NY Climate Tech: Oct 6 - Oct 13
Circular design for climate, pitch contests, effective lobbying, distributed energy, data science for social good, Hispanic heritage month, and more upcoming events
Hi friends,
We’re back! Hope you’ve all recovered from a packed Climate Week. Our takeaway is simple: there’s as much energy as ever in this space, and we’re so inspired by everyone involved.
This week we have a spotlight on Circular Design for Climate Mobilization, a six-week exhibition of innovative products by independent makers who are creating local circular economies at NYCEDC’s MADE Bush Terminal in Sunset Park. Scroll down to read more!
Here are our picks for the week:
Today check out the 🏙️ Make It in Brooklyn: Climate Tech Pitch Contest in downtown Brooklyn
Tomorrow learn how to get things done in Albany at the Citizen’s Climate Lobby 🗳️ CCL: Level Up Lobbying workshop in Clinton Hill
Wednesday nerd out on distributed energy at the ⚡ DERTF NYC Meetup and get ready for get ready for DERVOS on 10/17.
Thursday apply 🤝 Data Science for Social Good in Midtown or join Latinxs in sustainability for the 🌱 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
As always,
— Alec, Sonam, and the Climate Tech Cities team
This Week's Events
🏙️ Make It in Brooklyn: Climate Tech Pitch Contest: Mon, Oct 6
🛠️ Building Resilient Nonprofits: Capacity, Culture & Change: Tue, Oct 7
🧵 Threads of Sustainability - Gingerblu Indian Textile Exhibition: Tue, Oct 7
♻️ Workshop | Laying Waste: Trash Collage for More-than-Human Devotion: Tue, Oct 7
🍻 Builders & Brews - Real Estate & Construction Networking NYC: Tue, Oct 7
🌍 Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action: Tue, Oct 7
🗳️ CCL: Level Up Lobbying: Tue, Oct 7
📚 Eileen Flanagan presents Common Ground: Tue, Oct 7
🏙️ Community Organizing 101: Tue, Oct 7
🌾 Farm Community Volunteer Days 2025: Wed, Oct 8
⚡ DERTF NYC Meetup: Wed, Oct 8
🧵 Dyeing and the Environment: Thu, Oct 9
⚙️ LEAP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Careers in Climate Data Science: Thu, Oct 9
♻️ YPs Tour Red Hook Wastewater Treatment Plant – October 9th: Thu, Oct 9
🧪 MƒA Thursday Think: Understanding PFAS: The Invisible Environmental Threat: Thu, Oct 9
🤝 DSSG-NYC: Data Science for Social Good - Meet Up: Thu, Oct 9
🎨 Circular Design for Climate Mobilization (CDCMo) Presents: Lessons from the Artist: Thu, Oct 9
🌍 4WARD Global Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetups NYC: Thu, Oct 9
🌱 Latinxs in Sustainability NYC 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration: Thu, Oct 9
🌆 New York as World Capital and the Progressive Fight for the Future: Thu, Oct 9
🎨 Civic Art Lab 2025| Sustainability and Design Lab: Sat, Oct 11
🌿 02 — An Afternoon at BioBAT Art Space: Sensing Plants: Sat, Oct 11
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
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!
Spotlight: Circular Design for Climate Mobilization
Circular Design for Climate Mobilization (CDCMo) presents cool products by independent makers who are creating local circular economies at NYCEDC’s MADE Bush Terminal in Sunset Park, . The six-week exhibition brings together furniture, lighting, and sculptural objects made from organic and recycled materials, including orange peels, olive pits, textile waste, and sewage sludge.
Open Thursdays and Saturdays, 10 AM–6 PM through October 25, CDCMo highlights how waste streams and by-products can be reintroduced into production cycles, creating forms that are both functional and regenerative. Outside of opening hours, CDCMo hosts programs on the intersections of art and architecture, waste and design, and innovation and ecology. On October 23, NYCT’s Sonam Velani will speak on “Solutions for Scale” alongside Terreform ONE (register here).
