NY Climate Tech: Apr 8 - Apr 15
Creative climate awards, distributed energy, psychedelics for the planet, writing club, sustainability summit, China & climate, an unconference, and more upcoming events!
Hi all,
Here are our picks for the week:
Tonight head to the opening night of the 🎨 Creative Climate Awards 2025
Tomorrow nerd out on energy at the ⚡️ DERTF NYC Meetup or expand your worldview at 🔮 Psychedelics – Healing the Self, Community, & Natural World
This weekend swing by the 📝 Climate Writing Club on Saturday and the 🌍 Columbia University Global Sustainability Summit, 2025 on Sunday
Next week don’t miss the timely 🇨🇳 China Climate Conundrum panel on Wednesday and the 🌍 Climate Rise unconference on Thursday
Also our friends at The Clean Fight have a new accelerator going: get your apps in to the 🔋 Energy Storage Deployment Accelerator by Apr. 21!
PS. Are you heading to SF Climate Week? Check out Alec’s guide (and latest project) at PlanTheWeek—you can see who else is going, build a calendar, and filter by our hand-picked tags. This is an early beta, so feedback is always helpful!
As always, scroll down for the full list of events.
Cheers,
Alec, Sonam, and the Climate Tech Cities team
This Week’s Events
🌍 The Good Business that comes from Good Business Forum: Tue, Apr 8
💪 Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action: Tue, Apr 8
🎨 Creative Climate Awards 2025 Opening Night: Tue, Apr 8
🍏 Green Apple Trivia: Tue, Apr 8
🌱 Monthly Climate Science and Energy Engineering Dinner: Tue, Apr 8
📚 Online Info Session: Tue, Apr 8
📊 Urban Science Research Seminar: Cynthia Zeng: Wed, Apr 9
🏓 WPP: Want Ping Pong? A Happy Hour with Clean Creatives: Wed, Apr 9
☕️ Climate Cafe & Facilitator Training: Wed, Apr 9
🔮 Psychedelics – Healing the Self, Community, & Natural World: Wed, Apr 9
⚡️ DERTF NYC Meetup: Wed, Apr 9
🌍 Brooklyn Hour of Action: Wed, Apr 9
🌍 TTI NYC | A vision for tomorrow: Thu, Apr 10
🍽️ Food Rescue Social Series: Feed the Future: Thu, Apr 10
🍺 4WARD NYC Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetup: Thu, Apr 10
🦩 NYC Plover Project & Patagonia Evening Social - Protecting Endangered Shorebirds, A Night of Activism & Hope: Thu, Apr 10
🌿 The Environmental Future & Industrial Past of the Newtown Creek: Fri, Apr 11
🦸 Become a Climate Hero! (Climate Fresk - ENG & SPA): Fri, Apr 11
🌍 Sons que Curam: Indigenous Film & Conversation on Land, Legacy, and Climate: Fri, Apr 11
🎉 CEA/SEA 20th Anniversary - Alumni Gala Reception: Fri, Apr 11
📝 Climate Writing Club: Sat, Apr 12
🌱 GreenHouse: Sat, Apr 12
🎭 ECOLOGICAL CITY - Art & Climate Solutions Workshop (PUPPET): Sat, Apr 12
💧 WATER STORIES Immersive Art Exhibition @ BioBAT Art Space FREE Brooklyn: Sat, Apr 12
🏡 GreenHouse: Sat, Apr 12
🌍 Columbia University Global Sustainability Summit, 2025: Sun, Apr 13
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
🌳 Cleantech Open Accelerator: Due Apr. 13
Cleantech Open is the world’s largest cleantech accelerator, providing entrepreneurs and corporate innovators the resources they need to launch and grow successful cleantech businesses. Our one-of-a-kind innovation ecosystem built over the last 19 years of programming spans key cleantech innovation hubs in the U.S., linking labs and universities, service providers, investors, corporations, governments, and other cleantech incubators and accelerators.
🎨 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 Competition: 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.
🌎 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
🌃 Think Tech: Tools for Meeting Building Decarb Targets: Tue, Apr 15
🌱 Greenhouse Gang: Tue, Apr 15
🥂 NEW - SJC SpeakEASY Salon Series: Tue, Apr 15
🇨🇳 The China Climate Conundrum: Wed, Apr 16
🏙️ Built World & Industrial Tech Hangout | NYC: Wed, Apr 16
🌍 2025 ECOSOC YOUTH FORUM: 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
🌱 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
🌍 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
🔗 SOSV’s Biomanufacturing VC-Founder Matchup: Sun, Apr 20
This Week in Depth
🌍 The Good Business that comes from Good Business Research Forum
When: Tue, Apr. 8 from 1:15 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 150 West 62nd Street, New York
The Good Business Forum at Fordham University focuses on the intersection of responsible business practices and sustainability, encouraging business leaders to leverage innovation for impactful change in a sustainable future.
