NY Climate Tech: Oct 20 - Oct 27
Insurance & infrastructure, mixers, freelancing, climate architecture, LL97, summits, podcasts, writing clubs, and more upcoming events and opportunities
Hi friends,
It’s application season! We’ve listed six new opportunities below - if you have any to share, send them our way.
Working on buildings? 🏙️ Buildings Tech Lab provides an accelerated pathway for early to growth-stage companies to collaborate with city government to improve the development, sustainability and safety of New York’s built environment and is due Friday, Oct 24th. Looking to commercialize your research? Applications for the 👩🔬 Activate Fellowship are due Tuesday, Oct. 28th! The ⚡️ Breakthrough Energy Fellowship is due Nov. 10, and 🚀 Scale for Climate Tech is due Nov. 14. Have a story to tell? Apply to ✍️ NRDC’s Climate Storytelling Fellowship: by Nov. 28.
Here are our picks for the week:
Tonight, talk this year’s hottest topic at 💡 Closing the Insurance Gap for Infrastructure in Midtown
Wednesday, meet up at the 🍻 October Climate Tech Mixer or find other freelancers at 🤝 Teaming up for a Fossil-Free Future: Freelance Mixer
Or learn about the architecture and design of the new Governors Island Climate Exchange at the ✨ AIABK + SOM: Presentation also on Wednesday
Thursday start the day with a primer on 🏢 Decarbonizing NYC Co-ops: A LL97 Compliance Roadmap at Building energy exchange, then don’t miss the don’t miss the 🌆 2025 Urban Future Summit. Wrap up with the 🎙️ Inside Sustainability with Bard MBA: Live Podcast + Real Talk.
Saturday, dust off your notebook at the ✍️ Climate Writing Club and unwind at the 😂 HAHApocalypse
As always,
— Alec, Sonam, and the Climate Tech Cities team
This Week's Events
🍂 Fall Climate Walk through Riverside Park: Mon, Oct 20
💡 Closing the Insurance Gap for Infrastructure: Mon, Oct 20
🏗️ The Fourth Effect Summit 2025: NYC: Tue, Oct 21
🌍 Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action: Tue, Oct 21
🍻 SJC SpeakEASY Salon Series: Tue, Oct 21
🎨 Visiting Lecture | Mary Miss and Bryony Roberts in Conversation: Tue, Oct 21
🤝 Teaming up for a Fossil-Free Future: Freelance Mixer: Wed, Oct 22
🥂 Eco Happy Hour: Wed, Oct 22
🍻 October Climate Tech Mixer: Wed, Oct 22
✨ AIABK + SOM: Presentation of the Governors Island Climate Exchange: Wed, Oct 22
🏢 Decarbonizing NYC Co-ops: A LL97 Compliance Roadmap: Thu, Oct 23
📈 Fall 2025 Lecture in Climate Data Science: SALVA CACHAY: Thu, Oct 23
🌆 2025 Urban Future Summit: Thu, Oct 23
🥗 Green Plate Greener Future: Thu, Oct 23
🍻 Renewables Happy Hour: Thu, Oct 23
♻️ Circular Design for Climate Mobilization (CDCMo) Presents: Solutions for Scale: Thu, Oct 23
🎙️ Inside Sustainability with Bard MBA: Live Podcast + Real Talk: Thu, Oct 23
🌱 A look Inside Soil First Aid: Thu, Oct 23
🪀 Micro- and Nano-plastics. Impact on Environment, Human Health and Climate.: Fri, Oct 24
🌍 Columbia Climate Founder Matching: CCUS: Sat, Oct 25
✍️ Climate Writing Club: Sat, Oct 25
😂 HAHApocalypse: Sat, Oct 25
🎃 Green Halloween: Sustainable Costume Making w/ Young Ethical Explorers: Sun, Oct 26
Opportunities
🏙️ Buildings Tech Lab: Due Oct. 24
We are seeking cutting-edge, tech-driven solutions that can help New York City’s Department of Buildings address their biggest challenges as part of the annual Buildings Tech Lab. This public-sector Innovation Lab provides an expedited path to working with one of the largest public agencies in the nation. Winners will work directly with DOB to put their solution to the test over a six month pilot.
