Leaders of sustainability startups need all the help they can get to advance their solutions into the market. This startup accelerator list provides insights into ag tech, clean tech, and climate tech accelerator programs that can fuel your firm’s rapid revenue growth.
Technology accelerators, often operated by venture capital firms or large corporations as a corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative, provide intensive and immersive, boot camp-style programs designed to help entrepreneurs cultivate their ventures. Expect to spend anywhere from 10 weeks to 10 months with business experts who will help you refine plans to scale, introduce you to important connections across the supply chain, and potentially fund your business directly or help you secure additional investments. The cost to your startup? Generally, you’ll hand over a percentage of your startup’s equity.
These programs are often geared toward specific industries and even niche sectors of an industry. As such, within sustainability, there are accelerator programs for ag tech startups, clean tech startups, and climate tech startups.
What Is a Startup Accelerator vs. Incubator?
It’s easy to confuse these two types of programs, but they’re fundamentally different. Incubator programs are geared toward entrepreneurs with strong ideas and in need of guidance to develop those ideas into business plans. Accelerator programs focus on high-potential, generally early-stage businesses that have a clearly defined minimum viable product (MVP) and are ready to scale fast.
Sustainable Tech Startup Accelerator List
If you’re looking for an accelerator program to grow your sustainability business, check out this startup accelerator list to find one that delivers the value your business needs to take its next steps. Click on the links below to jump to your industry sector:
The Senior Executive Sustainability editorial team is constantly speaking with sustainability leaders to keep up with new developments and trends in the industry for our collection of sustainability resources. To suggest additions to this resource, please contact Senior Executive Media at editor@seniorexecutive.com.
Ag Tech Startup Accelerators
Big Idea Ventures Accelerator
The Big Idea Ventures Accelerator provides food tech startups (primarily vegan products) with a global mentorship network, business experts to help you scale, and connections and introductions to industry manufacturers, distributors, retailers, and investors. Throughout the five-month program, startups gain access to office space and a test kitchen if they’re local to the program city in which they’re participating. Big Idea Ventures is a venture capital investment firm with New York City headquarters.
- Program Length: 5 months
- Next Cohort Date: Not listed; program runs twice per year
- Program Cost: Big Idea Ventures provides a $200,000 investment, $75,000 of which goes back to the program
- Eligibility:
- Food tech startups that have a product created
- A validated market
- Ready to scale
- Open to global applicants
- Application Process: Accepted on a rolling basis; selection process includes two interviews
- Location: Virtual or in person in New York, Singapore, or Paris
Food Future Co
Four to six companies are chosen for each Food Future Co accelerator cohort, which runs twice a year. Companies selected receive a $20,000 investment and industry advice from experts on areas such as business strategy, branding, scaling, operations, finance, and team culture. Future Food Co is a startup accelerator led by serial entrepreneur Shen Tong who has invested in more than 40 sustainable agriculture and food companies and has served on the boards of The Good Food Institute and Food Tank.
- Program Length: 5 months
- Next Cohort Date: Not listed; program runs twice per year
- Program Cost: 4%-8% equity
- Eligibility:
- On track for $500,000 in annual revenue
- Purpose-driven company
- Qualifying food sectors include ag tech, food tech, agriculture, consumer products, food hub, supply chain, SaaS
- Open to global applicants
- Application Process: Accepted on a rolling basis
- Location: Virtual or in New York City
HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator
Two cohorts of five agricultural innovation startups participate in the HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator each year. Participating companies have access to the 152-acre HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology campus in Alabama for the duration of the program and participate in weekly educational sessions, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities with investors and industry experts. Benefits also include negotiated discounts with business solutions providers. A $100,000 cash investment is made in participating companies in exchange for 7.5% equity. The HudsonAlpha AgTech Accelerator is a partnership between the biotech institute and gener8tor, a venture capital firm and startup accelerator.
