Urban Future Lab

I’m thrilled to share that for the next eight months I’ll be serving as the Interim Director for the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub, stepping in for the wonderful Tone Søndergaard while she is on leave. Putting more green electrons on the grid is critical, and the US’s emerging offshore wind industry has a big role to play. The OWIH provides an NYC-based hub for entrepreneurship and engagement, with a 6-month intensive accelerator program for top global offshore wind startups and dozens of community member organizations. At the center of the action is Empire Wind, a 2.1GW wind farm project just offshore from Long Island, which will power 1 million New York homes when complete. Of course, none of this happens without a stellar group of partners: NYU Tandon School of Engineering's Urban Future Lab, Equinor, National Offshore Wind Research & Development Consortium, and New York City Economic Development Corporation. Applications for the next cohort of the accelerator program will open in the new year. Let’s get to work! https://lnkd.in/gX_rnUSm

🥂 NYCDR HAPPY HOUR: SPECIAL EDITION WITH C2V's YEAR 4 COHORT As part of the #C2VInitiative Year 4 Cohort’s in-person workshop this week, we will be hosting our bimonthly NYCDR Community Happy Hour with Greentown Labs, The OpenAir Collective, Direct Air Capture Coalition, Activate, and the Carbon Business Council as we continue to bring together the rapidly growing carbon management community in #NewYork! 📅 Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024 ⏰ Time: 5:00PM- 8:00PM 📍 Location: Sound + Fury Brewery and Kitchen, King’s County, New York 🎟️ RSVP: https://lnkd.in/eddmecEr 🧡 This time, we'll have the chance to meet with C2V's Year 4 Cohort (Ardent | MacroCycle Technologies | Phlair | Secant Fuel | Oxylus Energy | Seabound | Team RenewCO2 | CarbonBlue | Maple Materials) who will be in town, as well as the wider Urban Future Lab #community of #climatetech #startups and partners. Per usual, cash bar for food and drink, and please feel free to share with CDR friends and colleagues. We look forward to seeing you there!

🎉🌟🙌  8 startups across UFL NYU Tandon School of Engineering programs are celebrating major milestones. From #funding news to press #features, brighten up your week with a batch of exciting #climatetech #news (links in comments):  🏢 Cadence OneFive earned a finalist spot in Trellis Group’s list of top 25 #climatetech startups, focusing on buildings solutions for a sustainable future. 🔋 Dandelion Energy secured $40 million in Series C funding, led by GV (Google Ventures), to expand its geothermal heat pump technology and make emissions-free heating widely accessible across the U.S. 🚐 Dollaride was recently featured in Design News for modernizing New York City's "dollar van," service with $10 million in funding from NYSERDA for electrification and safety upgrades, expanding reliable transit access in underserved neighborhoods. ♻️ Renewable #heating company Kensa Group appointed Paul Donovan as chair of the board. Donovan brings extensive experience in scaling businesses and aims to support Kensa's growth in affordable, sustainable heating solutions. 🌊 The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) awarded $1 million in technical assistance vouchers aimed at increasing grid reliability. Among the recipients, Sperra was selected for its innovative Marine Pumped Hydroelectric (MPH) storage technology, particularly suited to integrate with #offshorewind projects.   🚀 In an interview on the Channel 4, Fiona Conor, Managing Director of Trust Electric Heating, highlighted the essential role of small and medium-sized enterprises in supporting the U.K. economy. ⚡️ NineDot Energy has secured over $40 million in tax equity financing, fueling seven new battery energy storage projects in NYC. This will enhance #grid resilience, aiming for 400MW in #storage capacity by 2026. 🌎 Planetary Technologies, a leader in ocean-based climate solutions, has completed its Series A funding round, raising $11.35 million USD, led by Evok Innovations. The new funding will allow Planetary to expand pilot projects and scale operations. 🗞️ To stay updated on the latest climatetech news, subscribe to our newsletter: https://lnkd.in/eVGJ8FDM.  