Applications close October 24, 2025. https://buildingstechlab.nyc/challenges
👩🔬 Activate Fellowship: Due Oct. 28th
Activate’s two-year fellowship program transforms scientists and engineers into founders, empowering them to reinvent the world by bringing their research to market.We provide early-stage science entrepreneurs with funding, technical resources, and unparalleled support from a network of scientists, engineers, investors, commercial partners, and fellow entrepreneurs.
⚡️ Breakthrough Energy Fellowship: Due Nov. 10
Breakthrough Energy Fellows is part of Breakthrough Energy Discovery. The program is designed to tackle early-stage barriers to climate technology innovation, accelerating discovery and increasing the number of technologies working toward commercialization. By providing scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs with research funding and hands-on support, our program ensures projects resources and support to advance to the next stages of development.
🚀 Scale for Climate Tech: Due Nov. 14
Scale For ClimateTech provides support throughout the manufacturing process, ensuring that founders have confidence in their path to the market, make fewer mistakes, and can scale up production to meet demand. From early Design for Manufacturing (DFM) and prototype refinement to negotiating partner and supplier agreements, as well as managing logistics, Scale For ClimateTech is dedicated to helping you navigate time-sensitive, critical decisions throughout the entire manufacturing process. Apply here.
✍️ NRDC Climate Storytelling Fellowship: Due Nov. 28
The Fellowship will grant $20,000 each to three writers to support revision of a feature screenplay or pilot that engages with climate change in a compelling way. A climate story acknowledges that we already live in a climate-altered world and are grappling with the impacts to our homes, health, communities, and jobs. Apply here.
Community Shoutouts
🚀 SOSV Climate Tech Summit (Online): Nov. 3 - 7
The venture capital firm SOSV is hosting a free, global, and virtual summit, bringing together top investors, founders, and scientists to discuss climate tech as an emerging category for startups and venture investing. The goal is to deepen venture, academic, corporate, and media understanding of the accomplishments and potential of startups in climate tech.
🌎 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
🏢 Comprehensive Green Building Certification Guide – 1 Day Workshop in NYC: Mon, Oct 27
🚌 Transportation in NY Summit 2025: Tue, Oct 28
🏗️ Comprehensive Green Building Certification Guide – 1 Day Workshop in NYC: Tue, Oct 28
🎲 Let’s Decarbonize! Game Night at Building Energy Exchange: Tue, Oct 28
🥗 Slow Food NYC’s Inaugural SnailFest: Tue, Oct 28
♻️ Engineering for a Circular Economy: Wed, Oct 29
🏆 Energy New York Awards 2025: Wed, Oct 29
👗 Designing the Future: Leadership, Sustainability, and Innovation in Fashion: Wed, Oct 29
🌿 Climate Pints Fall Gathering: Thu, Oct 30
🏃♂️ 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Plogging ft. NYRR Team for Climate: Fri, Oct 31
🌱 Intro to Bioplastics: Sat, Nov 1
🌳 Riverside Park Conservancy: Advocacy Club: Fri, Nov 7
🌿 2025 UXC NYU Design-a-thon (Student Only): Sat, Nov 8
🎥 EARTH’S GREATEST ENEMY - NYC Premiere with Abby Martin Q&A: Sat, Nov 8
🌆 Urban Tech Summit 2025 - Adaptive Intelligence: Activating Urban AI: Tue, Nov 11
🌊 The (Literal) Launch: Tue, Nov 11
⚓️ SPIRIT & STEEL: Tue, Nov 11
🌍 Climate Fresk & Dinner at Eat Offbeat (Chelsea Market): Tue, Nov 11
🌱 Workshops in Sustainability Career Paths and Curriculum: Tue, Nov 11
🔬 NYSCC Demystifying Biotechnology: 360 Degree Look from Ingredient to Brand: Wed, Nov 12
⚡ DERTF NYC Meetup: Wed, Nov 12
⚡ AEG/ACT Northeast Clean Transportation Summit: Thu, Nov 13
🚫 Diversity & Government Procurement Conference: Thu, Nov 13
🌍 Fall 2025 Lecture in Climate Data Science: ZHOU YU: Thu, Nov 13
🌱 Annual Members Meeting - Slow Food NYC: Thu, Nov 13
🌱 Sustainable Synapse: Hack for Social Impact: Sat, Nov 15
🧸 Parenting in the Age of Climate Change: Sun, Nov 16
🛍️ Cozy Climate Fall Fest: Sun, Nov 16
⚡ Energy Infrastructure Summit: Thu, Nov 20
🥂 4WARD NYC Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetup: Thu, Nov 20
