability efforts.
♻️ Columbia Climate Tech Co-Founder Matching: Circularity
When: Sat, Apr. 19 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Columbia Startup Lab (CSL), New York
This event at Columbia Startup Lab in NYC focuses on connecting aspiring entrepreneurs passionate about sustainability and climate tech, particularly around the theme of Circularity. It features curated networking and co-founder matching rounds to foster the creation of climate-focused startups.
🥭 Mango x OneUpAction Earth Day Planting and Brunch - South Asians in Energy and Climate!
When: Sat, Apr. 19 from 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM (EDT)
Where: Cooper Triangle, New York
Mango and OneUpAction are hosting an Earth Day event in Cooper Triangle, NYC, focused on planting and environmental stewardship. This intimate gathering encourages individuals passionate about energy and climate to participate in planting while fostering community engagement over brunch. Attendance is selective to ensure a meaningful experience, with a $15 deposit required to cover materials and encourage commitment.
🎨 ECOLOGICAL CITY - Art & Climate Solutions Workshop (PUPPET)
When: Sat, Apr. 19 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 638 East 6th Street, New York
The 'Ecological City: Art & Climate Solutions Workshop' in NYC invites participants to create visual art, puppets, and costumes that will be showcased in a procession for climate solutions, emphasizing community involvement and ecological sustainability initiatives.
☀️ Brooklyn SolarWorks Earth Day Celebration
When: Sat, Apr. 19 from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 200 6th Street, Brooklyn
Join Brooklyn SolarWorks for an Earth Day Celebration featuring an e-waste donation drive, a plant swap, engaging talks on composting, and a chance to earn rewards for referring friends to solar solutions. Enjoy food, music, and community activities while learning about sustainability in NYC.
🎭 Flood Sensor Aunty at Snug Harbor
When: Sat, Apr. 19 from 1:30 PM to 2:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 1000 Richmond Terrace, Staten Island
"Flood Sensor Aunty" is a unique play that combines humor with themes of community disaster prevention, focusing on climate change awareness and neighborly support. Attendees will enjoy free chai while engaging with emergency management resources as part of Snug Harbor's Earth Day Celebration.
☕️ Climate Cafe at The Brooklyn Public Library
When: Sat, Apr. 19 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 10 Grand Army Plaza, Brooklyn
The Climate Cafe at Brooklyn Public Library fosters a community dialogue on climate change, exploring local actions and technologies related to renewable energy, with a thematic focus on 'Renewable Energy: To be or not to be electric'. This event aims to empower participants to discuss their concerns and connect with initiatives that address climate anxiety and action.
❤️🩹 Wellness Healing & Climate Cafe with Earth Sessions
When: Sat, Apr. 19 from 3:30 PM to 7:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Kula Yoga Project, Kings County
Earth Sessions presents a Wellness Healing & Climate Cafe event on April 19 in Brooklyn, featuring multi-sensory practices led by women of color practitioners, focusing on self-connection and community engagement in celebration of Earth Month.
🎭 Flood Sensor Aunty at Travers Park
When: Sun, Apr. 20 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 76-9 34th Avenue, Queens
Flood Sensor Aunty is a unique play that blends humor and climate awareness, focusing on community collaboration for disaster prevention and climate justice in Queens, NY. The event features free chai and resources aimed at empowering attendees to take action against climate change.
📈 Wallet Max Presents Planet Positive Talks
When: Mon, Apr. 21 from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: New York
The Wallet Max Presents Planet Positive Talks event, held during New York Fintech Week, focuses on fostering collaboration among startups, corporate leaders, and investors in the fintech and climate tech sectors. Hosted by Bhuva Shakti, this panel discussion aims to enhance sustainable practices and provide networking opportunities for those interested in climate-positive innovations. With its free attendance and influential speakers, the event represents a significant platform for advocating impact entrepreneurship in NYC.