NY Climate Tech: Jan 19 - Jan 27
ConEd Rates, Urban Future Lab, Data in Power, Climate Pints, Hour of Action, Interconnection, Cross-Campus Innovation, and more upcoming events
Hi friends,
We have a lot of new opportunities this week, for startups of all types:
Adaptation? This week is the last chance to apply to pilot your adaptation solutions on ⛴️ pilot your adaptation solutions on Governors Island (due 1/21).
Working on ocean-based solutions? Consider Seaworthy’s 🌊 Sea Change Ocean Studio & Incubator (due 1/28) for NOAA support.
Building a more sustainable tech supply chain? Look into 📱 Amazon Devices Climate Tech Accelerator (due 2/24) for anything from circuits to circularity.
Transit? Apply to Partnership for NYC’s 🚊 Transit Tech Lab (due 2/27) to work with city agencies on a more efficient and resilient transit system.
International company? Check out the 🌐 NYC International Landing Pad Accelerator (due 3/23) with the Clean Fight and NYCEDC to set up shop in NY
Otherwise, it’s a short but packed week! Here are our picks:
Tomorrow morning kick off the day with ⚡ Powering New York: A Strategic Look at the 2025 Con Edison Rate Case at Building Energy Exchange
Tomorrow evening reconnect or make new friends at Urban Future Lab’s 🥂 Toast to 2026: Friends & Founders Mixer, the 📊 Data In Power - NYC Power Hour, or 🍺 Climate Pints January Get-together!
Wednesday, head to ⏰ Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action + First Birthday Celebration 🎂 or join GreenHome NYC to hear from companies in building efficiency and renewable energy at their 🌿 Monthly Forum: The Green Catwalk
Thursday, get 🔌 Plugged in to The Realities of Grid Interconnection or attend a live-listen of Bard’s 🎙️ Inside Sustainability Podcast on Equity, Hiring & AI
Friday, take the aerial tramway to Roosevelt Island for the 🤝 Cross-Campus Innovation Exchange | Climate & Energy all afternoon
As always, scroll down for the full list.
Cheers,
Alec, Sonam, and the Climate Tech Cities team
This Week's Events
⚡ Powering New York: A Strategic Look at the 2025 Con Edison Rate Case: Tue, Jan 20
🥂 Toast to 2026: Friends & Founders Mixer: Tue, Jan 20
📊 Data In Power - NYC Power Hour: Tue, Jan 20
🌊 COPRI Lecture: Harlem River Greenway: Tue, Jan 20
🍺 Climate Pints January Get-together!!: Tue, Jan 20
⏰ Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action + First Birthday Celebration 🎂 (now on WEDNESDAY): Wed, Jan 21
🍻 Green Drinks Brooklyn: Wed, Jan 21
🌿 Monthly Forum: The Green Catwalk: Wed, Jan 21
🌍 Brooklyn Hour of Action: Wed, Jan 21
🎢 The Roller Coaster of Climate Tech Investing: Thu, Jan 22
📈 Spring 2026 Lecture in Climate Data Science: SAMORY KPOTUFE: Thu, Jan 22
🌍 Climate Chronicles: Exhibit Showcase: Thu, Jan 22
🔌 Plugged in: The Realities of Grid Interconnection: Thu, Jan 22
🌱 Carbon Bridge x Coeus Collective AMA for Bio-Industrial Investors & Executives: Thu, Jan 22
🎙️ Inside Sustainability with Bard MBA: Beyond Burnout — Equity, Hiring & AI: Thu, Jan 22
🌱 C2FM x Cross Campus Innovation Exchange: Founder Speed Matching: Fri, Jan 23
🌱 Cross-Campus Innovation Exchange | Climate & Energy: Fri, Jan 23
🌳 Long Island City Walk & Talk to Build a Strong Parks System: Fri, Jan 23
🌞 Trivia Hour: Sat, Jan 24
Opportunities
⛴️ Governors Island Climate Solutions Challenge: Due 1/21
The Trust for Governors Island seeks companies, entrepreneurs, and nonprofit organizations offering innovative urban adaptation solutions that will help communities adapt to challenges facing New York City and other dense urban areas, such as chronic flooding, extreme heat, and water shortages. This initiative, presented through the #GovIslandClimate Piloting Program, offers innovators the opportunity to test and scale climate products and services in a real-world environment.
🌊 Sea Change Ocean Studio & Incubator: Due 1/28
Seaworthy is accepting applications for the Spring 2026 cohort of its Continuum Ocean Enterprise Studio & Incubator, a three-month, founder-focused program supporting U.S.–based startups building ocean data technologies aligned with NOAA’s Ocean Enterprise Initiative. The program combines tailored, human-centered support for early-stage founders with hands-on venture creation, bringing together 5–7 existing startups and co-creating one new company per cohort, with NOAA-funded scholarships (valued at $25,000) enabling participation at no cost and with no equity requirement.