📚 The Scientific American 2025 Nonfiction Panel: Thu, Nov 20
⚡ DERTF NYC Meetup: Wed, Dec 10
🌱 Save the Date: 5 Years of the CAT 🐈: Wed, Apr 22
This Week's Events in Detail
🍂 Fall Climate Walk through Riverside Park
When: Mon, Oct. 20 from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Riverside Park, New York
The Fall Climate Walk through Riverside Park offers a relaxed opportunity for community members to connect over a shared commitment to sustainability while enjoying the autumn scenery. Organized by Tiramisu, this event features a leisurely stroll to cherish the changing foliage, fostering conversations about climate actions and sustainable living. The walk concludes at a local cafe promoting eco-friendly practices, emphasizing a collective effort towards a greener lifestyle.
💡 Closing the Insurance Gap for Infrastructure
When: Mon, Oct. 20 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Mintz, New York
The event ‘Closing the Climate Protection Gap: Innovation in Insurance’ in New York, NY focuses on addressing the challenges posed by climate change to insurance through collaboration among insurers, investors, and technology leaders. It features a keynote address on the latest trends in climate-risk finance and a panel discussion on the insurability of climate risks, followed by a networking reception. This event is an opportunity to explore innovative solutions for improving resilience in the face of climate-related risks.
🏗️ The Fourth Effect Summit 2025: NYC
When: Tue, Oct. 21 from 4:30 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: , New York
The Fourth Effect Summit 2025 in New York focuses on the urgent need for resilient frameworks in the context of climate change and exponential technological advancements. Featuring thought leaders across various disciplines, the summit will explore key themes such as climate capitalism, adaptive AI governance, and the future of women’s health in addressing systemic inequities. Attendees will participate in networking opportunities, breakout sessions, and a pitch competition aimed at creating actionable insights for resilient systems.
🌍 Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action
When: Tue, Oct. 21 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
Where: Pier 57, New York
The Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action, held at Pier 57 in New York City, is a free, bi-weekly event focused on collective climate action. Participants will engage in various activities, including writing letters to the editor and meeting with local government officials to advocate for equitable climate solutions. This gathering is open to all, encouraging new and experienced advocates to take part in creating a sustainable future.
🍻 NEW - SJC SpeakEASY Salon Series
When: Tue, Oct. 21 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.
🎨 Visiting Lecture | Mary Miss and Bryony Roberts in Conversation
When: Tue, Oct. 21 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 41 Cooper Square, New York
The lecture features renowned artist Mary Miss, known for integrating sustainability and climate change themes into her artwork, including projects like “City as Living Laboratory.” She will discuss her ongoing initiatives focused on climate resilience in urban settings alongside Bryony Roberts, followed by a moderated Q&A session. This event, held at the Frederick P. Rose Auditorium in New York, aims to engage the public in the dialogue surrounding climate-related challenges through artistic expression.
🤝 Teaming up for a Fossil-Free Future: Freelance Mixer
When: Wed, Oct. 22 from 5:30 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
Where: Fabrik DUMBO, Kings County
The “Teaming up for a Fossil-Free Future: Freelance Mixer” is a networking event hosted by Clean Creatives and the People’s Impact Collective aimed at connecting freelancers in the progressive space with NGOs seeking support. With activities like a “Get to Know Each Other” challenge and opportunities for collaboration, the event fosters a community of independent strategists and advocacy professionals. Held at Fabrik DUMBO in Kings County, NY, this free event encourages participants to build meaningful connections while promoting mission-driven work.