The aim is to introduce these makers to designers, architects, property professionals, retailers and consumers, offering a space to experience circularity in tangible form. Visitors are encouraged to engage with the products on a multisensory level and share feedback, helping to expand awareness of these concepts and leverage market interest for exhibiting brands.
NYCEDC is leveraging investments in MADE Bush Terminal (and nearby Brooklyn Army Terminal) to grow local industrial and manufacturing sub-sectors and serve businesses, workforce, and community as part of NYC’s Harbor of the Future. The Harbor of the Future is a large-scale vision to establish NYC’s waterfront as the global destination for green technology, innovation, and opportunity.
CDCMo was created by Liana Scobie — come by to join the conversation and creative exploration for climate action. Visit www.cdcmo.nyc and follow @cdcmo.nyc on Instagram for more information.
Exhibitors include Caracara Collective (Finland), Interesting Times Gang (Sweden), Materia Madura (Puerto Rico), Naifactory Lab (Spain), OTTAN (UK / Turkey), Christina Massey (Brooklyn, NY), CRCL.EARTH (Hudson, NY), MushLume Lighting (Brooklyn, NY), OurCarbon (San Francisco, CA) and Terreform ONE (Brooklyn, NY).
Get to MADE by ferry, train, bus, and car: MADE Bush Terminal, 13 42nd Street, Brooklyn, NY 11232 – Building A Lobby.
Upcoming Events
🌍 Monthly Climate Science and Energy Engineering Dinner: Mon, Oct 13
🌿 Greenhouse Gang: Tue, Oct 14
🍏 Green Apple Trivia: Tue, Oct 14
🎶 Climate Cafe: Songs of Connection at Pete’s Candy Store: Wed, Oct 15
🌱 Climate Fresk & Dinner at Eat Offbeat (Chelsea Market): Wed, Oct 15
🍻 Green Drinks Brooklyn: Wed, Oct 15
🌿 Shaping a Greener Future: AI and Sustainability with Cisco & Turtle: Thu, Oct 16
🌍 4WARD NYC Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetup: Thu, Oct 16
⚡ DERVOS 2025: Fri, Oct 17
🏙️ METROPOLIS Sustainability Lab + Conference: Fri, Oct 17
🎬 NYC Creative Sustainability Summit: Fri, Oct 17
🎨 Red Hook Climate Action: Barnacle Parade Poster Party: Fri, Oct 17
🌊 Blue Innovation Reception onboard Peace Boat: Fri, Oct 17
🌋 04 — FIRE OF LOVE at Museum of the Moving Image: Fri, Oct 17
🌱 LES Climate Solutions Tour: Sat, Oct 18
🌍 Climate Impact: Local vs Federal vs Global: Sat, Oct 18
🍂 Fall Climate Walk through Riverside Park 🌳🥾: Mon, Oct 20
💡 Closing the Climate Protection Gap: Innovation in Insurance: Mon, Oct 20
🏗️ The Fourth Effect Summit 2025: NYC: Tue, Oct 21
🌍 Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action: Tue, Oct 21
🎨 Visiting Lecture | Mary Miss and Bryony Roberts in Conversation: Tue, Oct 21
🍻 NEW - SJC SpeakEASY Salon Series: Tue, Oct 21
✨ AIABK + SOM: Presentation of the Governors Island Climate Exchange: Wed, Oct 22
📈 Fall 2025 Lecture in Climate Data Science: SALVA CACHAY: 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
🌊 Micro- and Nano-plastics. Impact on Environment, Human Health and Climate.: Fri, Oct 24
😂 HAHApocalypse: Sat, Oct 25
🏗️ Comprehensive Green Building Certification Guide – 1 Day Workshop in NYC: Tue, Oct 28
🚌 Transportation in NY Summit 2025: Tue, Oct 28
🥗 Slow Food NYC’s Inaugural SnailFest: Tue, Oct 28
♻️ Engineering for a Circular Economy: Wed, Oct 29
👗 Designing the Future: Leadership, Sustainability, and Innovation in Fashion: Wed, Oct 29
🏆 Energy New York Awards 2025: Wed, Oct 29
🏃♂️ 2025 TCS New York City Marathon Plogging ft. NYRR Team for Climate: Fri, Oct 31
This Week's Events in Detail
🏙️ Make It in Brooklyn: Climate Tech Pitch Contest
When: Mon, Oct. 6 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: Hana House, Kings County
The Make It in Brooklyn: Climate Tech Pitch Contest, organized by the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership, showcases five innovative NYC-based startups focused on climate technology. During this event, founders will present their ideas to a panel of expert judges who will assess innovation, feasibility, market potential, and impact. This contest is a key platform for emerging startups in the climate tech space to gain visibility and support.
