Breakthrough Energy Fellows 2027: Up to $500K for Early-Stage Climate Tech
The Breakthrough Energy Fellows 2027 programme supports innovators developing breakthrough climate technologies with the potential for significant emissions reduction or climate adaptation.
- FundingUp to US$500,000
- Duration1 year
- Who can applyGlobal
- Application feeFree
Overview
The Innovator Fellowship is a full-time, one-year programme beginning in September 2027. Concept papers for Cohort 7 are currently being accepted until November 2, 2026.
Breakthrough Energy Fellows is part of Breakthrough Energy Discovery, which supports early-stage climate technologies and helps innovators move promising technologies toward commercialization.
The programme has three pathways: Innovator Fellows, Business Fellows and Explorers. The 2027 Cohort 7 application currently open is for the Innovator Fellowship.
At a glance
About
- Organisation
- Breakthrough Energy
- Duration
- 1 year
- Funding type
- Venture / R&D Funding
- Cohort
- 2027 / Cohort 7
- Programme start
- September 2027
- Who can participate?
- Scientists, engineers, innovators and entrepreneurs developing early-stage climate technologies
Funding
- Funding
- Up to US$500,000
- Application fee
- Free
Eligibility
- Nationality
- Global
- Minimum degree required
- No specific degree requirement stated
- Age limit
- None
- Work experience
- No fixed minimum stated
Who can apply
Successful Innovator applicants typically have:
- Technology at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 1–4
- Potential to reduce or capture greenhouse-gas emissions by 500 million tonnes per year at scale, or meet the programme’s climate-adaptation focus
- Typically less than US$2 million in dilutive funding
- A legally incorporated company by the start of the programme in September 2027
You can apply without an incorporated company, but selected Innovator Fellows must incorporate before the programme begins.
Fields & areas
Breakthrough Energy focuses on technologies addressing major climate challenges, including:
- Manufacturing
- Electricity
- Transportation
- Food & Agriculture
- Buildings
Other high-impact technologies may also be considered if they meet the programme’s emissions or climate-adaptation criteria.
How to apply
The application has three main stages:
- Submit a Concept Paper and preliminary information
- Selected applicants submit a Full Application
- Selected applicants participate in a Deep-Dive interview session
The Cohort 7 programme begins in September 2027.
What Does the Innovator Fellowship Provide?
Selected Innovator Fellows can receive:
- Up to US$500,000 through a SAFE for research and development expenses
- Funding for equipment, laboratory or office space, supplies, technical consultants and staffing
- Technology project management
- Mentorship and curriculum
- Access to Breakthrough Energy’s network of industry, government, policy, technology and finance experts
- In-kind support in areas including legal, policy, communications, recruitment and techno-economics
Is the $500,000 a Scholarship?
The up-to-$500,000 funding is not a personal stipend or scholarship. It is catalytic investment through a SAFE intended to support the venture’s research and development costs and defined technical milestones.
Therefore, Potenue should classify this as Venture / R&D Funding, rather than a traditional fully funded scholarship.
Who Can Participate?
The Innovator Fellowship is intended for:
- Scientists
- Engineers
- Innovators
- Entrepreneurs
- Founders developing breakthrough climate technologies
Applicants can apply from anywhere in the world. The programme is global and its communication and curriculum are currently conducted in English.
Teams with co-founders can also apply, but only one application should be submitted per team.
Hidden Charges and Application Fee
No application fee is stated.
Breakthrough Energy also warns applicants about scams and says it will never ask applicants to make payments through cash, gift cards, wire transfers or cryptocurrency.
Applicants should, however, understand that the programme’s funding is venture/R&D investment, not a personal allowance covering every living or travel expense.
Do You Have to Relocate?
No.
Innovator Fellows are not required to relocate for the Fellowship. Breakthrough Energy may ask Fellows to attend in-person cohort events and says Fellows may receive financial resources to offset programme-related travel expenses.
Time Commitment
The Innovator Fellowship is a full-time commitment.
Fellows should not have external employment, consulting commitments or academic enrolment outside their startup company during the Fellowship.
Official Links
Application Portal: Breakthrough Energy Fellows Application
Official FAQ: Breakthrough Energy Fellows FAQ
Final Note
The Breakthrough Energy Fellows 2027 Innovator Fellowship is currently open, with Concept Papers accepted until November 2, 2026.
It is designed for innovators developing early-stage, high-impact climate technologies with significant potential for emissions reduction or climate adaptation.
Frequently asked questions
Can international applicants apply?
Yes. Breakthrough Energy Fellows is a global programme and accepts applications from around the world.
Can I apply without a company?
Yes. You can apply without an incorporated company. Selected Innovator Fellows must incorporate before the September 2027 programme begins.
Can I apply with co-founders?
Yes. Teams with co-founders can apply together, but only one application should be submitted per team.
Do I need a PhD?
No specific degree requirement is stated.
Is the $500,000 a personal stipend?
No. The funding is provided through a SAFE to support research and development expenses and technical milestones.
Is there an application fee?
No application fee is stated.
Do I have to relocate?
No. Relocation is not required, although Fellows may need to attend some in-person events.
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