- Program Length: Not listed
- Next Cohort Date: April 2024
- Program Cost: 7.5% equity
- Eligibility: Open to global applicants; other eligibility requirements not listed
- Application Process: Not listed
- Location: Huntsville, Ala.
Illinois AgTech Accelerator
Intended for ag tech and agriculture startups in high-growth mode, five companies participate in the program at a time and receive access to mentors and investors, office space, and a $100,000 investment. The Illinois AgTech Accelerator is a partnership between the University of Illinois, venture capital firm Serra Ventures, and the startup accelerator and venture capital firm gener8tor.
- Program Length: 3 months
- Next Cohort Date: August 2024
- Program Cost: Equity (not predetermined)
- Eligibility: Open to global applicants; other eligibility requirements not listed
- Application Process: Not listed
- Location: Champaign, Ill.
StartLife AgriFoodTech Accelerator
Open to ag tech and food tech startups, this accelerator provides business development education from experts at Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. Startups receive introductions to potential investors and participate in peer sessions. At the end of the program, select teams that have shown significant progress are eligible to receive a loan. StartLife has worked with more than 90 startups since 2010 and is based in the Netherlands.
- Program Length: 3 months
- Next Cohort Date: April 2024
- Program Cost: No cost
- Eligibility:
- Startups addressing environment, health, or social needs
- Highly innovative tech prototype or MVP
- Two founders who can participate in the program
- Ambition to scale fast and commitment to the program
- Open to global applicants
- Application Process: Initial conversation with an analyst to determine eligibility, followed by a 30-question application, and finally a “selection day” made up of three interviews
- Location: Option for virtual; requires in-person participation for the kick-off week and Demo Day in the Netherlands
THRIVE Global Accelerator
Designed to support ag tech and food tech startups in their early stages, applicants for THRIVE Global Accelerator can be pre-MVP, in beta, or in market. Participants have access to an online e-learning portal, weekly workshops, mentorship connections, and monthly coaching calls. Additionally, they’re connected to farmers for field trials and to potential investors. THRIVE Global Accelerator is produced by SVG Ventures, a tech investment and advisory firm based in Silicon Valley, Calif.
- Program Length: 3 months
- Next Cohort Date: March 2024
- Program Cost: No cost
- Eligibility:
- Seed and Series A companies in ag tech and food tech
- Open to global applicants
- Application Process: Online application followed by a virtual pitch event
- Location: Virtual; two in-person weeks in Silicon Valley, Calif. (Seed Week at the beginning of the program and Demo Day at the end)
Clean Tech Startup Accelerators
100+ Accelerator
The 100+ Accelerator, launched by Anheuser-Busch InBev, focuses on six areas: biodiversity, circular economy, climate action, inclusive growth, smart agriculture, and water stewardship. To date, the program has worked with more than 100 startups, and in 2021, AB InBev partnered with the Colgate-Palmolive Company, The Coca-Cola Company, and Unilever to provide additional funding and pilot innovative supply chain ideas. Participants receive education in product development, operations, and sales; have access to mentors and potential investors; and may receive up to $100,000 to pilot their concept.
- Program Length: 6 months
- Next Cohort Date: Not listed
- Program Cost: Not listed
- Eligibility:
- Seed to Series A funding
- Demonstrated traction such as revenue, intellectual property, clients, or pilots
- Prepared to scale quickly
- Open to global applicants
- Application Process: Applications are evaluated on a rolling basis
- Location: Virtual; several in-person days required in New York City
Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator
Developed for early-stage clean technology startups in the Northwest region of the U.S., this accelerator program provides a full scope of business education on topics including funding, manufacturing, marketing, go-to-market and exit strategies, HR and legal compliance, team building, DEI best practices, and more. The Cascadia CleanTech Accelerator is run in partnership by VentureLab, a Portland-based economic development nonprofit connecting startups to investors, and the CleanTech Alliance trade association.