📣 Don’t miss out on these 3️⃣ exciting opportunities to #grow and #scale your #climatetech startup ⚡ 𝙎𝙩𝙖𝙮 𝙞𝙣 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙡𝙤𝙤𝙥 𝙤𝙣 𝙘𝙡𝙞𝙢𝙖𝙩𝙚 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙨, 𝙟𝙤𝙗𝙨, 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙛𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙞𝙣𝙜 — 𝙨𝙪𝙗𝙨𝙘𝙧𝙞𝙗𝙚 𝙩𝙤 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙐𝙁𝙇 𝙣𝙚𝙬𝙨𝙡𝙚𝙩𝙩𝙚𝙧 𝙩𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙮: https://lnkd.in/eVGJ8FDM 1️⃣ NREL Industry Growth Forum: Where Investment meets Innovation! 🌱 🔗 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/gmyyGE9A  📆 Deadline: November 11, 2024 Join National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) for NREL Industry Growth Forum 2025, a premier event accelerating #cleantech #commercialization to gain global recognition, access to top investors, and knowledge from key industry professionals. Hosted by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center from NREL, this event is set to take place at the Sheraton Denver Downtown Hotel in Denver, CO, from March 26th to 28th, 2025. Why apply? • Network with Top-tier Investors: Connect with over 200 venture capitalists actively seeking innovative #cleantech solutions. • Exclusive Pitch Sessions: Over 40 preselected startups will have the opportunity to present their ideas to a panel of industry #experts and #investors. • Personalized Networking Opportunities: Benefit from one-on-one sessions that have historically facilitated over 1,000 meetings, fostering invaluable connections and potential #partnerships. 2️⃣ Scale For ClimateTech Cohort 6 Applications Open 🚀 🔗 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/g7GQ3xe4 📆 Deadline: November 30, 2024 Looking to commercialize your climatetech hardware product? Apply to Scale For ClimateTech’s 2025 cohort to receive #manufacturing support and access to a vetted supplier network. From DFM services to supplier negotiations, the S4C program provides the manufacturing know-how to scale up production and meet demand. S4C is brought to you by NYSERDA, SecondMuse, and NextCorps. 3️⃣ 2025 Climate Solutions Challenge by The Trust for Governors Island ⚡️ 🔗 Apply here: https://lnkd.in/enrjJKrv 📆 Deadline: December 5, 2024 The Trust for Governors Island is pleased to invite startups and young #companies to #pilot innovative and equitable climatetech solutions that address its 2025 Climate Solutions Challenge: “How can circular economy products and solutions drive down the climate impact of the urban waste stream and extend resource recovery to our businesses and neighborhoods?” Through this opportunity, the Trust offers startups and young companies the space to test #innovative and #equitable climatetech solutions across Governors Island’s built, social, and natural environments.

WE'RE HIRING! Join the Urban Future Lab NYU Tandon School of Engineering as a Program Manager supporting the ACRE Incubator and Offshore Wind Innovation Hub programs! 💚 Learn more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eza3xgcG 🌱 As part of our dynamic team, you'll play a key role in supporting #incubator and #accelerator programs, driving #innovation in the #cleanenergy and #offshorewind sectors. Your responsibilities will include everything from developing RFP materials, recruiting startup applicants, and managing portfolio companies, to building external networks with stakeholders and investors, and executing flagship events. 💡 If you have 3-5 years of experience in project management, venture capital, consulting, or #startups — and you're passionate about driving climate action — this could be the role for you! We’re looking for someone with strong #communication skills, a systems-level mindset, and an interest in #energy efficiency, renewable energy, and offshore wind. 🔹 Position Details: ⇢ Full-time, 1-year fixed-term (grant-funded) role ⇢ Hybrid work schedule: 2 days/week in Sunset Park, 1 day/week in Downtown Brooklyn ⇢ Bachelor’s degree required; experience in energy/utility industries a plus! #jobs #greeneconomy #hiring #careers #jobalert #team #sustainability #climatetech #wearehiring #jobopportunity #UFLInnovatesForClimate

Calling all NYC-area #carbontech enthusiasts! The #C2VInitiative is hosting a special CDR-focused happy hour a week from today, Thursday, Nov. 14, with the C2V Year 4 cohort (Ardent Process Technology, CarbonBlue, MacroCycle Technologies, Maple Materials, Oxylus Energy, Phlair, RenewCO₂, Seabound, and Secant Fuel). This event is intended to convene the rapidly growing carbon management community in New York, together with Urban Future Lab, The OpenAir Collective, Direct Air Capture Coalition, Activate New York, and the Carbon Business Council. Register: https://lnkd.in/eCfPCw8m

CENTERING EQUITY IN CLIMATE ADAPTATION: https://lnkd.in/eFerjPAf In case you missed it, we selected Faura and Helix Earth as the winners of our 8th annual Urban Future Prize Competition at the Urban Future Summit. 🎤 The Urban Future Summit 2024 also featured a #panel focused on Equity in Climate Adaptation solutions featuring Erika Jozwiak, (Climate Resilience Lead, NYSERDA), Sahara James (Senior Sustainability Consultant, Kinetic Communities Consulting (KC3) Communities Consulting), and Tyler Taba, WEDG (Director of Resilience, Waterfront Alliance) moderated by Lauren Wang (Director, Trust for Governors Island). 💬 The need for effective #communication and #collaboration was underscored, as was the importance of #innovation that is trustworthy, affordable, and aligned with community needs. 🤝 Erika highlighted the dual transition to a green energy #economy while addressing the immediate impacts of climate change, stressing that both #adaptation and #mitigation must be implemented concurrently to seize opportunities for #resilience. 💙 Sahara focused on the necessity of #inclusivity, ensuring that marginalized #communities benefit from these transitions through targeted #funding and accessible programs. 📝 Tyler discussed the challenges of adapting #coastal areas and advocating for #equitable #solutions that acknowledge historical injustices, such as redlining. Watch the full discussion below ⬇️