📱 Amazon Devices Climate Tech Accelerator: Due 2/24
A uniquely designed program for companies at any stage to accelerate the integration of their technologies that can help reduce the carbon impact of Amazon devices. Unlike other accelerators, this program breaks down traditional industry barriers and accelerates collaboration between climate tech innovators and enterprise decision-makers—helping streamline the path from validation to adoption opportunity.
🚊 Transit Tech Lab: Due 2/27
Applications are now open for the 8th annual Transit Tech Lab, an accelerated innovation program founded by the Partnership Fund for New York City and the MTA to improve public transit in the NY metro area. This year’s Lab is seeking technology companies with solutions that can help transit agencies advance infrastructure systems or modernize data and operational workflows. Selected companies will participate in an eight-week proof of concept with the MTA, Port Authority of NY & NJ, and NYC DOT. Apply now or attend an info session on February 6 at 1pm ET to learn more about this year’s challenges.
🌐 NYC International Landing Pad Accelerator: Due 3/23
This flagship program is focused on helping ready-to-scale companies overcome some of the toughest barriers to NYC market-entry — so you can get your first project off the ground, scale up, and grow your business.. Our initial cohort is focused on the Built Environment — the buildings and infrastructure where New Yorkers live, work, and move. Together, we’ll help build a cleaner, more resilient future for all who call New York City home.
Upcoming Events
🏙️ Japan Innovation Forum: The Cities Meet up for “Tokyo SusHi Night”: Mon, Jan 26
🏗️ Comprehensive Green Building Certification Guide – 1 Day Workshop in NYC: Tue, Jan 27
💧 In conversation with Julia Watson, followed by a book signing of Lo—TEK. WATER.: Tue, Jan 27
📝 Climate Cafe & Winter Poetry: Wed, Jan 28
🌍 Mending the Living World: Wed, Jan 28
🍹 WiC Winter Happy Hour: Wed, Jan 28
🌳 Field Notes: Expedition Updates from the Darién Gap: Wed, Jan 28
🔧 AEG NY 26Q1 Critical Infrastructure, Resilience & Affordability Stakeholder Challenge: Thu, Jan 29
🌱 Spring 2026 Lecture in Climate Data Science: TBA: Thu, Jan 29
📊 DSSG-NYC: Data Science for Social Good - Meet Up: Thu, Jan 29
🌱 The Trash Garden: Fri, Jan 30
🧶 Bioyarn: Create Biotextiles from Algae: Sat, Jan 31
☕️ Climate Cafe by Earth Stewards NYC: Sat, Jan 31
🌍 Climate Cafe + The Sharing Economy: Sat, Jan 31
♻️ February Compost Workshop: Tue, Feb 3
👗 Re.Stance Collective Fashion Week Showcase: Tue, Feb 3
♻️ Waste Management Skills for Manufacturing – 1 Day Training, New York, NY: Thu, Feb 5
🆙 Upcycle NYFW 2026 – The Official NY Fashion Week Kickoff Event: Fri, Feb 6
🌳 Queens Botanical Garden Compost Site Tours 2026: Sun, Feb 8
💩 Intro to Composting (Master Composter Course): Sun, Feb 8
♻️ Curbside Composting Presentation: Mon, Feb 9
🌊 2026 Windward Innovation Celebration: Tue, Feb 10
🌱 Green Apple Trivia: Tue, Feb 10
🏙️ Decarb Multifamily Summit: Wed, Feb 11
⚓️ COPRI Lecture: Turning a Big Ship: Managing Climate Risk at the PANYNJ: Wed, Feb 11
👷♀️ WICE Conference Winter 2026: Thu, Feb 12
🧪 NYC Microplastics Symposium: Thu, Feb 12
🔗 New York Engineering, Energy & Transportation: Fri, Feb 13
🌊 [INFRASTRUCTOURS] Waterfront Landscape, Offshore WindScape Brooklyn: Fri, Feb 13
👗 IMPACT Fashion Week VI: Runway Shows & Shops: Fri, Feb 13
🌳 Street Tree Care with NYU Give Where You Live: Sat, Feb 14
🌎 Climate Tech Cities and Streetlife Ventres 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!
This Week's Events in Detail
⚡ Powering New York: A Strategic Look at the 2025 Con Edison Rate Case
When: Tue, Jan. 20 from 8:30 AM to 10:30 AM (EST)
Where: 31 Chambers Street, New York
This briefing hosted by the New York Energy Consumers Council (NYECC) focuses on Con Edison’s upcoming 2025 electric and gas rate cases, crucial for various stakeholders including commercial real estate operators and policymakers. The session will clarify the rate case process, highlight implications for building operations, energy efficiency, and housing affordability. Participants will gain insights into engaging with the rate case to ensure their perspectives are included in the decision-making process.