🥂 Eco Happy Hour
When: Wed, Oct. 22 from 5:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT)
Where: , New York
The Eco Happy Hour is a free networking event hosted by Nucleate NY, bringing together students and professionals passionate about climate, clean energy, and sustainable innovation in New York City. Attendees will enjoy complimentary refreshments while participating in flash pitches from local climate tech founders and exploring career development opportunities within the Nucleate community. This gathering offers a relaxed atmosphere for forging meaningful connections in the STEM fields and advancing sustainability efforts.
🍻 October Climate Tech Mixer
When: Wed, Oct. 22 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: RSVP for Location
The October Climate Tech Mixer, hosted by Net Zero Insights, takes place in the East Village, New York, and serves as a key monthly networking event for the climate tech community. This edition will highlight innovators and startups addressing significant climate challenges, while connecting venture capitalists, corporate leaders, and policymakers. With a focus on collaboration and the exchange of ideas, the mixer aims to support the growth and development of the climate tech ecosystem in NYC.
✨ AIABK + SOM: Presentation of the Governors Island Climate Exchange
When: Wed, Oct. 22 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 250 Greenwich Street, New York
This special presentation at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill will showcase the Governors Island Climate Exchange, a significant initiative aimed at transforming this public space into a climate science hub. Led by design partner Colin Koop of SOM, the project aims to achieve net zero targets in energy, waste, and water, becoming New York City’s first campus designed under the “Living Building Challenge.” The event provides valuable insights into innovative design approaches focused on sustainability and community impact.
🏢 Decarbonizing NYC Co-ops: A LL97 Compliance Roadmap
When: Thu, Oct. 23 from 9:30 AM to 11:00 AM (EDT)
Where: ,
The event, hosted by the Urban Land Institute NY (ULI NY) in collaboration with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Climate & Environmental Justice, focuses on the challenges faced by New York City’s limited-equity housing co-operatives in meeting Local Law 97 (LL97) compliance. As these properties aim for net-zero emissions by 2050, the discussion will address the financial, legal, and technical barriers to decarbonization, and will include the launch of the NYC Co-ops and Local Law 97 report alongside a Q&A with building representatives. This interactive session seeks to outline strategies for successful decarbonization in co-op housing.
📈 Fall 2025 Lecture in Climate Data Science: SALVA CACHAY
When: Thu, Oct. 23 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 2276 12th Avenue, New York
The Fall 2025 Lecture in Climate Data Science features Salva Cachay from UC San Diego, who will discuss innovative generative modeling techniques for weather and climate prediction. The event will be hybrid, allowing attendees to participate in-person at the Columbia Innovation Hub or virtually via Zoom. Cachay’s work emphasizes addressing computational and data efficiency challenges in large-scale climate models, making this event a vital discussion for those interested in climate technology and data science.
🌆 2025 Urban Future Summit
When: Thu, Oct. 23 from 1:30 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)
Where: , Kings County
The 2025 Urban Future Summit, organized by Urban Future Lab, is a pivotal gathering for climate innovation in Kings County, NY. This event features the culmination of the Urban Future Prize Competition, showcasing top climate startups competing for substantial awards and access to ACRE, NYC’s long-standing climatetech incubator. Attendees will engage with industry leaders, participate in live pitches, and a panel discussion focusing on community-driven climate adaptation solutions.
🥗 Green Plate Greener Future
When: Thu, Oct. 23 from 4:30 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 105 East 17th Street, New York
The Green Plate Greener Future event, taking place in a student venue on East 17th Street in New York City, focuses on innovative solutions for sustainable food practices and climate change in urban environments. Attendees will engage in discussions about climate tech advancements, particularly in the food sector, and explore community-driven initiatives that promote sustainability. This event represents an excellent opportunity for networking and collaboration among individuals passionate about climate tech and sustainability.
🍻 Renewables Happy Hour
When: Thu, Oct. 23 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: , New York
The Renewables Happy Hour is a networking event in New York City aimed at professionals working in renewable energy development and independent power producers (IPPs). With a cap of 20 attendees, this intimate gathering will facilitate meaningful connections among representatives from companies like REV Renewables, Cordelio Power, and EDF Renewables. The event is free and encourages participants to share the invitation with others interested in the renewables sector, creating an opportunity for collaboration and discussion in climate tech.