💪 Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action
When: Tue, Apr. 8 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
Where: Pier 57, New York
The Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action invites participants to engage in climate advocacy activities at Pier 57, including letter writing and meetings with local officials, fostering community participation in climate solutions.
🎨 Creative Climate Awards 2025 Opening Night
When: Tue, Apr. 8 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 1 East 42nd Street, New York
The Creative Climate Awards 2025 Opening Night celebrates the intersection of art, culture, and climate through an exhibition and performances, aimed at envisioning future solutions to climate challenges. Hosted by the Human Impacts Institute, it will feature live music and networking opportunities at TECO in New York City.
🍏 Green Apple Trivia
When: Tue, Apr. 8 from 7:00 PM to 9:15 PM (EDT)
Where: 659 9th Avenue, New York
Green Apple Trivia invites trivia and sustainability enthusiasts to compete in a fun-filled event at Mercury Bar West, featuring a vegan menu and happy hour specials. The event encourages collaboration as newcomers can join teams.
🌱 Monthly Climate Science and Energy Engineering Dinner
When: Tue, Apr. 8 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 402 West 34th Street, New York
This monthly dinner focuses on discussions around climate science and energy engineering, inviting participants to engage in debates over climate skepticism and explore the challenges of decarbonizing the economy. Set in a casual dining environment, the event encourages technical knowledge and effective dialogue among attendees.
📚 Online Info Session
When: Tue, Apr. 8 from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: ,
The Bard Graduate Programs in Sustainability will host an online information session for prospective students interested in their MBA in Sustainability and Center for Environmental Policy programs. Attendees will receive valuable insights from Director Eban Goodstein and the admissions team about program offerings, alumni success stories, and important admissions details. Moreover, those participating in the webinar can benefit from a $65 application fee waiver, making this a unique opportunity for anyone considering graduate education focused on sustainability.
📊 Urban Science Research Seminar: Cynthia Zeng
When: Wed, Apr. 9 from 2:00 PM to 3:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 370 Jay Street, Brooklyn
This seminar by Dr. Cynthia Zeng at NYU examines how machine learning can enhance climate adaptation and risk management related to natural disasters, making it highly relevant to stakeholders in climate tech.
🏓 WPP: Want Ping Pong? A Happy Hour with Clean Creatives
When: Wed, Apr. 9 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
Where: Clinton Hall, New York
The WPP: Want Ping Pong? event is hosted by Clean Creatives at Clinton Hall in New York City on April 9, 2025. This happy hour offers an informal setting to discuss critical topics such as Return to Office (RTO) policies, fossil fuels, and the corporate climate responsibility while enjoying complimentary drinks and snacks. The event aims to foster community among PR and ad professionals committed to creating a sustainable future.
☕️ Climate Cafe & Facilitator Training
When: Wed, Apr. 9 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 110 Schermerhorn St, Kings County
This training equips participants to become Climate Cafe facilitators, focusing on building community resilience against climate injustice through local support and leadership. Participants will engage in role-plays and learn best practices for nurturing climate discussion spaces.
🌱 Psychedelics – Healing the Self, Community, & Natural World
When: Wed, Apr. 9 from 6:00 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 110 East 25th Street, New York
This event titled "Psychedelics – Healing the Self, Community, & Natural World" explores the intersection of mental health and climate action. Taking place at Neue House in New York, attendees will engage with pioneers and activists to discuss how to expand healing practices beyond individuals and communities to include the natural world. The event aims to inspire collective stewardship and action, making it a unique platform for fostering a sense of interconnectedness while addressing urgent environmental issues.
⚡️ DERTF NYC Meetup
When: Wed, Apr. 9 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: David Energy Systems, New York
The DERTF NYC Meetup is a monthly gathering for individuals involved in distributed energy resources (DER) and climate technology, promoting networking and collaboration among energy professionals in New York City.
🌍 Brooklyn Hour of Action
When: Wed, Apr. 9 from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Threes Brewing Gowanus, Kings County
The Brooklyn Hour of Action is a weekly gathering at Threes Brewing in Brooklyn focusing on climate advocacy and solutions, encouraging community members to engage in political action in a supportive environment.
🌍 TTI NYC | A vision for tomorrow
When: Thu, Apr. 10 from 5:30 PM to 10:00 PM (EDT)
Where: , New York
The TTI NYC event, hosted by Top Tier Impact in collaboration with Arcadia and NeueHouse, is a pivotal Earth Month gathering focused on sustainability and circular design. Attendees will experience a keynote from Valentino Vettori, an immersive film preview, and engage in roundtable discussions centered around impact investing. The event offers networking opportunities, making it a significant platform for dialogue on shaping a sustainable future in New York City.
🍽️ Food Rescue Social Series: Feed the Future
When: Thu, Apr. 10 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 25 Broadway, New York
Join Rescuing Leftover Cuisine for a Networking Night aimed at tackling food waste and promoting food security, featuring discussions on solutions and sustainable practices in New York City.