🥂 Toast to 2026: Friends & Founders Mixer
When: Tue, Jan. 20 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (EST)
Where: , Kings County
The “Toast to 2026: Friends & Founders Mixer” is a celebratory networking event hosted by Urban Future Lab in Kings County, New York, on January 20, 2026. It aims to connect participants from the Carbon to Value Initiative and Offshore Wind Innovation Hub, fostering collaborations across climate tech sectors while welcoming new startups into the ecosystem. The event will feature complimentary food and drinks and aims to strengthen community ties while highlighting the positive impact of the startups involved.
📊 Data In Power - NYC Power Hour
When: Tue, Jan. 20 from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST)
Where: , New York
Data In Power - NYC Power Hour is a community-focused event scheduled for January 20-21, 2026, in New York City. Attendees will discuss the nuances of data collection, analysis, and decision-making at the intersection of climate, energy, and AI in an open and casual setting. Though the event is currently full, it aims to foster discussions among community members about the distribution of decision-making power in these crucial sectors.
🌊 COPRI Lecture: Harlem River Greenway
When: Tue, Jan. 20 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM (EST)
Where: 368 9th Avenue, New York
The COPRI Lecture on the Harlem River Greenway focuses on the engineering intricacies of a vital New York City project aimed at enhancing public access to waterfront spaces through the development of protected bicycle and pedestrian pathways. With a significant emphasis on climate resilience, this event will detail the construction of 3.5 miles of waterfront infrastructure that includes community parks and seawall stabilization, addressing both aging infrastructure and the challenges posed by climate change. Speakers Gina Schoregge and Meredith Simon-Pearson bring expertise in structural engineering and urban development, respectively, making this a noteworthy event for urban planners and climate tech professionals.
🍺 Climate Pints January Get-together!!
When: Tue, Jan. 20 from 7:00 PM to 11:00 PM (EST)
Where: Prime Produce, New York
The Climate Pints January Get-together offers a unique happy hour experience for New York’s climate community to connect over drinks and discussions on sustainability and climate tech. Taking place at Prime Produce, this free event encourages attendees from all backgrounds - from scientists to policy makers - to engage in informal networking while enjoying games and activities. A small donation for drinks supports charitable causes, making it a socially conscious gathering for climate enthusiasts in NYC.
⏰ Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action + First Birthday Celebration 🎂 (now on WEDNESDAY)
When: Wed, Jan. 21 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (EST)
Where: Pier 57, New York
The Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action & First Birthday Celebration at Pier 57 in New York is an engaging event focused on climate action. Attendees can participate in activities such as writing letters to the editor and setting up meetings with lawmakers, all while enjoying food and networking opportunities. This event is free and aims to empower both new and experienced advocates to take effective, community-oriented climate actions.
🍻 Green Drinks Brooklyn
When: Wed, Jan. 21 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (EST)
Where: 333 Douglass Street, Brooklyn
Green Drinks Brooklyn is a monthly networking event held at Fini Patio Bar in Brooklyn, NY, aimed at individuals working in or interested in environmental and sustainability issues. Participants will have the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals, share their experiences, and discuss their passions related to sustainability. The event encourages attendees from various sectors, including NGOs, academia, and businesses, to join and invite friends for a casual evening of conversation and networking.
🌿 Monthly Forum: The Green Catwalk
When: Wed, Jan. 21 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (EST)
Where: 20 West 22nd Street, New York
The Green Catwalk, hosted by GreenHomeNYC, is an in-person panel discussion taking place at the Toto Gallery in New York City, featuring a diverse group of sustainability professionals. This annual event focuses on innovations and policies in building efficiency, renewable energy, and green development, providing attendees the chance to engage with industry leaders and each other during a presentation style format with Q&A. It’s an excellent opportunity for networking and learning about the latest advancements in urban sustainability.
🌍 Brooklyn Hour of Action
When: Wed, Jan. 21 from 8:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EST)
Where: Threes Brewing Gowanus, Kings County
The Brooklyn Hour of Action takes place every Wednesday at Threes Brewing in Brooklyn, offering an engaging community-driven platform for climate action. Participants, whether experienced advocates or newcomers, are encouraged to work collaboratively on climate advocacy and solutions. The event is free and fosters a sense of community, aiming to empower individuals to contribute actively to climate initiatives.
🎢 The Roller Coaster of Climate Tech Investing
When: Thu, Jan. 22 from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM (EST)
This virtual event, part of the ‘Private Capital and Discovery: Strategic Investing in Scientific Innovation’ series, examines the complexities and opportunities of climate tech investing. With insights from experts at Princeton University, Closed Loop Partners, and Vision Ridge, the session promises a robust discussion on how to develop economically viable ventures in climate technology amidst various challenges.