- Program Length: 5 months
- Next Cohort Date: May 2024
- Program Cost: $500 (includes tickets to the CleanTech Innovation Showcase and the VentureLab FUEL conference and a one-year membership to the CleanTech Alliance)
- Eligibility:
- An incorporated company in clean technology
- Raised a maximum of $1 million in funding
- Startups based in the Northwest U.S.
- Application Process: Not listed
- Location: Virtual; two in-person events in Seattle
CO.LAB Sustainable Mobility Accelerator
Six sustainability startups in fields related to mobility — electric and autonomous vehicles, urban planning, smart traffic — are included in each cohort of the CO.LAB Sustainable Mobility Accelerator program. They receive support as they explore product-market fit, test MVPs, and connect with mentors and corporate partners. The Company Lab (CO.LAB) makes a $20,000 investment in participating startups that are raising funding, and all are eligible for an additional $100,000 in funding. Unique to the program, participants have access to an autonomous vehicle test bed and a commercial quantum network. The Sustainable Mobility Accelerator launched as a partnership between CO.LAB, a Tennessee-based nonprofit startup accelerator, and venture capital firm gener8tor.
- Program Length: 3 months
- Next Cohort Date: August 2024
- Program Cost: Not listed
- Eligibility: Sustainable mobility startups in the U.S. and Canada
- Application Process: Not listed
- Location: Chattanooga, Tenn.
gener8tor Carbon Removal Accelerator
Five early-stage startups working on direct air capture or carbon dioxide removal technology solutions are chosen for each cohort of the Carbon Removal Accelerator. Participating startups receive individualized coaching, connections to industry experts and investors, and as much as $100,000 in funding. The Clean Air Task Force, an international climate nonprofit, is an advisor for the program, and partners of the accelerator include the Prairie Research Institute, consulting firm Burns & McDonnell (BMcD), and the startup accelerator and venture capital firm gener8tor.
- Program Length: 3 months
- Next Cohort Date: April 2024
- Program Cost: Not listed
- Eligibility: Not listed
- Application Process: Not listed
- Location: Not listed
Google for Startups Circular Economy Accelerator
Startups using tech to solve challenges in the circular economy, from food to fashion, benefit from Google’s technical product support in areas such as AI and machine learning throughout the Google for Startups Circular Economy Accelerator program. Ten to 15 startups are chosen to participate in each cohort and have access to mentorship, workshops, research, and leadership development opportunities.
- Program Length: 10 weeks
- Next Cohort Date: Not listed
- Program Cost: No cost
- Eligibility:
- Seed to Series A funding
- Open to applicants in North America and Asia Pacific
- Application Process: Not listed
- Location: Virtual
Imagine H2O Accelerator
Throughout the past 13 years, Imagine H2O Accelerator has invested in more than 140 early-stage startups focusing on water technology solutions. During the program, startups connect with mentors and participate in training sessions, pilot MVPs through partnerships with tech adopters, find funding opportunities through the accelerator’s investor network, and present at industry events. Imagine H2O is an international accelerator based in San Francisco.
- Program Length: 10 months
- Next Cohort Date: February 2024
- Program Cost: No costs other than an application fee
- Eligibility:
- For-profit companies operating for fewer than seven years
- Annual revenue must be less than $5 million
- Equity investments must total less than $10 million
- Open to global applicants
- Application Process: Two-part application and an interview
- Location: Virtual; one or more in-person events in San Francisco
Techstars Alabama EnergyTech Accelerator
Energy technology startups eligible for this accelerator program include those working on solutions in renewable and clean energy, wind and solar power, biomass and geothermal energies, smart grids, electric vehicles, and more. Participating startups have access to mentors, office space, connections to investors and alumni companies, and discounts with partner companies. The EnergyTech Accelerator is a partnership between the pre-seed investor Techstars and utility company Alabama Power.