🛠️ Building Resilient Nonprofits: Capacity, Culture & Change
When: Tue, Oct. 7 from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 257 Cornelison Avenue, Jersey City
This half-day workshop, tailored for Hudson County nonprofit leaders, aims to enhance organizational resilience by focusing on internal capacity, culture, and leadership in times of change. Participants will engage in practical tools and peer learning to build team resilience, strengthen community partnerships, and lead effectively amidst uncertainty, emphasizing non-financial aspects of sustainability. It is ideal for executive directors, managers, board members, and emerging leaders looking to invest in their organizations’ long-term health.
🧵 Threads of Sustainability - Gingerblu Indian Textile Exhibition
When: Tue, Oct. 7 from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 344 8th Avenue, New York
The “Threads of Sustainability” exhibition offers insights into India’s textile culture through luxury fashion, craftsmanship, and sustainable practices. Held at the David Dubinsky Student Center in New York, the event features diverse textiles from 11 Indian states and discussions on women’s empowerment in the industry. A key aspect is the emphasis on ethical production and the journey of textiles from farms to consumers, highlighting artisanal stories and sustainable fashion alternatives.
♻️ Workshop | Laying Waste: Trash Collage for More-than-Human Devotion
When: Tue, Oct. 7 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 20 Cooper Square, New York
This workshop, titled ‘Laying Waste: Trash Collage for More-than-Human Devotion,’ takes place at NYU’s Grey Art Museum and invites participants to transform garbage into objects of dedication, inspired by the work of artist Robert Rauschenberg. Led by a diverse group of artists and environmental scientists, the event encourages reflection on consumerism and environmental impact, utilizing humor and celebration. Attendees are invited to bring their own trash to repurpose or use materials provided onsite, and light refreshments will be served.
🍻 Builders & Brews - Real Estate & Construction Networking NYC
When: Tue, Oct. 7 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 63 Gansevoort Street, New York
Builders & Brews is a networking event aimed at professionals in construction and real estate in NYC, providing a relaxed atmosphere for connections without the awkwardness of traditional networking. With food and drinks included, participants can engage casually with others in the AEC industry, potentially finding new projects or partners to work with. The event is powered by Ideal Rev, showcasing its commitment to community and collaboration in the sector.
🌍 Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action
When: Tue, Oct. 7 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
Where: Pier 57, New York
The Manhattan Climate Changemakers Hour of Action is a bi-weekly event held at Pier 57, New York, focused on engaging the community in direct climate action initiatives. Participants can enjoy a casual gathering with food before diving into organized efforts such as writing letters to the editor and advocating for climate incentives. This event is designed for all skill levels, encouraging individuals to bring laptops and friends to join the movement toward equitable climate solutions.
🗳️ CCL: Level Up Lobbying
When: Tue, Oct. 7 from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM (EDT)
Where: Our Temenos, Kings County
Join us for ‘CCL: Level Up Lobbying’ on October 7, 2025, at Our Temenos in Kings County, New York, where experienced lobbyist Roberto Celestin will lead a masterclass on legislative advocacy. This event aims to empower both new and seasoned advocates in the climate and environmental justice movements by providing insights on the legislative process and successful lobbying strategies. A valuable opportunity to enhance your skills, the event includes food and a Q&A session to deepen understanding of effective lobbying.
