Scientists, engineers and entrepreneurs developing early-stage climate technologies can apply for the 2027 Breakthrough Energy Fellows programme, which offers up to US$500,000 in catalytic investment to advance research, development and commercialisation.

The programme is open to applicants worldwide, including Nigerians, and supports technologies capable of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions or helping communities adapt to climate change. Successful applicants will also receive technical guidance, mentorship, entrepreneurial training and access to a global network of investors, industry experts and technology partners.

The deadline for submitting a Concept Paper for the 2027 Innovator Fellowship is November 2, 2026.

Breakthrough Energy Fellows operates under Breakthrough Energy Discovery, an initiative focused on advancing early-stage climate technologies that could address major challenges in decarbonisation. Its support helps innovators move promising ideas from early research and development towards commercialisation.

The initiative offers three pathways: the Innovator Fellowship, Business Fellowship and Explorer programme. The 2027 Innovator Fellowship is intended for founders and technical innovators prepared to work full-time on developing and commercialising climate technologies. The next cohort, Cohort 7, is scheduled to begin in September 2027.

Under the Innovator Fellowship, selected participants can receive up to US$500,000 in catalytic investment, structured through a Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE), to cover eligible research and development expenses.

The funding can support laboratory space, equipment, supplies, technical consultants and staff. Fellows also receive expert guidance to address technical challenges and achieve project milestones, alongside entrepreneurial training tailored to climate technology commercialisation.

Additional benefits include connections with potential industry partners, investors, policymakers, technologists and other specialists. Commercialisation assistance may cover business development, legal matters, communications, policy and recruitment.

Participants can work from anywhere in the world and are not required to relocate, although attendance at some in-person events may be expected.

The programme’s investment is not an unconditional cash grant. Instead, it is designed to help selected teams reach agreed technical milestones through catalytic investment, typically structured using a SAFE.

Eligibility requirements

The Innovator Fellowship welcomes applicants globally who are developing early-stage climate technologies. Eligible candidates typically include scientists, engineers, technical innovators and entrepreneurs with technologies at approximately Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1–4.

Applicants should be able to provide supporting technical data and a credible plan for further development. Their technologies must have the potential, when deployed at scale, to reduce or capture at least 500 million tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions annually or meaningfully address climate adaptation.

Candidates will typically have raised less than US$2 million in dilutive investment, excluding grant funding, and must be prepared to commit full-time to developing and commercialising their technology.

Applicants do not need to have incorporated a company when submitting their initial application. However, successful Innovator Fellows must have a legally incorporated company before the programme begins in September 2027.

Co-founders may apply together, but each team must submit only one application. International applicants are welcome, and the programme’s communications and curriculum are delivered in English.

Eligible technology areas

Breakthrough Energy Fellows prioritises innovations with the potential to deliver significant improvements over existing technologies rather than incremental changes.

The programme’s five principal focus areas are electricity, manufacturing, transportation, food and agriculture, and buildings.

In electricity, eligible technologies may improve power generation, storage and transmission or support the transition to low-carbon electricity.

Manufacturing innovations should target emissions from industrial production, materials or manufacturing processes, while transportation technologies should help reduce emissions associated with moving people and goods.

The food and agriculture category covers solutions addressing emissions from food production, agricultural systems and related supply chains. In the buildings sector, the programme supports technologies that reduce emissions linked to construction, heating, cooling and energy consumption.

High-impact technologies outside these categories may also qualify if they meet the programme’s emissions-reduction threshold or meaningfully address climate adaptation.

Other fellowship opportunities

Beyond the Innovator Fellowship, Breakthrough Energy Fellows offers pathways for early-stage climate research and professionals who can help commercialise emerging technologies.

The Explorer programme supports technically risky, early-stage research projects, often led by researchers at universities or laboratories. Funding is available for research and development, and participants can generally remain in their existing professional positions. Applications to the Explorer programme are considered on a rolling basis.

The Business Fellowship is intended for experienced business professionals who can help Innovator Fellows develop commercialisation strategies, understand markets and move their technologies towards adoption. Business Fellows are recruited as needed rather than through the main Innovator Fellowship application round.

Application process

The Innovator Fellowship application involves several stages, beginning with a Concept Paper outlining the proposed technology, its potential impact and the approach to development. Applicants must also submit a pitch deck.

Candidates whose Concept Papers are selected will be invited to complete a Full Application providing more detailed information about their technology, business model and expected impact.

Shortlisted applicants will then participate in a deep-dive interview to discuss their technology and meet the programme team. Successful candidates will join Cohort 7, which is scheduled to start in September 2027.

Applications are assessed on technical innovation and feasibility, breakthrough potential and the proposed project plan. Selected candidates may also undergo business and legal due diligence.

Applicants are advised not to include trade secrets or other confidential technical information in their Concept Paper materials.

Deadline and how to apply

The deadline for submitting a Concept Paper for the 2027 Innovator Fellowship is November 2, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time.

Interested applicants can register and access the application through the official Breakthrough Energy Fellows portal at https://apply.breakthroughenergy.org. Applicants should select the relevant application and follow the instructions for submitting their Concept Paper.

For programme enquiries, applicants can contact information@befellows.org.

Breakthrough Energy has also warned prospective applicants about scams. The organisation does not request payments through social media, cash, gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency. Applicants are advised to use the official portal and verify suspicious communications before sharing information.

Source: Breakthrough Energy