- Program Length: Not listed
- Next Cohort Date: Not listed
- Program Cost: 6% common shares
- Eligibility: Early-stage startups
- Application Process: Application includes a team video and product demo
- Location: Birmingham, Ala.
Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator
The Industries of the Future Accelerator focuses on emerging technology startups, including those working on solutions in biotechnology and the clean energy sector. Participating startups have access to mentorship, office space, connections to investors and alumni companies, and discounts with partner companies. The Techstars Industries of the Future Accelerator is a partnership between the pre-seed investor Techstars, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, the University of Tennessee system, and electric utility corporation Tennessee Valley Authority.
- Program Length: 4 months
- Next Cohort Date: March 2024
- Program Cost: 6% common shares
- Eligibility: Early-stage startups
- Application Process: Application includes a team video and product demo
- Location: Oak Ridge-Knoxville, Tenn.
TotalEnergies On Electricity Startup Accelerator
Electricity and renewable energy technology startups participate in the TotalEnergies On accelerator program. The program is held on-site at Station F, a startup campus located in Paris, and participating startups receive office space, expert business guidance, and mentorship throughout the six months leading up to Demo Day. TotalEnergies is a French energy company.
- Program Length: 6 months
- Next Cohort Date: April 2024
- Program Cost: No cost
- Eligibility:
- MVP has been developed
- Open to startups in North America, Europe, and Asia
- Application Process: Application to decision is about three months
- Location: Paris
U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator
Five U.S. and Canada-based startups focused on sustainability and mobility are chosen for each cohort of the U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator. The program invests $100,000 into each startup, in addition to providing mentorship, connections to experts and investors, and discounts with business solutions providers. U.S. Venture Sustainability Accelerator is a partnership between energy company U.S. Venture and the startup accelerator and venture capital firm gener8tor.
- Program Length: 3 months
- Next Cohort Date: March 2024
- Program Cost: 7.5% equity
- Eligibility: Early-stage sustainability and mobility startups
- Application Process: Not listed
- Location: Appleton, Wis.
Climate Tech Startup Accelerators
Apple Impact Accelerator
Designed to expand access to resources for Black, indigenous, and Hispanic/Latinx sustainability entrepreneurs, Apple Impact Accelerator focuses on the areas of climate change, recyclable and renewable resources, and sustainable chemistry. The 12-week virtual accelerator includes customized training, connections to experts from Apple who can help identify strategic partnerships, and one-to-one mentorship. After the conclusion of the program, participants have access to an alumni network for additional professional growth and networking opportunities.
- Program Length: 3 months
- Next Cohort Date: Not listed
- Program Cost: No cost
- Eligibility:
- Late-stage environmental startups with U.S. headquarters
- Minimum 51% Black, indigenous, or Hispanic/Latinx owned, operated, and controlled company
- Application Process: Application review
- Location: Virtual
DeltaClime
With a strong focus on business education and readiness, the DeltaClime accelerator program includes three in-person sprints throughout the three-month program with virtual homework, meetings, and peer mentorship in between. Vermont-based startups developing zero-carbon solutions are eligible for this accelerator and have the opportunity to work directly with Vermont utility companies. A peer-selected startup receives a $25,000 prize at the conclusion of the program. So far, DeltaClime, managed by the Vermont Sustainable Jobs Forum, has conducted seven cohorts with a total of 54 startups.
- Program Length: 3 months
- Next Cohort Date: March 2024
- Program Cost: Not listed
- Eligibility: Seed and early-stage climate innovation startups
- Application Process: Not listed
- Location: Three in-person sprints are held in Burlington, Vt.
Elemental Excelerator
Climate tech startups that have a focus on equity and community access participate in the Elemental Excelerator. Each year, 15-20 startups are selected to join one of two program tracks: The nine-month Strategy Track focuses on business operations, scaling, and market intelligence and includes $350,000 in funding. The 16-month Project Track focuses on global commercial deployment and includes $1 million in funding. Elemental Excelerator is a nonprofit climate tech investor with offices in Hawaii and California.