📚 Eileen Flanagan presents Common Ground
When: Tue, Oct. 7 from 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 143 7th Avenue, Brooklyn
Eileen Flanagan’s presentation of her book “Common Ground” at the Community Bookstore in Brooklyn explores grassroots successes in the climate change movement. Flanagan shares her personal experiences and insights on environmental activism, emphasizing the need for unity across diverse groups to tackle climate challenges. The event features a foreword by prominent activist Kumi Naidoo and aims to inspire collective action in the face of urgent environmental crises.
🏙️ Community Organizing 101
When: Tue, Oct. 7 from 8:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 417 5th Avenue, New York
This event at Impact Hub New York will focus on the fundamentals of community organizing, empowering participants to effect change in their neighborhoods. It offers a unique opportunity to learn about grassroots movements and community engagement strategies, highlighting the importance of local action in the broader context of social change.
🌾 Farm Community Volunteer Days 2025
When: Wed, Oct. 8 from 9:30 AM to 12:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 43-50 Main St, Flushing
The Farm Community Volunteer Day at Queens Botanical Garden invites participants to engage in sustainable agriculture by helping to prepare a farm that provides fresh produce for local food pantries. Volunteers will learn gardening basics while taking part in hands-on activities such as planting, weeding, and harvesting. This community-oriented event promotes environmental stewardship through gardening and food relief, creating an opportunity for individuals to connect with nature and each other in a collaborative setting.
⚡ DERTF NYC Meetup
When: Wed, Oct. 8 from 6:30 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: David Energy Systems, New York
The DERTF NYC Meetup is a monthly gathering designed for professionals in the distributed energy resource (DER) and climate tech sectors in New York City. Organized by the DER Task Force, this free event provides an informal atmosphere for networking and collaboration among energy enthusiasts and professionals. Attendees can share ideas, challenges, and strategies related to climate technology and energy solutions.
🧵 Dyeing and the Environment
When: Thu, Oct. 9 from 11:30 AM to 1:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 1180 Amsterdam Avenue, New York
This event will explore the significant environmental impacts of textile dyeing, which contributes to water pollution and greenhouse gas emissions in the fashion industry. Experts, including artists and scientists, will discuss innovative and sustainable alternatives for creating dyes and pigments, focusing on the transition toward sustainable methods in fashion. The event is free and open to the public, hosted by Columbia University’s Center for Science and Society.
⚙️ LEAP PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT: Careers in Climate Data Science
When: Thu, Oct. 9 from 12:00 PM to 1:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 2276 12th Avenue, New York
The “Careers in Climate Data Science” panel is a pivotal event focusing on the intersection of climate science and data analytics, taking place at the Columbia Engineering Innovation Hub in New York. This hybrid event features industry experts from various sectors discussing career pathways in climate data science, catering to both in-person and virtual audiences. Attendees will have an opportunity to engage in networking over lunch, enhancing professional connections in the growing field of climate tech.
♻️ YPs Tour Red Hook Wastewater Treatment Plant – October 9th
When: Thu, Oct. 9 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 63 Flushing Avenue, Brooklyn
The YPs Tour of the Red Hook Wastewater Treatment Plant on October 9th offers young professionals an inside look at wastewater treatment processes while emphasizing environmental sustainability. The event includes a guided tour led by Juju Xia, and attendees will have the chance to network with peers. Participation is limited to 30 members of the NYWEA Met Chapter, and attendees must meet specific safety requirements including personal protective equipment.
🧪 MƒA Thursday Think: Understanding PFAS: The Invisible Environmental Threat
When: Thu, Oct. 9 from 5:00 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
Where: 160 5th Ave, New York
This event, hosted at Math for America in New York City, explores the urgent issue of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly referred to as “forever chemicals.” Dr. Mohamed (Moha) Ateia Ibrahim will delve into the science behind PFAS, their environmental and health impacts, and innovative technologies aimed at addressing this critical challenge. This talk aims to inspire collective action towards a PFAS-free future, making it a significant contribution to climate tech discussions in NYC.