🌍 Powering the Future of Innovation and Entrepreneurship: Insights from the Offshore Wind Innovation Hub 🌊 At the Hub, we understand that universities play a critical role in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship, as highlighted by the recent insights from Fast Company and Harvard Business Review. However, what truly sets us apart is our unique position within NYU. As a key initiative of NYU, we harness the university's extensive resources, world-class expertise, and vibrant network to drive advancements in the offshore wind sector. This affiliation allows us to not only support startups focused on sustainability but also to cultivate a diverse talent pool that brings fresh perspectives to the clean energy landscape. Here’s how our affiliation with a university elevates the Hub’s impact: 🔬 Expertise and Experience: Our close integration with NYU Tandon School of Engineering and the Urban Future Lab gives us direct access to cutting-edge research and development capabilities. We transform complex challenges into real-world solutions through initiatives like spinouts, venture studies, and accelerators—leveraging NYU's longstanding commitment to innovation as highlighted by the Ignition Schools initiative from Fast Company. 🎯 Mission-Driven Culture: We embody a mission-driven approach rooted in NYU’s values, aligning with the purposeful innovation highlighted by Harvard Business Review. We prioritize supporting startups focused on sustainability and long-term impact without taking equity, ensuring that our efforts resonate with a greater purpose and contribute to meaningful change in the clean energy landscape. 🌍 Diverse Talent: NYU attracts a global student body from over 130 countries, offering a rich tapestry of perspectives that ignite creativity and innovation. This diversity enables us to implement unique internship programs and initiatives that address pressing challenges in clean energy, solidifying our position as leaders in shaping the industry's future. 🔗 Ecosystem Building: Our partnership with NYU Tandon and National Offshore Wind Research & Development Consortium allows us to build a comprehensive innovation ecosystem. This approach ensures we address both local and global needs, especially in the offshore wind industry. As we launch this thought leadership series, we’ll dive into how our Hub is leveraging university partnerships to shape the future of clean energy and beyond. Check out this highlight video below from our Director, Tone Søndergaard! Stay tuned for more insights! #innovation #development #network #collaboration #leaders #NYUTandonMade #UFLInnovatesforClimate #NYC #cleanenergy

Our New Perspective Marketing podcast zeroes in on the newest climate tech innovations—highlighting solutions and offering advice on how smart marketing strategies might help them find solid footing in a world where the ground is always shifting. But this latest episode was slightly different—and it was a conversation I found inspiring. I had the pleasure to meet and talk with Frederic Clerc and Jeannette Williams from the Urban Future Lab at NYU Tandon School of Engineering who shared a vision of what climate tech growth can—and truly should—look like. UFL is a space where climate tech companies find mentorship, partnerships, and access to NYU’s talent. UFL has propelled over 170 startups through every growth stage, helping them raise billions while achieving an impressive 88% survival rate. My impression was that they are dedicated to making sure these technologies are not just successful, but circular and equitable—tools that don’t just function but fit within a larger story of sustainability, accessible to all. In this field, where “growth” often demands more, more, and more, they push for something deeper. It’s a call for technologies that don’t just compete but contribute. Coming from a region impacted by a linear approach to business and a focus on decarbonization, it’s refreshing to meet people who guide companies toward more sustainable practices. PS. 100000 x thanks to Christelle Torres from the UFL team for rolling with our fast production pace and making the release happen on time. You’re the best!

💚 NEW PODCAST ALERT: INSIDE NEW YORK'S LONGEST-RUNNING CLIMATETECH INCUBATOR NYU Tandon School of Engineering Join us for an insightful discussion featuring our #leadership team as they dive into the exciting world of #climatetech #startups and share everything we’ve learned since 2009. In this episode, our very own Frederic Clerc (Interim Managing Director) and Jeannette Williams (Chief Operating Officer) discuss the unique challenges faced by our startups, the pivotal role of customer discovery in any #business #growth journey, and how #incubators can nurture groundbreaking ideas. They also explore pressing topics like #equity in climatetech, communication barriers, and #strategies for scaling sustainably — all while looking ahead to the future of climate #innovation in #NewYorkCity. The episode is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, Youtube, Deezer, Amazon Music, and Zencastr.