- Program Length: 9 months or 16 months, depending on the track chosen
- Next Cohort Date: October 2024
- Program Cost: Three rounds of Simple Agreement for Future Equity (SAFE) investments
- Eligibility:
- For-profit climate change startup
- Minimum of two employees
- MVP
- Pilot completed or in progress
- Open to global applicants
- Application Process: Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and the process includes two interviews and a reference check; program starts five months after the application deadline
- Location: Virtual with several in-person engagements throughout the program
gener8tor Sustainability Accelerator
The program is open to technology startups addressing the climate crisis and aims to engage a diverse range of startup founders based on their experiences with climate change in their communities. Startups receive coaching, business connections and resources, and a $100,000 investment. Gener8tor is a venture capital firm and startup accelerator.
- Program Length: 3 months
- Next Cohort Date: April 2024
- Program Cost: 7.5% equity
- Eligibility:
- Early-stage climate tech and sustainability startups
- Open to global applicants
- Application Process: Not listed
- Location: Virtual
Scale For ClimateTech
Building, grid, transportation, and industry climate technology startups are eligible for the Scale For ClimateTech accelerator program. Between 18 and 23 teams are selected each year. Participants gain support from the prototyping stage through manufacturing development, assistance in scoping a manufacturing road map, office hours with manufacturing experts, and access to experts in market intelligence. Also included in the program are immersive training sessions, peer discussions, and supply chain and manufacturing facility tours. Scale For ClimateTech is a New York-based startup accelerator, funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, impact innovation firm SecondMuse, and tech services provider NextCorps.
- Program Length: Not listed
- Next Cohort Date: Not listed
- Program Cost: No cost
- Eligibility:
- Must prove how the innovation can help New York state meet its climate goals
- Accessible funds of at least $100,000
- A team with a technical lead
- A technology readiness level of 4 or higher (self-reported)
- Open to global applicants
- Application Process: Not listed
- Location: Not listed
Third Derivative Accelerator Program
Both early-stage and later-stage (Series A funding or later) startups participate in the Third Derivative Accelerator Program. As an early-stage startup, you’ll connect with mentors and strategic partners while refining your market fit. As a later-stage startup, you’ll receive guidance on working with partners and securing funding. Third Derivative has more than 150 startups in its investment portfolio and was founded by sustainability research and consulting organization Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) and the international nonprofit clean energy funder and accelerator New Energy Nexus.
- Program Length: 18 months
- Next Cohort Date: Spring 2024
- Program Cost: Not listed
- Eligibility:
- For-profit company
- Minimum of two employees
- A working prototype
- No basic science risk
- Open to global applicants
- Application Process: The process takes approximately three months and includes several rounds of interviews and a pitch session
- Location: Virtual
Venture For ClimateTech
Venture for ClimateTech works with entrepreneurs and startup founders who are in the early stages of their development. Climate technology innovations are centered on reducing global emissions through decarbonization, with a particular focus on the innovations’ potential benefits to New York state’s climate goals. The three-phase program is intended to help innovators overcome commercialization challenges by providing business knowledge, funding opportunities (with as much as $100,000 in funding offered), and access to talent and networking connections. Venture For ClimateTech is a New York-based startup accelerator, funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, impact innovation firm SecondMuse, and tech services provider NextCorps.
- Program Length: 6 months
- Next Cohort Date: May 2024
- Program Cost: Not listed
- Eligibility:
- Pre-seed startups and solo founders
- Must prove how the innovation can help New York state meet its climate goals
- Open to global applicants
- Application Process: Not listed
- Location: Virtual
Our Senior Executive Sustainability editors are always adding to our collection of resources for sustainability leaders like you. From a glossary of sustainability terms to a guide to professional organizations for sustainability leaders, our collection of additional resources offers ideas and inspiration.