♻️ Circular Design for Climate Mobilization (CDCMo) Presents: Solutions for Scale
When: Thu, Oct. 23 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
Where: MADE Bush Terminal, Kings County
Circular Design for Climate Mobilization (CDCMo) presents Solutions for Scale, a free event focused on addressing climate change through circular design at MADE Bush Terminal in Kings County, New York. Participants will engage in discussions about scalable innovative solutions and network with industry experts and like-minded individuals. Featuring short presentations and insights from key figures, including representatives from Terreform ONE and Streetlife Ventures, this event aims to foster collaboration toward a sustainable future.
🎙️ Inside Sustainability with Bard MBA: Live Podcast + Real Talk
When: Thu, Oct. 23 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 20 Jay St, Brooklyn
Experience a live podcast recording from Bard College’s top-ranked MBA in Sustainability program focused on creating sustainable local economies in NYC. Featuring Eban Goodstein and renowned economist Michael H. Shuman, this event offers an opportunity for candid conversations about driving change in today’s climate. Following the podcast, engage in a salon-style discussion to tackle the challenges and prospects of sustainability in urban settings.
🌱 A look Inside Soil First Aid
When: Thu, Oct. 23 from 8:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 200 Willoughby Avenue, Brooklyn
This event, hosted at Pratt Institute’s Dye Garden in Brooklyn, NY, explores innovative methods for soil enhancement and restoration. It brings together interdisciplinary approaches to soil health, emphasizing its importance in climate resilience and sustainability. Participants will engage in practical testing and enhancement techniques that highlight the significance of healthy soils in the broader context of climate technology.
🪀 Micro- and Nano-plastics. Impact on Environment, Human Health and Climate.
When: Fri, Oct. 24 from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Civic Hall, New York
The event at Civic Hall in New York City focuses on the urgent issue of micro- and nano-plastics and their profound impacts on the environment and human health. Attendees will gain insights from expert speaker John Ahn, PhD, on how these particles infiltrate living organisms, causing a range of health issues and affecting global stability through intensified pollution. The event features a combination of networking sessions, a keynote presentation, and a Q&A segment, aimed at fostering discussion on urgent actions needed to address plastic pollution.
🌍 Columbia Climate Founder Matching: CCUS
When: Sat, Oct. 25 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Columbia Startup Lab (CSL), New York
The Columbia Climate Founder Matching event at the Columbia Startup Lab in New York focuses on Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage, fostering connections among aspiring entrepreneurs in the sustainability community. Participants will engage in speed networking designed to match them with potential co-founders, making this a unique opportunity to innovate in climate tech. This event aims to unite Columbia graduate students from various disciplines to advance climate-focused startup initiatives.
✍️ Climate Writing Club
When: Sat, Oct. 25 from 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Silvana, New York
The Climate Writing Club in New York invites participants to explore climate and sustainability themes through various writing forms, from fiction to academic papers. This gathering fosters community interaction, providing dedicated time for focused writing and reflection. It’s a unique opportunity to engage creatively with climate issues in an inclusive, supportive environment, and it’s free to attend.
😂 HAHApocalypse
When: Sat, Oct. 25 from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 21 A Clinton Street, New York
HAHApocalypse is a unique comedy event taking place in New York City, where various comedians address the pressing issues of climate change through humor. This show features an eclectic lineup of talent performing everything from standup to sketches, all focused on finding comedic relief in the climate crisis narrative, highlighting the absurdity of inaction by those profiting from environmental degradation.
🎃 Green Halloween: Sustainable Costume Making w/ Young Ethical Explorers
When: Sun, Oct. 26 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 2 West 64th Street, New York
Green Halloween: Sustainable Costume Making focuses on teaching participants how to create eco-friendly costumes for Halloween. Hosted by Young Ethical Explorers at the New York Society for Ethical Culture, this workshop encourages creativity while promoting sustainability practices among families and young people. The event aims to inspire a community approach to negative impacts of fast fashion and waste, aligning with climate-conscious values.