🍺 4WARD NYC Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetup
When: Thu, Apr. 10 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 310 Bowery, New York
This monthly networking meetup focuses on connecting individuals passionate about climate solutions using technology and innovation, providing a platform for collaboration and resource sharing in New York City.
🦩 NYC Plover Project & Patagonia Evening Social - Protecting Endangered Shorebirds, A Night of Activism & Hope
When: Thu, Apr. 10 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Patagonia, Kings County
The NYC Plover Project & Patagonia Evening Social focuses on activism for New York's endangered Piping Plover, highlighting the ongoing conservation efforts and challenges faced by this shorebird. Attendees will learn about the Endangered Species Act and discover ways to contribute to the protection of this bird species. The event includes food, drinks, and Patagonia product giveaways, making it a fun and engaging evening for environmental enthusiasts.
🌿 The Environmental Future and Industrial Past of the Newtown Creek
When: Fri, Apr. 11 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 300 Jay Street, Brooklyn
This event, titled "The Environmental Future and Industrial Past of the Newtown Creek," will take place in Brooklyn at the New York City College of Technology. It focuses on integrating discussions around climate impact and the history of industrialization in the area, making it particularly relevant to those interested in climate tech innovations and urban environmental issues. Attendees will enjoy complimentary breakfast before the discussions commence in a convenient downtown location accessible via public transport.
🦸 Become a Climate Hero! (Climate Fresk - ENG & SPA)
When: Fri, Apr. 11 from 5:45 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 75 9th Avenue, New York
Join this interactive workshop at Chelsea Market to explore the causes and effects of climate change while enjoying dinner prepared by refugee chefs. It celebrates the International Day of Climate Games and aims to empower participants to take action against climate change.
🌍 Sons que Curam: Indigenous Film & Conversation on Land, Legacy, and Climate
When: Fri, Apr. 11 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 200 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn
Sons que Curam is a unique film screening and discussion event at the Brooklyn Museum, spotlighting Indigenous perspectives on land rights and climate issues. Directed by Indigenous activist Shirley Krenak, the film captures the impact of the 2015 Doce River mining disaster. This event, part of Earth Month programming, features an intergenerational dialogue on cultural legacies and environmental stewardship, making it a significant platform for Indigenous voices related to climate action.
🎉 CEA/SEA 20th Anniversary - Alumni Gala Reception
When: Fri, Apr. 11 from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 821 1st Avenue, New York
The CEA/SEA 20th Anniversary - Alumni Gala Reception will celebrate two decades of the Columbia Energy Association with an evening of networking, refreshments, and mingling among energy professionals at the Turkish Consulate General in New York.
📝 Climate Writing Club
When: Sat, Apr. 12 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Silvana, New York
The Climate Writing Club is a free event in NYC that encourages participants to explore climate and sustainability topics through various writing formats, fostering creativity and community engagement.
🌱 GreenHouse
When: Sat, Apr. 12 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 447 Central Avenue, Brooklyn
GreenHouse is an immersive experience hosted by the Botanical Cities Campaign, taking place in Brooklyn, NY. The event aims to foster connections with nature through a plant swap, engaging discussions on sustainability, and a second-hand clothing sale, all set to uplifting music by guest DJs. Participants are encouraged to embrace sustainability in their everyday lives while enjoying an atmosphere that celebrates community and environmental consciousness.
🎭 ECOLOGICAL CITY - Art & Climate Solutions Workshop (PUPPET)
When: Sat, Apr. 12 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.
💧 WATER STORIES Immersive Art Exhibition @ BioBAT Art Space FREE Brooklyn
When: Sat, Apr. 12 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 140 58th Street - Building A - Ground Level - Waterfront entrace, Brooklyn
The 'Water Stories' exhibition at BioBAT Art Space invites visitors to engage with the ecological and cultural significance of water through immersive installations and interactive artworks, fostering dialogue about local and global water issues.
🏡 GreenHouse
When: Sat, Apr. 12 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Caffeine Underground, Kings County
GreenHouse is an immersive community event focused on sustainability and connection, featuring a plant swap, engaging discussions on climate action, and a second-hand clothing sale, all within a vibrant atmosphere of music and creativity.
🌍 Columbia University Global Sustainability Summit, 2025
When: Sun, Apr. 13 from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 535 W. 116th St., New York
The Columbia University Global Sustainability Summit will gather leaders across various sectors to address global sustainable development challenges while featuring a special awards ceremony for young leaders. Topics will include energy innovations, advanced manufacturing, and international cooperation, complemented by networking opportunities.
🌍 2025 Columbia University Global Sustainability Summit
When: Sun, Apr. 13 from 9:30 PM to 10:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Low Memorial Library, New York
The 2025 Columbia University Global Sustainability Summit will take place at the historic Low Memorial Library in New York City. Organized by Alpha Centauri, the event aims to bring together sustainability enthusiasts and innovators for an evening of networking, inspiration, and knowledge sharing. Attendees can expect engaging discussions and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals committed to advancing sustainability efforts.