🤝 DSSG-NYC: Data Science for Social Good - Meet Up
When: Thu, Oct. 9 from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 455 5th Avenue, New York
The DSSG-NYC Meet Up at the Stavros Niarchos Foundation Library aims to engage participants in conversations about leadership within data science for social good. Discussions will focus on grass-root organization strategies to empower at-risk communities and explore the use of technology in areas such as immigration, democracy, and food sustainability. This event is pivotal for fostering collaboration and introducing upcoming projects and hackathons that leverage data science and AI.
🎨 Circular Design for Climate Mobilization (CDCMo) Presents: Lessons from the Artist
When: Thu, Oct. 9 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM (EDT)
Where: MADE Bush Terminal, Kings County
The event “Circular Design for Climate Mobilization (CDCMo) Presents: Lessons from the Artist” features local artists exploring creative approaches to sustainability through the repurposing of materials. Attendees will gain insights into the intersection of art and climate action, fostering a dialogue on viewing waste as a resource. Held at the historic MADE Bush Terminal, this free event encourages community engagement and innovative thinking around environmental challenges.
🌍 4WARD Global Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetups NYC
When: Thu, Oct. 9 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 310 Bowery, New York
The 4WARD Global Climate & Sustainability Networking Meetups in NYC offers a platform for climate professionals to connect and collaborate on sustainability initiatives. Held at the 310 Bowery Bar, this event emphasizes networking within the local climate community and integrates participants into a global network across 45 cities. Attendees are encouraged to RSVP for enhanced engagement with resources, including access to a database of climate solutions and funding opportunities.
🌱 Latinxs in Sustainability NYC 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration
When: Thu, Oct. 9 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 100 Broadway, New York
The Latinxs in Sustainability NYC 2025 Hispanic Heritage Month Celebration invites attendees to an engaging evening of networking, food, and music at Buro Happold’s office in New York City. This event, held on October 9th, aims to celebrate Latinidad while fostering connections among professionals in the sustainability field. With a focus on diversifying the sustainability workforce, the gathering serves as a platform for meaningful conversations and community building.
🌆 New York as World Capital and the Progressive Fight for the Future
When: Thu, Oct. 9 from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 509 West 38th Street, New York
The event ‘New York as World Capital and the Progressive Fight for the Future’ will take place at Manhattan Neighborhood Network and focuses on the intersection between global capitalism and progressive movements in New York. Following the United Nations General Assembly, the event features prominent speakers discussing the impact of local movements on global change, particularly in light of contemporary issues such as regional conflicts. This panel aims to inspire action that advocates for a better future through community engagement and activism.
🎨 Civic Art Lab 2025| Sustainability and Design Lab
When: Sat, Oct. 11 from 12:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 25 11th Avenue, New York
The 11th annual Civic Art Lab at Pier 57 in New York City explores the intersections of sustainability, art, and design, focusing on community resilience in the face of climate-related displacement. This year’s theme encourages innovative solutions and artistic expressions that nurture connectivity and belonging amidst crisis. While free tickets are sold out, donations are welcome to support this impactful initiative, which invites participatory elements and community dialogue throughout its sessions.
🌿 02 — An Afternoon at BioBAT Art Space: Sensing Plants
When: Sat, Oct. 11 from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 58th Street, Brooklyn
The event “Sensing Plants” at BioBAT Art Space is a unique exploration of the interactions between plants and their ecosystems as part of the Sensing Change festival in Brooklyn, NYC. This interdisciplinary gathering features a panel discussion with experts in art and science, followed by a performance combining sound and biological interaction, and showcases curated video artworks. It aims to deepen understanding of ecological changes and the responses of living systems, making a notable contribution to conversations around climate and ecological resilience.
🎶 03 — A Sonic Afternoon at NOoSPHERE Arts
When: Sun, Oct. 12 from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM (EDT)
Where: 520 Kingsland Avenue, Brooklyn
A Sonic Afternoon at NOoSPHERE Arts is part of the Sensing Change festival, focusing on the multifaceted perceptions of ecological and cultural shifts. Organized by the Art Switch Foundation and Transparent Eyeball, it promotes new understandings through collaboration and embodied knowledge. The event encourages attendees to engage with concepts of resilience and transformation, making it a unique exploration of climate-related themes through art and culture.