📈 Spring 2026 Lecture in Climate Data Science: SAMORY KPOTUFE
When: Thu, Jan. 22 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (EST)
Where: 2276 12th Avenue, New York
The Spring 2026 Lecture in Climate Data Science features Samory Kpotufe from Columbia University. Set to take place at the Columbia Innovation Hub in New York City, this event supports hybrid participation, catering to both in-person and virtual attendees. Although the title and abstract are yet to be announced, the discussion is poised to delve into crucial climate data science topics, making it a significant event for climate tech enthusiasts and professionals.
🌍 Climate Chronicles: Exhibit Showcase
When: Thu, Jan. 22 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EST)
Where: Near Washington Square Park, New York
Climate Chronicles is an exhibit showcase held at the NWNY Community Hub, located near Washington Square Park in New York City. This engaging event features photography and written reflections from immigrant women who participated in the 2025 Climate Stories Training, emphasizing their unique perspectives on climate and resilience. Attendees will have an opportunity to explore the exhibit, connect with community members, and enjoy light refreshments in an inviting atmosphere.
🔌 Plugged in: The Realities of Grid Interconnection
When: Thu, Jan. 22 from 6:30 PM to 8:00 PM (EST)
Where: 485 Lexington Avenue, New York
On January 22nd, YPE NYC collaborates with AACE to address the complexities of grid interconnection at Exponent in New York. The event features industry experts who will discuss the hurdles involved in connecting new energy generation resources and load demands to the grid. Attendees can expect insightful presentations and a networking opportunity following the discussions, making it a key gathering for climate tech professionals.
🌱 Carbon Bridge x Coeus Collective AMA for Bio-Industrial Investors & Executives
When: Thu, Jan. 22 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EST)
Carbon Bridge and Coeus Collective Ventures host an AMA for bio-industrial investors and executives in New York City, featuring Carbon Bridge co-founders Manu Pillai and Sophia Xu. The event includes a networking reception and the opportunity for attendees to engage and ask questions after the moderated conversation. Attendees will explore the implications of Carbon Bridge’s innovative bioreactor technology.
🎙️ Inside Sustainability with Bard MBA: Beyond Burnout — Equity, Hiring & AI
When: Thu, Jan. 22 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (EST)
Where: 20 Jay St, Brooklyn
The event features a live recording of Bard College’s podcast ‘Lead the Change,’ focused on equity, hiring, and AI within the context of sustainability. Faculty member Renay Loper and inclusivity expert Ayana Fernandes Pilgrim will discuss the dynamics of organizational change, emphasizing the importance of equity in hiring and the responsible integration of AI. The session aims to foster dialogue on maintaining leadership values while enhancing performance without causing burnout, making it a timely conversation for sustainability practitioners.
🌱 C2FM x Cross Campus Innovation Exchange: Founder Speed Matching
When: Fri, Jan. 23 from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM (EST)
Where: Verizon Executive Education Center, New York
The C2FM x Cross Campus Innovation Exchange: Founder Speed Matching event in New York offers a unique opportunity for aspiring climate startup founders to connect with technical attendees from the Columbia network. This specially curated matching session encourages collaboration and startup formation, making it a valuable platform for those serious about building in the climate tech sector. Participants can attend a broader exchange event following the speed matching, enhancing networking opportunities.
🤝 Cross-Campus Innovation Exchange | Climate & Energy
When: Fri, Jan. 23 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (EST)
Where: Verizon Executive Education Center, New York
The Cross-Campus Innovation Exchange in Midtown Manhattan is a premier event uniting faculty, postdocs, and student leaders to foster collaboration in climate tech. Attendees will benefit from panels discussing the commercialization of research, pitches from industry leaders, and workshops to find co-founders, alongside significant networking opportunities. This event is a crucial platform for scientific researchers to explore partnerships with startups and investors focused on advancing climate solutions.
🌳 Long Island City Walk & Talk to Build a Strong Parks System
When: Fri, Jan. 23 from 7:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST)
Where: 27-20 Jackson Avenue, Queens
The Long Island City Walk & Talk on January 24, 2026, is organized by New Yorkers for Parks and the Play Fair Coalition to improve the local parks system. Local leaders, including Council Member Julie Won, will discuss the importance of parks, greenways, and open spaces in enhancing health, safety, and climate resilience in LIC. This outdoor event features a 1.2 mile walk with stops at key locations to highlight the community’s needs and infrastructure opportunities for a greener future.
🌞 Trivia Hour
When: Sat, Jan. 24 from 7:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EST)
Where: 1184 Nostrand Avenue, Brooklyn
Trivia Hour in Brooklyn combines fun with knowledge as participants engage in a lively trivia competition focusing on sustainability and solar energy topics. Attendees can enjoy prizes and drinks while exploring important climate tech issues. This event serves as a unique, interactive way to learn and connect with others interested in climate-related challenges and solutions.